In brief
- The Saint-Maurice Fair is held every last Saturday of September in Thônes (Haute-Savoie), and has existed for more than seven centuries.
- It traditionally marks the désalpe, the return of herds to the valley after the summer grazing in the mountain pastures.
- On the program: competitions of cattle, goats, and sheep breeds, Reblochon and honey contests, parade of prize-winning animals, sporting lumberjack events, producers’ market, and funfair.
- In 2026, the fair takes place on Saturday, September 26 from 8 am in downtown Thônes, free entry, with free shuttles from the Perrasses parking lot.
Every last Saturday of September, the streets of downtown Thônes turn into a major agropastoral event. The traditional Saint-Maurice Fair has existed for more than seven centuries and always takes place on the last Saturday of September, becoming over the years the must-see event for the entire Thônes valley. Far from a simple funfair, it is a key moment in the Savoyard calendar, where breeders, producers, artisans, and visitors from all over the Aravis massif and beyond come together.
A fair over 700 years old
The exact origin of the Saint-Maurice Fair is lost in the early Middle Ages: it is said to have started in 1312, making it one of the oldest ancestral fairs in Savoy, held every last Saturday of September. This longevity makes it a living witness of the rural heritage of Haute-Savoie, just like other major pastoral fairs in the department.
The name of the event pays tribute to Saint Maurice, whose feast is celebrated on September 22, a date that naturally coincides with the period when the herds leave the mountain pastures to return to the valley before winter.
The désalpe, an agricultural ritual still alive
The fair falls each year at a pivotal moment in the mountain calendar. It traditionally corresponds to the désalpe, also called démontagnée: the return of cows, goats, and sheep to the valley after several months spent in high-altitude pastures. This return marks the end of the summer grazing season and the beginning of the mountain autumn, a cycle celebrated for generations by the agropastoral fairs of the Aravis.
Thônes is not a random choice for this event: the municipality is considered the capital of Reblochon, at the heart of a valley where livestock farming and cheese production still structure a large part of local life.
To read: The alpine descents not to be missed this autumn 2026 in Haute-Savoie
The program for the 2026 edition
The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, September 26, in downtown Thônes, with an opening announced from 8 am. The town hall has indicated wanting to offer a new layout for this edition, with more animals, local artisans, and creators present at the stands.
| Schedule | Event |
|---|---|
| From 8:00 am | Opening of the fair, downtown Thônes |
| 9:00 am – 6:30 pm | Free shuttles parking Perrasses ↔ downtown |
| Noon | Traditional pot-au-feu at Espace Cœur des Vallées |
| All day | Reblochon contest, producers and artisans market, flea market, trial zone, funfair |
| 3:00 pm | Parade of prize-winning animals |
| After the parade | Awards ceremony: Abondance breed contest, Reblochon and honey contests |
No precise schedules are given for street animations and stands, which run continuously throughout the day.
Breeding and cheese contests: the agricultural heart of the fair
The agricultural aspect remains the soul of the Saint-Maurice Fair. The contests highlight the emblematic breeds of the valley:
- The Abondance cow, an iconic alpine dairy breed, whose parade and contest remain a highly anticipated highlight for both connoisseurs and curious visitors.
- The Thônes and Marthod sheep, a rare local ovine breed, now covered by conservation programs.
- The goats, whose milk is used in the production of Chevrotin cheese.
As for cheeses, three contests pace the day: that of the Reblochon, the valley’s flagship AOP cheese, that of the Chevrotin, and that of mountain honey, which rewards the work of local producers. The awards ceremony takes place just after the parade of prize-winning animals, late in the afternoon.
Sporting lumberjack events, trial, and popular animations
Around the agricultural aspect, the fair offers more spectacular shows: demonstrations of sporting lumberjack events, a traditional mountain discipline where competitors face off in cutting and sawing challenges, as well as a motorcycle trial zone. Adding to this are a flea market, a funfair, and various street animations, lending the day a decidedly family-friendly and popular atmosphere.
Producers’ market and local crafts
The streets of downtown also host many stands of producers and artisans: alpine cheeses, Savoyard charcuteries, honey, handcrafted creations, jewelry, and clothing. Village restaurants often offer special menus centered on Savoyard dishes, while the Espace Cœur des Vallées serves its traditional pot-au-feu at noon, a convivial and gourmet gathering.
Practical information
Where and when? Downtown Thônes (74230), Haute-Savoie, every last Saturday of September, September 26 for the 2026 edition, from 8 am.
By car: from Annecy (about 20 km), follow the D909 towards Thônes; from the Aravis pass and La Clusaz, also via D909.
Parking and shuttles: a parking lot is set up at Perrasses, on the outskirts of town, with free shuttles to downtown from 9 am to 6:30 pm.
Prices: free and open entry throughout the event.
Contact: Thônes Cœur des Vallées Tourist Office, 1 rue Blanche, 74230 Thônes.
To read: The autumn fairs 2026 in Haute-Savoie
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Saint-Maurice Fair take place in Thônes?
Every year, the last Saturday of September. In 2026, it will be held on Saturday, September 26.
Why is the fair called “Saint-Maurice”?
It takes its name from Saint Maurice, celebrated on September 22, a period that traditionally corresponds to the désalpe in the Thônes valley.
Since when has the Saint-Maurice Fair existed?
It has existed for more than seven centuries, with origins dating back to the very beginning of the 14th century.
Is entry free?
No, access to the fair is completely free, as are the shuttles connecting Perrasses parking lot to downtown.
Where to park to attend the fair?
Parking is available at Perrasses, on the outskirts of Thônes, served by free shuttles from 9 am to 6:30 pm.
Photo source: Thônes Town Hall
