In brief
- The 40th Mieussy Autumn Fair takes place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., throughout the village.
- On the program: a giant flea market with more than 400 exhibitors, 800 kg of roasted chestnuts, 8 tonnes of apples pressed, and more than 300 meals cooked in a cauldron each day.
- Admission is free; food and drink are available for a fee.
- There is no ATM in Mieussy: bring cash.
Every October, Mieussy, a small village in the Giffre Valley, sees its population soar for a weekend. The narrow streets fill with antique and flea market stalls, the smell of roasted chestnuts drifts across the town hall square, the apple press runs at full capacity, and cauldrons begin steaming early in the morning. Over the years, the Autumn Fair has become one of Haute-Savoie’s most popular autumn events. In 2026, it celebrates its 40th edition.
The Mieussy Autumn Fair: a 40-year-old tradition
Founded four decades ago, the Autumn Fair celebrates the end of the harvest and Savoyard traditions. It is organized by the Mieussy Festival Committee, together with the tourist office, the municipality, public works teams, local associations, and many volunteers, who work together to prepare a weekend of festivities while honoring tradition.
Its success is built on a simple, effective formula: a large flea market, seasonal products prepared in front of visitors, shared traditional meals, and activities throughout the streets. All this takes place in an authentic village at the foot of the Giffre mountains.
The program for the 40th edition
The giant flea market
It’s the heart of the fair. Billed as the oldest and largest flea market in the region, it fills every nook and cranny of Mieussy’s narrow streets. Each year, it attracts more than 400 exhibitors, both individuals and professionals, selling antiques, textiles, regional products, wine, and more. Bargain hunters and collectors will find something to their liking all weekend long.
Roasted chestnuts
The fair would be unthinkable without them: 800 kg of chestnuts are roasted in the town hall square over the weekend. Their aroma is enough to guide you to the heart of the village.
Apple pressing and pitin
Another highlight of the fair is cider-making. No fewer than 8 tonnes of apples are pressed on site, and visitors can taste pitin, freshly pressed apple juice. It’s a spectacle that delights children and brings back memories for those who remember the old-fashioned presses.
Meals cooked in a cauldron
More than 300 meals are cooked in a cauldron each day. For an idea of what to expect, in 2024, Saturday’s menu featured Mieussy-style potée, cheese, dessert, and coffee for €18. Sunday’s menu was pumpkin velouté, diots sausages cooked in a cauldron, potato gratin, cheese, dessert, and coffee for €20. The 2026 menus have not yet been announced, but the tradition of Savoyard dishes simmered in a cauldron remains unchanged. To avoid waiting, arrive before the lunchtime rush.
Refreshment stands, light bites, and a raffle
Refreshment stands and a raffle enliven the whole weekend. You can also find something to snack on between stalls: cider, crêpes, and flammekueche have featured among the specialties offered at previous editions.
Street entertainment
Street performances and activities bring the village to life all weekend long. Previous editions have featured brass bands and musical groups, roaming performers, woodworking workshops for children, trials biking demonstrations, exhibitions of Thônes and Marthod sheep and goats, and even a sheep-shearing demonstration. The detailed 2026 program will be published by the Praz de Lys – Sommand tourist office as the fair approaches.
The fair at a glance
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| Hours | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. both days |
| Location | Mieussy village center (74440), town hall square and village streets |
| Edition | 40th |
| Admission | Free entry; food and drink available for a fee |
| Flea market | More than 400 exhibitors |
| By the numbers | 800 kg of chestnuts, 8 tonnes of apples, more than 300 meals per day |
| Organized by | Mieussy Festival Committee, together with the tourist office and the municipality |
| Information | Praz de Lys – Sommand Tourist Office: 04 50 34 25 05 |
| Animals | Permitted |
Exhibiting at the flea market
Looking to clear out your attic? Exhibitors must pay for their space. There are three different registration forms: one for individuals, one for professionals, and one for associations. They are usually available from mid-August on the Praz de Lys – Sommand tourist office website, along with the fair regulations. Spaces fill up quickly, so sign up as soon as registration opens.
Practical information
Getting to Mieussy
Mieussy is in the Giffre Valley, about 35 km from Geneva, on the road linking Saint-Jeoire and Taninges. The village is also accessible from Annecy, Bonneville, and Cluses. There is no train station nearby, so driving is the easiest option—ideally by carpooling.
Parking
During the fair, the village center is reserved for pedestrians. At previous editions, parking areas were set up at the village entrances, traffic was diverted, and shuttle buses were provided. Follow the signs as you approach Mieussy.
Our tips
- Bring cash: there is no longer an ATM in Mieussy, and many flea market exhibitors do not accept cards.
- Arrive early: the best bargains go as soon as the fair opens, and the closest parking areas fill up quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the village’s narrow streets are best explored on foot, and the fair spreads throughout the center.
- Bring a bag for your purchases, and a flask or bottle to take home some fresh apple juice.
- Keep the weather in mind: October mornings are chilly in the Giffre Valley. Bring a warm jacket.
Make the most of the weekend and discover Mieussy and the Giffre Valley
Mieussy is a village with a strong agricultural tradition, renowned for its farms and Savoyard products, including Reblochon cheese. It is also the birthplace of paragliding: the first flights took place on its slopes in the late 1970s. Above the village, the Sommand plateau and the Praz de Lys – Sommand ski resort offer lovely autumn walks with views of Mont Blanc. If you extend your weekend, you can also explore Taninges, Samoëns, or the Fer-à-Cheval cirque in Sixt.
October is full of traditional festivals in Haute-Savoie. Before Mieussy, don’t miss the Return from the Alpine Pastures in Annecy on Saturday, October 10. And if you’re getting ready for the winter season, check out our list of 2026 ski swaps in Haute-Savoie, including the one run by the Mieussy-Sommand Ski Club.
FAQ: the Mieussy Autumn Fair
When is the Mieussy Autumn Fair in 2026?
The 40th edition takes place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Is admission paid?
No, admission is free for visitors. Only food and drink are available for a fee.
Can you pay by card?
Not everywhere. There is no longer an ATM in Mieussy, so bring cash, especially for the flea market.
How do I register for the flea market?
Registration forms (for individuals, professionals, and associations) are available from mid-August through the Praz de Lys – Sommand tourist office. Exhibitors must pay for their space.
What is pitin?
It’s freshly pressed apple juice, which you can enjoy during the fair. Eight tonnes of apples are pressed on site over the weekend.
Where can I park?
The village center is pedestrian-only during the fair. Parking areas are set up at the entrances to Mieussy, with shuttle buses provided at previous editions.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, animals are permitted. Keep them on a leash, as the narrow streets get very crowded.
