Autumn fairs in Haute-Savoie: a thriving tradition
Every year, between early September and late October, the villages and towns of Haute-Savoie revive one of their oldest traditions: the autumn fair. Many of these events date back to the Middle Ages and originally marked the major commercial gatherings of the season, when farmers came down from the mountain pastures with their herds. This key moment in the pastoral year has a name well known to the people of Haute-Savoie: the “démontagnée” (or désalpe), when livestock comes down from the mountains.
Even today, most of these fairs retain their agricultural character: livestock competitions, parades of herds adorned with bells, agricultural shows, and cheese competitions (Reblochon, Abondance, Beaufort). They are almost always accompanied by a large market featuring local producers and craftspeople, family activities, brass bands, and traditional meals served under a marquee.
Some Haute-Savoie fairs have a venerable history: the Foire de Crête in Thonon-les-Bains has been held since the late Middle Ages, while the fair in Thônes celebrates its origins, which date back to 1312. Others, more recent, were created through the efforts of local festival committees to keep the region’s rural heritage alive.
Good news for visitors: the vast majority of these fairs are free to enter and take place right in the heart of the villages, making them an easy family outing to plan for an autumn weekend.
Summary table of autumn fairs in Haute-Savoie 2026
| Date | Fair | Town | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu. 3 September | Foire de Crête | Thonon-les-Bains | 07:00–23:00 |
| Sun. 13 September | Foire de la Croix | La Clusaz | 09:00–19:00 |
| Sat. 19 September | Saint-Maurice Agricultural Fair | Le Grand-Bornand | 09:00–18:00 (evening festivities from 20:30) |
| Sat. 19 September | Foire de la Saint-Maurice | Boëge | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 26 September | Foire de la Saint-Maurice | Larringes | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 26 September | Foire de la Saint-Maurice | Thônes | All day |
| Sun. 27 September | Foire de la Saint-Michel | Bernex | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 27 September | Autumn Festival | Cluses | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 3 October | Autumn Fair | Reignier-Ésery | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 3 October | Foire de la Saint-Michel | Lullin | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 3 – Sun. 4 October | Autumn Fair & Abondance breed competition | Abondance | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 4 October | Agricultural Show | Morillon | From 9:00 |
| Sun. 4 October | Agricultural Fair | Rumilly | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 10 October | Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival | Annecy | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 11 October | Foire de la Saint-Denis | La Roche-sur-Foron | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 11 October | Abondance breed competition | Megève | 09:00–17:30 |
| Sun. 11 October | Apple Festival | Saint-Paul-en-Chablais | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 11 October | Sheep Fair and Competition | Servoz | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 11 October | Autumn Festival | Chatillon sur Cluses | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sat. 17 – Sun. 18 October | Autumn Fair | Mieussy | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 18 October | Agricultural Fair and Livestock Competition | Saint-Gervais | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sat. 24 – Sun. 25 October | Foire froide | Sallanches | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 25 October | Autumn Fair and Sheep Fair | Manigod | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun. 25 October | Foire de la Bâthie | La Balme-de-Sillingy | 08:00–18:00 |
| Wed. 11 November | Foire Saint-Martin | Alby-sur-Chéran | 08:00–18:00 |
| Wed. 11 November | 11 November Fair | Seyssel | |
| Wed. 11 November | Foire de la Saint-Martin | Bonneville | 09:30–17:30 |
Dates and times are provided for information only; visitors are advised to check with local tourist offices before setting out.
The complete list of autumn fairs in Haute-Savoie 2026
Thursday 3 September – Foire de Crête, Thonon-les-Bains
A centuries-old institution established in the late Middle Ages and held every year on the first Thursday in September, the Foire de Crête is one of the Chablais region’s most important traditional events. It features an agricultural area with livestock competitions, a large market and street market, as well as a funfair with rides set up on the esplanade.
Practical information: Place de Crête and adjoining streets, 74200 Thonon-les-Bains – 07:00 to 23:00.
Sunday 13 September – Foire de la Croix, La Clusaz
An iconic event in the Aravis valley marking the end of the summer grazing season, the Foire de la Croix celebrates the return of the herds (démontagnée) and local cheesemaking expertise, with livestock and cheese competitions, a craft market, and a traditional meal.
Practical information: Impasse du Champ Giguet, 74220 La Clusaz – 09:00 to 19:00.
See all the information about the Foire de la Croix in La Clusaz
Saturday 19 September – Saint-Maurice Agricultural Fair, Le Grand-Bornand
The Aravis’ last major agropastoral event before the final descent from the mountains, this fair brings together the town’s farmers and their Abondance cattle and farmstead Reblochon. The competition and market take place during the day, followed by an evening celebration and awards ceremony.
Practical information: Place de l’Église and village centre, 74450 Le Grand-Bornand – competition and market from 09:00 to 18:00, evening festivities from 20:30.
Saturday 19 September – Foire de la Saint-Maurice, Boëge
A must-attend autumn event in the Vallée Verte for decades, traditionally held on the third Tuesday in September. It combines a major cattle and horse breeding competition with a large commercial fair featuring local produce and culinary traditions.
Practical information: Main village / Place de l’Église, 74420 Boëge – 08:00 to 18:00.
Saturday 26 September – Foire de la Saint-Maurice, Larringes
A major rural tradition on the Gavot plateau, held on the last weekend of September, bringing together farmers, craftspeople, and residents from across the Évian area for an agricultural show, a livestock competition, and a large market.
Practical information: Main village / Larringes Town Hall, 74500 Larringes – 08:00 to 18:00.
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September – Foire de la Saint-Maurice, Thônes
An age-old fair established in 1312 and held every year on the last weekend of September, this is one of the major agricultural events in the Thônes and Aravis valleys, the birthplace of Reblochon. The programme includes an agricultural show, livestock and cheese competitions, a large market, and crafts.
Practical information: Rue du Pré de Foire and the town squares, 74230 Thônes.
Sunday 27 September – Foire de la Saint-Michel, Bernex
Celebrated at the foot of Dent d’Oche in the Gavot area, this fair marks the descent from the mountains and the return of the alpine herders to the village, with a craft market, local produce, food, and folk entertainment.
Practical information: Maison Bernolande, Place du Champ de Foire, 74500 Bernex – 10:00 to 18:00, meal from 12:30.
Sunday 27 September – Autumn Festival, Cluses
A must-attend festive event in the Arve valley, the Autumn Festival returns to celebrate the change of season in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Held in the heart of the town, this major day brings together residents, craftspeople, and producers to celebrate local produce and expertise.
Practical information : Pedestrianised town centre and Grande Rue, 74300 Cluses – 10:00 to 18:00 – Free entry and activities
Saturday 3 October – Autumn Fair, Reignier-Ésery
A traditional early-autumn event in the Genevois area of Haute-Savoie, historically associated with the Foire de la Saint-Crépin. Every year, this large market fair brings together traders, craftspeople, and producers in the centre of town.
Practical information: Grande Rue, Place de la Mairie, 74930 Reignier-Ésery 08:00 to 18:00.
Saturday 3 October – Foire de la Saint-Michel, Lullin
A traditional autumn event in the Brevon valley, in the Chablais region, bringing together farmers, local producers, and residents to celebrate mountain pastoralism and local produce.
Practical information: Place du Village, 74470 Lullin 08:00 to 18:00.
Sunday 4 October – Autumn Fair and Abondance breed competition, Abondance
A major highlight of the year for breeders of the Abondance cattle breed, known for its mahogany coat and distinctive eye patches, this 601st edition combines the International Abondance Breed and Cheese Show with a craft market, musical entertainment, and tastings. The competition judging takes place in the morning, followed by a ceremonial parade in the afternoon.
Practical information: Main village, 74360 Abondance 08:00 to 18:00.
Sunday 4 October – Morillon Agricultural Show
The Young Farmers of the Vallée Verte and Giffre valley invite you to their traditional agricultural show from 9:00! Throughout the morning, come and watch the cow competition in the rings and discover the work and animals of our farmers. You can also enjoy a tractor display, meet our producers at the local producers’ market, and explore the various stalls set up throughout the day. The Morillon Festival Committee will serve a hot meal, while the Young Farmers run the refreshment stand.
Practical information: Main gondola parking lot, Morillon, from 09:00.
Sunday 4 October – Rumilly Agricultural Fair
A major celebration of rural life in the Albanais area, this fair attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors every year. It features a livestock area with parades, a display of tractors and agricultural machinery, a cheese fair, crafts, and a welcoming dining area.
Practical information: Place d’Armes, 74150 Rumilly 08:00 to 18:00.
Saturday 10 October – Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival, Annecy
Organised by the Annecy Traditions association, this is the largest folk and agropastoral gathering in Haute-Savoie, attracting tens of thousands of spectators to the old town. The programme includes a grand traditional parade, demonstrations of traditional crafts, a local produce market, and street concerts.
Practical information: Old Town, 74000 Annecy 08:00 to 18:00.
See all the information about Annecy’s Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival
Sunday 11 October – Foire de la Saint-Denis, La Roche-sur-Foron
A historic agricultural and commercial event in the Pays Rochois, held in the heart of the medieval town, bringing together residents, farmers, and traders to celebrate rural traditions and the local heritage of Haute-Savoie.
Practical information: 1 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 74800 La Roche-sur-Foron – 08:00 to 18:00.
Sunday 11 October – Abondance breed competition, Megève
An agropastoral event at the foot of Mont Blanc, bringing together breeders from Megève and the upper Val d’Arly to celebrate the end of the summer grazing season and local cheesemaking expertise.
Practical information: Megève sports centre, 74120 Megève – 09:00 to 17:30 (judging from 09:30, parade and awards ceremony at 14:30).
See all the information about the Abondance breed competition in Megève
Sunday 11 October – Apple Festival, Saint-Paul-en-Chablais
A lively, delicious gathering on the Gavot plateau, celebrating traditional orchards and the Chablais region’s local produce: apple pressing and juice-making, a craft and food market, and family activities.
Practical information: Village hall, 74500 Saint-Paul-en-Chablais – 09:00 to 18:00.
Sunday 11 October – Sheep Fair and Competition, Servoz
An agropastoral institution in the Chamonix valley, at the foot of the Fiz range and Mont Blanc, celebrating the hardy Thônes et Marthod sheep breed.
Practical information: Place de l’église, 74310 Servoz – 09:00 to 18:00.
Sunday 11 October – Autumn Festival, Chatillon sur Cluses
Autumn festival, craft market, apple juice making, light refreshments.
Practical information: Salle Béatrix, Chatillon sur Cluses – 09:00 to 17:00.
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October – Autumn Fair, Mieussy
A major event in the Giffre valley, in the village known as the birthplace of paragliding, celebrating rural life and local crafts: a local produce market, apple pressing and traditional crafts, a car boot sale, and family activities.
Practical information: Main village, 74440 Mieussy – 09:00 to 18:00.
See all the information about the Mieussy Autumn Fair
Sunday 18 October – Agricultural Fair and Livestock Competition, Saint-Gervais
A major autumn event in the Mont Blanc area, bringing together farmers from the surrounding mountain pastures and craftspeople in the heart of the spa town for an agricultural show and livestock competition.
Practical information: Main village, 74170 Saint-Gervais – 09:00 to 18:00.
See all the information about the 2026 Saint-Gervais Agricultural Fair
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October – Foire froide, Sallanches
A centuries-old institution in the Mont Blanc area, dating back to the Middle Ages and traditionally held on the last weekend of October. This major popular agricultural fair brings together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors, with an agricultural show (mainly on Saturday), a large market and street market, and local produce.
Practical information: Town centre, 74700 Sallanches – 09:00 to 18:00.
See all the information about the Foire froide in Sallanches
Sunday 25 October – Autumn Fair and Sheep Fair, Manigod
An agropastoral event in the heart of the Aravis range celebrating the hardy Thônes et Marthod sheep breed and mountain farming.
Practical information: Main village, 74230 Manigod – 09:00 to 18:00.
See all the information about the Manigod Autumn Fair and Sheep Fair
Sunday 25 October – Foire de la Bâthie, La Balme-de-Sillingy
A traditional, popular autumn fair in the Annecy area, held at the foot of the Mandallaz, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate local produce, agriculture, and local crafts. It features an agricultural area with animals, a large market, a funfair, and local food.
Practical information: Main village, 74330 La Balme-de-Sillingy – 08:00 to 18:00.
See all the information about the 2026 Foire de la Bâthie in La Balme-de-Sillingy
Wednesday 11 November – Foire Saint-Martin, Alby-sur-Chéran
The old town of Alby-sur-Chéran comes alive for this traditional Foire Saint-Martin, with producers, craftspeople, traders, and local associations.
Practical information: Old Town, Alby-sur-Chéran – 08:00 to 18:00.
Wednesday 11 November – 11 November Fair, Seyssel
A traditional 11 November event bringing together exhibitors and visitors throughout the day, followed by a meal organised by La Seysselane.
Practical information: town centre, Seyssel – 08:00 to 18:00.
Wednesday 11 November – Foire de la Saint-Martin, Bonneville
Bonneville is also one of the towns in Haute-Savoie that keep the tradition of the Saint-Martin fairs alive. Every year, numerous exhibitors fill the town’s streets, bringing back the atmosphere of the great autumn fairs that once shaped local life.
Practical information: Town centre, Bonneville – 09:00 to 17:30.
FAQ
What is the largest autumn fair in Haute-Savoie? Annecy’s Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival (10 October) and the Rumilly Agricultural Fair (4 October, 15,000 to 20,000 visitors) are among the most popular autumn gatherings in Haute-Savoie.
Are autumn fairs free? Yes, entry to the markets and activities is free at the vast majority of autumn fairs in Haute-Savoie. Only certain meals or special activities may incur a charge.
What does “démontagnée” mean in Haute-Savoie? It is the term for the herds’ descent from the mountain pastures to the valley at the end of summer, celebrated at many autumn fairs with parades of livestock adorned with bells.
Do you need to book to attend an autumn fair? No, these fairs take place outdoors in town and village centres and are free to enter. Only on-site dining may require a reservation, depending on the town.
