In brief
- When? Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 8 a.m. (herds arrive) to 5 p.m. (cow weigh-in).
- Where? Esplanade du Palais, 247 route du Palais des Sports, 74120 Megève.
- How much? Free admission.
- Don’t miss: the young handlers’ parade at 2 p.m., the first presentation of the Megève horse and the Alpine Mule, and the cow-weighing game, with its bell, at 5 p.m.
Every autumn, Megève briefly swaps its image as a chic resort for that of a farming village. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Abondance cows and heifers return to the esplanade du Palais for the town’s 104th agricultural show. The day is designed for experts, who come to judge the finest animals, as well as families and curious visitors keen to discover mountain farming up close.
An agricultural event rooted in Megève’s history
According to the organizers, Megève’s agricultural fair has been held every autumn since 1282. The breed show in its current form is celebrating its 104th edition in 2026, making it one of the oldest cattle events in the Mont Blanc region.
This return is all the more eagerly anticipated because the 2025 edition, originally scheduled for Sunday, October 5, was canceled. Autumn 2025 was marked in Savoie and Haute-Savoie by an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD), a disease that affects only cattle and led to the cancellation or modification of many animal gatherings in both departments.
The October date is no coincidence: it comes after the end of the alpine pasture season. The herds have come down from the heights, the animals are in good shape after a summer spent grazing, and it is the time when farmers can showcase the results of their breeding work.
The program for Sunday, October 11, 2026
The day runs continuously, from the herds’ early-morning arrival to the late-afternoon weigh-in. Here is the schedule announced by the Megève Tourist Office:
| Time | Highlight | Our tip |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Herds arrive | For early risers: watch the animals being settled in and the farmers getting them ready |
| 10:00 a.m. | Animals parade in the show ring | The heart of the competition: cows and heifers pass before the judges |
| 12:00 p.m. | Food available on site | Plan to have lunch at the venue so you don’t miss any of the afternoon events |
| 2:00 p.m. | Young handlers’ parade | A popular moment with the crowd, ideal for children |
| 2:30 p.m. | Animal parade resumes | Parade of the winners and award ceremony |
| 5:00 p.m. | Cow weigh-in with its bell | Remember to submit your weight estimate beforehand |
Morning: the competition takes center stage
From 8 a.m., livestock trucks arrive and farmers settle their animals in. It’s a quiet but fascinating moment: grooming, putting on the bells, and last-minute care before the animals go before the judges. From 10 a.m., the cows parade in the show ring by category. Judges look at factors including body shape, udder conformation, leg structure, and breed characteristics.
Afternoon: young handlers and prizewinners
At 2 p.m., the next generation takes the spotlight in the young handlers’ parade. Children and teenagers, often from farming families, lead an animal around the show ring. It takes calm and composure to handle an animal weighing more than half a ton. The animal parade resumes at 2:30 p.m., with the day’s prizewinners presented.
5 p.m.: the cow weigh-in with its bell
This is the tradition that brings the day to a close. A cow wearing a bell is weighed in front of the crowd. Whoever guesses its exact weight gets to take home the bell and its decorated leather collar, worn by the animal all day. It’s a trophy that will easily find a place in a chalet.
New for 2026: the Megève horse and the Alpine Mule
The 2026 edition will feature the first-ever presentation of the Megève horse and the Alpine Mule at the show. Equines have long been part of Megève’s agricultural identity: the town also holds a foal show every autumn, on the day before the cattle show.
Horse-related activities are planned throughout Sunday, offering a change of pace between the cow parades.
The Abondance breed, “princess of the mountains”
The show draws such a large crowd in part because the Abondance breed is an emblem of Haute-Savoie. It takes its name from the Val d’Abondance in the Chablais region and from the abbey of the same name, which helped develop the breed. Long known as the “Chablaisienne,” it has had a herd book since 1891 and was presented at the Paris General Agricultural Competition as early as 1896.
How can you recognize one?
The Abondance is a medium-sized cow, measuring about 1.30 to 1.35 m at the withers and weighing 580 to 680 kg for females. Its coat is mahogany red, with a white head, belly, lower legs, and tail. Its distinguishing feature is its “glasses”: red patches around the eyes that stand out against its white head.
To tell it apart from the other breeds found in Savoie’s alpine pastures, here are the main distinguishing features:
| Breed | Coat color | Head | Distinguishing feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abondance | Mahogany red and white | White | Red “glasses” around the eyes |
| Tarine (Tarentaise) | Uniform fawn brown | Fawn | Black muzzle, mucous membranes, and eye rims |
| Montbéliarde | Red-and-white pied, with sharply defined patches | White | Light-colored mucous membranes, large build |
A cow that helps produce Savoie’s cheeses
The Abondance is a dual-purpose breed: it is a good dairy cow and also has a build well suited to beef production. Its milk is used above all to make several protected-designation cheeses: reblochon, Abondance, Tome des Bauges, and Beaufort. Abondance cows must also make up the majority of each herd producing Abondance cheese.
The breed is also prized for its hardiness: accustomed to steep slopes and long days in alpine pastures, it thrives on mountain grazing land where heavier breeds would be less comfortable.
To learn more about its place of origin, read our article on the village of Abondance and its abbey.
Activities, crafts, and local products
The show is about more than what happens in the ring. Around the esplanade, the organizers have announced:
- craft stalls;
- music throughout the day;
- an exhibition of equipment specific to mountain farming;
- local products for sale, including regional cheese to take home;
- food available on site from noon.
It’s a great opportunity to chat with farmers, who are often happy to explain their work, life in the alpine pastures, or what makes a “beautiful” show cow.
Practical information
Location and access
The show takes place at the esplanade du Palais, 247 route du Palais des Sports, in Megève. The venue is close to the village center. The show attracts crowds on Sunday: arriving early makes parking easier and lets you watch the herds being settled in.
Admission
Admission is free for all visitors.
Dogs
Pets are welcome at the event. Keep your dog on a leash and away from the cattle: cows can react strongly to the presence of a dog, especially in a noisy environment.
Our tips for enjoying the day
- Wear closed-toe shoes and warm clothing: in early October, mornings are chilly at an altitude of over 1,100 m.
- Do not touch the animals without the farmer’s permission.
- If you’re visiting with children, make time for the young handlers’ parade at 2 p.m. and the weigh-in at 5 p.m.
- Check the program with the Megève Tourist Office before setting off, as timings may change.
A whole weekend in Megève
You can easily combine the Abondance breed show with other events taking place the same weekend:
- Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m.: the foal show, at the same location (247 route du Palais des Sports). A Swiss and French jury assesses the young horses’ build, gait, and conformation, with a driving test, food, and a refreshment stand.
- Saturday, October 10, starting at 2:30 p.m.: La Mégevanne, an all-women’s trail race starting from Pré Saint-Amour, with two distances (9.3 km and 16.5 km).
Other agricultural events this autumn in Haute-Savoie
Megève is part of a series of fairs and shows that mark the autumn season in Haute-Savoie:
- Saturday, October 10: Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival in Annecy.
- Sunday, October 11: sheep fair and show in Servoz, on the same day as the Megève event.
- Sunday, October 18: agricultural fair and livestock show in Saint-Gervais.
- Sunday, October 25: autumn fair and sheep fair in Manigod.
Find the full calendar in our article on the alpine pasture descents not to miss this autumn 2026, and discover all our outings in the Haute-Savoie news section.
FAQ
When is the Abondance breed show in Megève in 2026?
The show takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The herds arrive at 8 a.m., and the day ends with the cow weigh-in at 5 p.m.
Is there an admission charge?
No, admission to the show is free.
Where does the show take place?
At the esplanade du Palais, 247 route du Palais des Sports, in Megève (74120).
How does the cow-weighing game work?
The audience guesses the weight of a cow. At 5 p.m., the animal is weighed with its bell, and the person who guessed the exact weight wins the bell and its decorated leather collar.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are welcome. We recommend keeping your dog on a leash and away from the cattle.
What’s new at the 2026 show?
For the first time, this 104th edition will feature a presentation of the Megève horse and the Alpine Mule, with equestrian activities throughout the day.
