Discover the main events and activities in Haute-Savoie
In brief For three days, the Chamonix Valley becomes the capital of nature photography. The Chamonix Vallée Photo Festival returns for its 4th edition from October 23 to 25, 2026, with indoor and outdoor exhibitions, talks, screenings, masterclasses and workshops for children. Mountains, nature and culture: here’s the program and all the practical information you … Learn more
In brief On Halloween night, Château de Menthon takes on a different appearance. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, this medieval residence overlooking Lake Annecy is hosting “Frayeur au château” (Fright at the Château), costumed, theatrical guided tours exploring superstitions and unusual, even frightening, collections. An ideal family outing for celebrating Halloween in a different way. … Learn more
In brief Chamonix’s little red rack railway is getting into the Halloween spirit. From October 17 to November 1, 2026, the Montenvers train becomes an “enchanted train”: costumed carriages, decorated stations and a little witch hiding on board, for children to find as they make their way up to the Mer de Glace. It’s an … Learn more
At a glance A stone’s throw from the Hameau du Père Noël, the Grand Parc de Noël d’Andilly transforms 5 hectares of natural surroundings into a huge festive village every autumn. From October 17, 2026 to January 3, 2027, families and children can meet Père Fouettard, Père Gourmand and the Nutcrackers, explore a giant treetop … Learn more
In brief Every late October, La Balme-de-Sillingy revives one of its most cherished traditions. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Foire de la Bâthie returns for a festive day on the outskirts of Annecy. Agricultural activities, a fairground, a giant flea market, and stalls run by local producers: this popular event celebrates the area’s rural … Learn more
At a glance It’s the biggest festival in Annecy-le-Vieux and one of the major fall events around Lake Annecy. For its 45th edition, l’Ancileviennerie takes over the Albigny neighborhood on October 17 and 18, 2026: an ’80s-themed dance party on Saturday, followed by a full day of Savoyard traditions on Sunday, with farm animals, traditional … Learn more
At a glance What if Santa Claus lived in Haute-Savoie? At Col du Mont-Sion, between Annecy and Geneva, Hameau du Père Noël opens the doors to his home all year round, especially during the main Christmas season, from October 17, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Santa’s house, the elves’ garden, stories and the Pacifier Attic: … Learn more
In brief Every second weekend in October, La Roche-sur-Foron revives one of its oldest traditions: the Foire de la Saint-Denis. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the medieval town in the Pays rochois welcomes farmers, producers, merchants and families for a full day combining agriculture, local heritage and popular festivities. Here’s the program and all the … Learn more
At a glance As winter approaches, Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc celebrates one last big country fair. On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the village hosts the 47th edition of its Agricultural Fair, with its traditional livestock competition. A whole day to meet farmers from the Mont-Blanc region, admire the valley’s finest cows and sample Savoyard specialties to the … Learn more
At a glance In late October, when the flocks have come down from the mountain pastures, Manigod brings together sheep and goat farmers from the Thônes valley for its canton fair. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, this small village in the Aravis comes alive with bleating, contests and demonstrations. An authentic day that brings the … Learn more
At a glance: Just one night to go before one of the most eagerly awaited events of autumn in Haute-Savoie. Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, Annecy Old Town hosts Retour des Alpages 2026, the major Savoyard festival celebrating the herds’ return from their summer pastures. Cows, goats, donkeys and shepherds in traditional costume are getting ready … Learn more
It’s time for one of the most popular winter events in Haute-Savoie. As of 10 a.m. on Monday, October 5, tickets for the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup in Le Grand-Bornand are on sale. From Thursday, December 10 to Sunday, December 13, 2026, the world’s top biathletes will take to the tracks at the Sylvie-Becaert … Learn more
At a glance At a glance Every late October, as the first cold weather settles over the Arve Valley, Sallanches hosts its Foire Froide. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it remains one of the major autumn festivals in the Mont Blanc region. This year, it has a special significance: after two autumns without a … Learn more
Every year, from late November onward, Annecy swaps its summer lakeside setting for a winter finery. Between the Lake district and the Jardins de l’Europe, the town transforms into a huge open-air Christmas village: this is Noël des Alpes, the largest Christmas market in Haute-Savoie. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit … Learn more
In brief 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. … Learn more
In brief Every autumn, Megève briefly swaps its image as a chic resort for that of a farming village. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Abondance cows and heifers return to the esplanade du Palais for the town’s 104th agricultural show. The day is designed for experts, who come to judge the finest animals, as well … Learn more
This third weekend of October, Haute-Savoie is filled with the aromas of apples, local produce and mountain cuisine: Toquicimes is delighting Megève, the autumn fairs in Mieussy, Bonneville, Cruseilles and Saint-Gervais are in full swing, while concerts, theatre, comedy and a Japanese festival round out a varied programme starting on Friday evening. Here is a … Learn more
On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Château d’Avully in Brenthonne travels back in time for its Medieval Festival. Encampments, battles, shows and craftspeople take over the keep and moat of this fortified manor house in Chablais, listed as a Historic Monument. Avully’s Medieval Festival has become a … Learn more
In brief Every first Sunday of October, Rumilly trades its look of an industrious small town for that of a large agricultural village. Cows, horses, vintage tractors, and producers from the Albanais fill the streets for a day that is one of the most eagerly awaited in autumn in Haute-Savoie. In 2026, the event has … Learn more
In brief 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 … Learn more
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the herds descend into the old town of Annecy. The Annecy Traditions association has just unveiled the program for this edition, featuring musical stages, about thirty groups and animals, and the grand parade at 2:30 pm. It is one of the most anticipated events of the autumn in Haute-Savoie. Since … Learn more
The season of great deals in the mountains starts this weekend in Haute-Savoie with the traditional Verchaix ski exchange, the first of the 2026 calendar. Meet on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Verchaix multipurpose hall. Skiers of all levels and disciplines will find what they … Learn more
From Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, Megève hosts Toquicimes, the must-attend mountain cuisine event. This new edition promises a program full of novelties and sharing, entirely free and open to all. A tribute to Alpine flavors Toquicimes is much more than a simple culinary festival: it is a vibrant tribute to Alpine … Learn more
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, Haute-Savoie widely opens the doors to its heritage on the occasion of the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days (EHD). For two days, museums, historic villages, castles, exhibitions, churches, ruins, and remains can be discovered for free, in a department rich in a often little-known past. … Learn more
At a glance What is Toques en Chablais 2026? Every fall, Toques en Chablais transforms the shores of Lake Geneva into a showcase for regional gastronomy. Organized by the Destination Thonon Tourist Office, in partnership with the City of Thonon-les-Bains, this international food festival brings together Michelin-starred chefs, food artisans, and local producers with one … Learn more
In brief What is the descent from the mountain pastures? Every summer, as soon as the snow melts, herds of cows, goats and sheep leave the valley farms to join the high-altitude mountain pastures. Up there, the rich pasture grass gives Savoyard cheeses, Reblochon, Abondance, Chevrotin, their distinctive character. At the end of summer, when … Learn more
In brief A must-attend event in Haute-Savoie Each year, place des Allobroges in Cluses turns into an immense open-air table. The Miam Festival, dedicated to street food, celebrates its 11th edition in 2026 and promises a particularly rich program. Join us on Friday September 18, Saturday September 19, and Sunday September 20, 2026 for three … Learn more
The Pharaonic Festival returns on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Parvis des Esserts, in Cluses, for a completely renewed edition. After celebrating its tenth anniversary in grand style last year, the electro event of the Arve Valley embarks on a new decade with a 100% original lineup, featuring international artists and several rapidly rising French … Learn more
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 … Learn more
The back-to-school season does nothing to slow down the flea market and garage sale season in our département—in fact, quite the opposite! Between all-out fairs, rummage sales, school fairs and autumn clothing swaps, here’s a preview of the garage sales, flea markets, clothing swaps and swap meets taking place in September 2026 in Haute-Savoie. September … Learn more
A true institution of the Chablais and a major popular event of the department, the Crête Fair dates back to the edicts of the Dukes of Savoy and still stands today as one of the most profitable fairs in France. Established on the Place de Crête in Thonon-les-Bains since 1866, it brings together every first … Learn more
October marks a season of transition in Haute-Savoie: the last fine days of autumn give way to preparations for winter, and it is often the time to sort through the cupboards. Summer clothes to sell, mountain equipment to replace, toys to clear out before the holidays… This month is ideal for car boot sales, flea … Learn more
Every September back-to-school period, Morzine pulses to the rhythm of the engine. For its 78th edition, the Rallye du Mont-Blanc returns from September 3 to 5, 2026 for three days of car competition in the heart of the Haute-Savoie Alps. Technical checks, shakedown, special stages on mountain roads: here is everything you need to know … Learn more
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Le Grand-Bornand will host the traditional Saint-Maurice Agricultural Fair, one of the last major agro-pastoral events of the year in Haute-Savoie. A true institution in the Aravis valley, this event honors breeders, local producers, and the famous farm Reblochon. Cattle contests, producer markets, convivial meals, and entertainment will punctuate this … Learn more
This is one of the iconic sporting events of the summer in Annecy. On Saturday, August 15, 2026, swimmers from many backgrounds will dive into the water for the 94th Crossing of Lake Annecy. Organized by Les Dauphins d’Annecy, this great open water swimming celebration is once again offering four distances: 1 km, 2.4 km, … Learn more
Hiking and food enthusiasts are invited to Combloux on Sunday, September 13, 2026 for the 5th edition of the Rando des Gourmets. This friendly event offers a loop of approximately 11 kilometers, punctuated by gourmet stops where participants can taste local specialties while discovering the landscapes and heritage of one of the most beautiful villages … Learn more
After an initial summer meeting in July, Le Champ des Platines will make its grand return on Saturday, September 5, 2026 in La Clusaz. For this 7th season, this unusual event invites the public to experience music in the heart of the mountains, on an alpine pasture transformed into a temporary dancefloor. On the program: … Learn more
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 … Learn more
For this weekend of August 8 and 9, Haute-Savoie offers a rich program of festivities, sporting events, and cultural activities. Here is a small selection of events and activities not to be missed: All weekend Château Sonic Festival – Brenthonne The Château Sonic Festival is back to celebrate its 10th edition on August 7, 8 … Learn more
On August 15 and 16, 2026, Avoriaz will host the very first edition of Avoriaz Street Lines, a new event entirely dedicated to mountain biking. Designed as a spectacular and accessible festival for all, it will transform the pedestrian streets of the resort into a huge playground where competitions, freestyle demonstrations, and activities for the … Learn more