Every autumn, Annecy completely changes its atmosphere for a day. The bells of the herds ring out through the cobbled lanes, animals cross the old town as visitors look on in amazement, and Savoyard traditions take over the historic centre once again. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the much-anticipated Retour des Alpages will return to the streets of Annecy for a new edition that promises to be spectacular once again.
For more than fifty years, this popular festival has become one of the most iconic events in Haute-Savoie. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to discover the world of alpine pastures, mountain traditions and Savoyard heritage in a unique atmosphere.
A Savoyard tradition deeply rooted in history
The Retour des Alpages has its origins in an ancient Alpine pastoral tradition. At the end of summer, herds came down from the mountains after spending several months in high-altitude pastures. This once marked an important stage in agricultural life before the arrival of winter.
In Annecy, this tradition has been officially celebrated since 1973, thanks to the Annecy Traditions association, the event’s long-standing organiser. Over the decades, the festival has become one of the largest folk festivals in the French Alps while retaining its authentic spirit.
Annecy transformed into a vast Savoyard village
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Annecy’s old town will once again host an impressive immersion in Alpine culture. From the morning onwards, the streets of the historic centre will come alive with:
Visitors will be able to discover traditional skills, regional crafts and the flavours of Savoyard local produce in the friendly atmosphere that has made the Retour des Alpages so popular for more than fifty years.
The grand parade of the herds: the unmissable highlight
The highlight of the day is, of course, the grand parade of animals through the streets of Annecy. Scheduled for 2:30 pm according to the first information available, it will see several hundred animals parade through the heart of the old town.
Abondance and Tarine cows, goats, donkeys, horses, geese, mountain dogs and other alpine-pasture animals will make their way through the historic streets, accompanied by farmers in traditional dress, decorated floats and folk groups.
The contrast between the herds and the colourful façades of Annecy’s old town creates a particularly spectacular atmosphere every year. The animals’ bells ring out beneath the arcades as visitors line the entire route to watch the procession.
A festive atmosphere throughout the town
The Retour des Alpages is about more than just the parade. All day long, Annecy lives to the rhythm of Savoyard traditions, with activities taking place in several areas of the town centre.
Folk orchestras, accordionists, Alpine horn players and musical groups entertain visitors in the squares and historic lanes, while they sample reblochon cheese, diots sausages, tartiflette or regional artisanal products.
Traditional trades also play an important part in the festivities, with demonstrations by blacksmiths, weavers, woodturners and leatherworkers. This immersion in Alpine heritage contributes greatly to the identity of the Retour des Alpages.
Read also: What to see in Annecy
A must-see autumn event in Haute-Savoie
The Retour des Alpages is now considered one of the major popular events of autumn in the Alps. Some editions attract nearly 100,000 visitors to the streets of Annecy, demonstrating the public’s affection for this traditional festival.
The event also serves as a reminder of the essential role of pastoralism and alpine pastures in Savoyard identity. Beyond the folk traditions and activities, the festival shines a light on the work of farmers and the agricultural traditions that continue to shape Alpine landscapes today.
Practical information for the 2026 Retour des Alpages
Given the very large crowds, visitors are strongly advised to arrive early in the day and use public transport or park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the town centre.
On-site facilities: the festival map shows several information points, toilets and first-aid stations around the old town. A reserved area for people with reduced mobility is planned near Notre-Dame Church, in a new location this year.
The 2026 poster is on sale for €5 at Annecy Traditions stalls in the old town.
Safety: the organisers ask visitors to keep the parade route clear and remain vigilant around the animals. Annecy Traditions cannot be held liable in the event of an accident.
Retour des Alpages 2026 in Annecy: the full programme
Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Annecy Old Town – 9 am to 6 pm
Every autumn since 1973, Annecy’s old town has celebrated the herds’ return from their summer pastures. For one day, its streets recapture the atmosphere of yesteryear: herds and horse-drawn wagons parade through the town, bells ring out beneath the arcades, and Alpine horns answer the brass bands. The festival is organised by the Annecy Traditions association with the support of the City of Annecy. The 2026 edition has particular significance, as the UN has proclaimed 2026 the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists”.
9 am to 6 pm: festivities in the old town
Throughout the day, the old town’s streets host demonstrations of traditional trades, stalls selling local produce and crafts from the valleys, and folk and musical groups. The Young Farmers of Haute-Savoie will have their village at Place de la Libération, near the Bonlieu centre. A mini-farm will be set up in the Saint-Maurice neighbourhood.
Orchestras and stages
- Place Sainte-Claire: accordionists from the Arve Valley
- Rue de la République: Magalie la Yodleuse des Aravis, an Alpine atmosphere
- Place Notre-Dame: accordionists from the Thônes Valley
- Saint-Maurice Church: La Gigouillette (Fillière)
- Quai Vicenza: Bulles d’Air (Annecy)
- Rue du Lac: Flasharmonicas (Annecy)
- Rue du Lac: sheep-shearing demonstration by GAEC Tradimontagne
Musical processions through the streets
- Brass band: L’Écho de Cornillon (Ugine)
- Accordion and singing: Laure Pauthex, Mick Rustick, Les Sainfoins (Villy-le-Bouveret), MM. Rigot et Dufour
- Double bass and guitar: Stéphan Jacquet
- Music and singing: Adieu j’tai vu (Annecy), Cocktail des Montagnes (Pallud)
Two other curiosities will also be on display throughout the day: the steam traction engine of the Amis du Vieux Seynod and the carillon.
2:30 pm: the grand parade
This is the highlight of the day. The procession sets off from Faubourg des Balmettes, south of the old town, and follows a loop through the centre before returning to its starting point.
According to the festival map, the route heads up towards the station along Rue de la Poste. It then follows Rue Vaugelas before heading back down towards the lake via Rue Carnot, Rue du Pâquier and Rue du Lac. Finally, it crosses the old town through the Saint-Maurice neighbourhood, Rue Grenette, Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Rue de la République, before reaching Faubourg Sainte-Claire. The organiser may change the route.
The festival’s queens and kings, accompanied by their pages
- the sheep
- the donkeys from Loire (Saint-Marcel-de-Félines) and Genti’ânes (Serraval)
- the horse-drawn carriages from Cheval de Feug (Demi-Quartier)
- the miniature horses (Pouilly-les-Nonains)
- Mr Passaquay’s geese (La Roche-sur-Foron)
- the dogs: Saint Bernards from SOS Croquettes d’Espoir (Sorel-Moussel) and Bernese Mountain Dogs from Babymum (Val-Jouffrey)
- the decorated floats from the Amis du Vieux Seynod and the P’tiouts Jean de Vovray
The horn players
- Les Sonneurs de Savoye (Annecy)
- Les Sonneurs du Haut de Nendaz (Switzerland)
- Les Trompes de chasse de Poisy
- Les sonneurs du Pont de Martel (Môtiers, Switzerland)
The folk groups
- L’Écho de nos Montagnes (Annecy)
- Lô P’tiouts Jean de Vovray (Annecy)
- La Brigade de Savoie (La Clusaz)
- Les Fardelets du Forez (Marcoux)
- Les Feux Follets (Brioude)
- Les Verdasses (Saint-Gervais)
- Les Petits Lamartiniens (Mâcon)
- Lou Brafaudi d’Bornand (Le Grand-Bornand)
- Lou Cabro de Saint-Offenge
- Lou Traïtou (Brindas)
For the latest updates, visit the official Annecy Traditions website or the Lake Annecy Tourist Office website.
