On Sunday, September 13, 2026, La Clusaz will reconnect with one of its oldest traditions. The Foire de la Croix will mark the end of the alpine pasture season and the return of the herds to the village. Agricultural contests, parades, craft markets, and activities will punctuate this festive day that celebrates the rural heritage of the Aravis.
In summary
- The Foire de la Croix takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026 on the Champ-Giguet, in the heart of La Clusaz.
- It celebrates the “démontagnée”, the return of the alpine herds, with cattle contests, cheese contests, and mare contests.
- The day is free and family-friendly: craft market, musical atmosphere, activities, and outdoor events nearby.
- The program runs from 9 a.m. (arrival of the herds) until late afternoon, with a traditional meal served at noon in the community hall.
A tradition deeply rooted in village life
Each year, the Foire de la Croix brings together farmers, breeders, inhabitants, and visitors around a key moment of mountain life: the descent of the herds after several months spent in the alpine pastures.
Organized on the Champ-Giguet, at the foot of the mountains of La Clusaz, this event celebrates the end of summer and the work of breeders who perpetuate the agricultural traditions of the valley. The event is free and open to all.
A lively day centered on local products and livestock
Throughout the day, visitors can discover farm animals, admire the finest cows of the Aravis, and attend several contests highlighting the breeders’ know-how.
The program notably includes:
- the arrival of the herds in the village;
- cattle and cheese contests;
- the traditional parade of decorated animals;
- herding dog demonstrations;
- a market of local producers and artisans;
- musical and folk entertainment;
- food areas showcasing Savoyard specialties.
The day’s program
The Foire de la Croix follows a fairly consistent schedule year after year, paced by the arrival of the herds, agricultural contests, and convivial moments. Here is the planned schedule for the 2026 edition:
| Time | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Arrival of the herds in the village |
| 10:00 | Cattle contest, cheese contest, and youth juries contest |
| 12:00 | Traditional meal at the community hall |
| 15:00 | Parade of animals and herding dog demonstrations |
| 17:30 | Mare contest |
| All day | Musical atmosphere with the Frères Tuaz, market, and crafts |
The arrival of the herds
From 9 a.m., the herds descend towards the Champ-Giguet, bells around their necks, supervised by La Clusaz breeders. This symbolic moment officially opens the fair and marks the end of the alpine pasture season for the year.
The agricultural contests
Starting at 10 a.m., the contests that have made the Foire de la Croix famous take place: cattle contest, where the finest cows of the Aravis are presented and judged according to breed and conformity criteria; cheese contest highlighting local cheesemaking expertise (Reblochon in the lead); and youth juries contest, which introduces the youngest to livestock judging techniques. At the end of the day, the mare contest, another highly anticipated event by regulars, takes place.
The parade and demonstrations
At 3 p.m., the parade of animals allows admiration of all the herds gathered together, in a festive atmosphere. It is accompanied by herding dog demonstrations, illustrating the daily work of shepherds in managing livestock in the alpine pastures.
The market and craftsmanship
Throughout the day, visitors can stroll through the market set up on the Champ-Giguet. It features typically mountain crafts: leatherwork, wood and copper work, cutlery, and bell and cowbell making. It is also an opportunity to meet local producers and leave with products from the Savoyard terroir.
Musical atmosphere
The day is animated by the Frères Tuaz, whose traditional tunes accompany the fair from morning to evening and contribute to the friendly atmosphere prevailing on the Champ-Giguet.
An immersion in the traditions of the Aravis
Beyond its agricultural aspect, the Foire de la Croix is also a genuine popular festival. Visitors can stroll among craft stalls, discover woodworking, copper work, or traditional bell making, all while tasting the iconic products of the Savoyard terroir.
This day is a great opportunity to meet local producers and better understand the essential role of mountain agriculture in preserving the landscapes of the Aravis.
A family event in the heart of La Clusaz
Young and old will find many activities throughout the day. Between the animals, demonstrations, shows, and the friendly atmosphere prevailing on the Champ-Giguet, the Foire de la Croix stands out as one of the last great festive events of the summer in Haute-Savoie.
Practical information
- Event: Foire de la Croix
- Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Hours: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Location: Champ-Giguet (ski resort base of the Patinoire), La Clusaz
- Price: free admission
- Audience: open to all, families and children.
Why attend the Foire de la Croix?
Between the animals, demonstrations, contests, and the friendly atmosphere prevailing on the Champ-Giguet, the Foire de la Croix stands out as one of the last great festive events of the summer in the Aravis. It offers a wonderful opportunity to meet local producers and better understand the essential role of mountain agriculture in preserving the landscapes of the Thônes valley.
It is also an ideal gateway to discover mountain traditions and the Savoyard terroir, in an exceptional natural setting, at the foot of the peaks that make La Clusaz famous year-round.
Other “démontagnée” fairs not to be missed in the Aravis
The Foire de la Croix is part of a broader autumn fair calendar celebrating the “démontagnée” in Haute-Savoie. In the neighboring valleys, several similar events take place in the following weeks: the Saint-Maurice Agricultural Fair in Grand-Bornand (September 19), the Saint-Maurice Fair in Thônes (September 26-27), and the Autumn and Sheep Fair in Manigod (October 25). All these dates can be found in our dedicated article on autumn fairs 2026 in Haute-Savoie.
By closing the summer season with this great agricultural festival, La Clusaz perpetuates a living heritage that embodies the richness of the Aravis. An ideal outing to discover mountain traditions, the Savoyard terroir, and the warm atmosphere of a village deeply attached to its identity.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Foire de la Croix in La Clusaz? It takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Champ-Giguet in La Clusaz, generally from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Is the Foire de la Croix paid? No, access to the fair, market, and activities is completely free and open to everyone.
What can one see at the Foire de la Croix? The public can attend the arrival of the herds, a cattle contest, a cheese contest, a mare contest, a parade of animals with herding dog demonstrations, as well as a craft market and musical activities.
Is the Foire de la Croix suitable for children? Yes, it is a family event: cuddling farm animals, market, summer sledding, and nearby outdoor activities make it an outing enjoyed by both young and old.
Where to park for the Foire de la Croix? Champ-Giguet is located in the center of La Clusaz, near village parking lots, accessible on foot within a few minutes.
