Don’t miss any of the latest news from Haute-Savoie! Cultural events, festivals and celebrations, new tourist attractions, and seasonal activities—this section keeps you informed about everything happening in the region. Stay up-to-date on the highlights and unmissable events that shape life in the resorts, villages, and towns of Haute-Savoie. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, stay connected to the news of this dynamic and tradition-rich region.
There is something almost secretive about the trails of Haute-Savoie in September. The same lakes, the same ridges, the same panoramas for which some queued in July and August suddenly reveal themselves differently: quieter, slower, almost intimate. As if the mountain, freed from the crowds, found the time to tell its own stories. This is … 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
Winter is approaching, and with it, the season for great deals in the mountains. Every autumn in Haute-Savoie, ski swaps attract families, students and snowsports enthusiasts looking for quality gear at affordable prices. Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets or technical clothing: these events are the perfect opportunity to gear up without breaking the bank. And, let’s be honest, there’s always that … Learn more
In brief 1. Discover Lake Annecy from the air Nothing can replace the overview offered by a flight over the lake. From the air, you capture at a glance what a walk on the ground never allows you to see: the shape of the lake, the contrasts between the turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks, … 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
In brief: Why choose Haute-Savoie for a romantic weekend? Haute-Savoie offers all the assets for a successful romantic stay. The department combines an iconic lake (Lake Annecy, often described as one of the purest in Europe), spectacular Alpine peaks with the Mont Blanc massif, and historic thermal towns such as Évian-les-Bains. This diversity of landscapes … Learn more
In Annecy, in the Chamonix valley or around the lake, summer increasingly rhymes with resignation for the inhabitants of Haute-Savoie. Congested roads, shopping that has become an obstacle course, appointments canceled to avoid rush hours: many residents now organize their daily lives around the peaks of tourist attendance, summer and winter alike, and wait for … 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
A takeaway packed lunch, a socket to charge the phone, sometimes even a question about Wi-Fi: in mountain refuges, visitors’ habits have changed. And the wardens are at the forefront of observing this shift. A booming attendance The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, the French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs (FFCAM) recorded 348,000 … Learn more
Because at about 1,450 meters altitude above Saint-Sigismond, the Agy plateau is one of those generous alpine pastures that make up the discreet charm of Haute-Savoie. Far from the hustle and bustle of the large resorts, this vast plateau offers a 360° panorama of the Giffre, Mont-Blanc, and Aravis massifs, and can be enjoyed on … Learn more
On the night of Thursday, August 27 to Friday, August 28, 2026, the Moon will take on a striking coppery red hue. The cause is a particularly deep partial lunar eclipse, just two weeks after the total solar eclipse of August 12: at maximum, 96% of the lunar disc will be plunged into the Earth’s … Learn more
Every year at the same time, Chamonix changes its face. For the 23rd edition of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, which takes place from August 24 to 30, 2026, more than 10,000 runners and about 100,000 spectators crowd into a town that has only 9,000 inhabitants. A ratio of one to eleven that, every late summer, … Learn more
Series of collapses, refuges closed as a precaution, iconic glaciers retreating very high up the mountain: the summer of 2026 will remain one of the most critical in recent history for the Mont-Blanc massif. Behind the spectacular images of falling stones and bare ice, scientists highlight the same observation: it is not only the extent … Learn more
Haute-Savoie is not just about the slopes. Between Lake Annecy, the villages of the Arve valley, and the resorts of the Mont-Blanc massif, several options coexist for the end of the year. Here is what is already confirmed for December 2026, and how to decide based on your dates and budget. Lake, village or altitude, … Learn more
About twelve kilometers west of Annecy, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Fier gorges, Montrottier Castle surprises with its medieval fairy-tale silhouette. Behind its crenellated ramparts and cylindrical keep hides one of the most astonishing cabinets of curiosities in Haute-Savoie, the result of the passion of a 19th-century collector. A full presentation of this … Learn more
In brief : A Postcard Under Siege Cobblestone alleys, turquoise canals, colorful facades reflected in the water: Annecy’s old town looks exactly like a postcard. It is precisely this setting that poses a problem. During summer peak hours, the streets of Perrière or Sainte-Claire turn into a slow parade of strollers, selfie sticks, and guided … Learn more
After a year of interruption, the Peasant Festival returns to La Balme-de-Sillingy on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Held at the Domaine du Tornet, this day will celebrate the agricultural world, local producers, and rural traditions in a friendly atmosphere. A highly anticipated event just a few kilometers from Annecy. The Peasant Festival returns after a … Learn more
A sparkling turquoise lake, a spectacular peak, an isolated tent facing Mont Blanc: on Instagram, hiking in Haute-Savoie looks like a waking dream. But behind these perfect pictures lies a sometimes brutal reality. Poor preparation, underestimating risks, and inappropriate equipment: how does the quest for “likes” turn a nature outing into a real trap? The … Learn more
It is now official. Facing the increase of campervans, vans, and converted vehicles parking outside designated areas, the municipality of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has decided to tighten the rules. A municipal decree issued on August 5, 2026 now more strictly regulates their parking and particularly targets wild camping overnight stays. This measure aims to address the nuisances … 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
Le Fayet will be celebrating this Saturday, August 22, 2026! Concert, acrobatics show, cycling activities, artisan market, vintage vehicles, and a grand raffle: the Fête du Fayet is back for a new edition under the sign of conviviality. Join us from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the center of Le Fayet, in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Le … Learn more
An asphalt ribbon winding between turquoise waters and alpine peaks: the tour of Lake Annecy enchants millions of visitors. But in the heart of July and August, the famous 42-kilometer loop sometimes becomes a logistical headache. Between two-wheel traffic jams, incivility, and summer overheating, here’s what truly awaits you if you set off unprepared. The … Learn more
On Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026, the Clairière des Lanches in Cervens will once again resonate with the sound of guitars. The Lunaris Festival returns for its third edition with eight bands, a creators’ market, activities for children, and a deliberately intimate atmosphere. An original musical event to discover between Lake Geneva … Learn more
Situated at the gates of Thonon-les-Bains, just steps from Lake Geneva, Ripaille Castle is one of the most emblematic historical monuments of Haute-Savoie. Former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, Carthusian monastery, then a residence transformed during the Belle Époque, Ripaille spans several centuries of history. Its estate, gardens, and vineyard make it an essential … Learn more
Parking lots full from dawn, degraded trails, proliferation of bivouacs and ecosystems under pressure: the summer success of Haute-Savoie is turning into a headache. To avoid tourist overload, several local authorities are taking action. Mandatory shuttles, traffic restrictions, bivouac quotas, and upcoming regulations on the Tour du Mont-Blanc: regulation is no longer a taboo, it … Learn more
In Sciez, a few kilometers from Thonon-les-Bains and the shores of Lake Léman, Les Aigles du Léman offer a spectacular immersion into the world of birds of prey. Spread over nearly 8 hectares of nature, the park hosts several hundred birds and combines discovery, free-flight shows, education, and species protection. An outing particularly suited for … Learn more
Since Saturday, August 8, 2026, thrill-seekers have a new playground in Haute-Savoie. The via ferrata of the Gorge du Cé has just opened in Mont-Saxonnex, featuring two routes, monkey bridges, dizzying footbridges, and even two large zip lines. A new via ferrata in Mont-Saxonnex It is a novelty that should quickly appeal to outdoor activity … Learn more
As the 2026-2027 winter season approaches, a significant change is underway in the short-term rental sector. Airbnb is set to profoundly modify its fee system, introducing a single 15.5% commission borne by owners. In Haute-Savoie, where accommodation rates can already reach high levels in the resorts, some travelers fear another price increase. But should we … 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
As successive heatwaves stifle metropolises and overheat the Mediterranean coast, a clear choice is made by holidaymakers: to abandon the burning concrete and seek a second breath at altitude. This summer again, the phenomenon of “coolcationing” (the search for cool holiday destinations) is booming, and Haute-Savoie is asserting itself as the most coveted sanctuary in … 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
They whistle, stand on their hind legs, and sometimes let themselves be approached very closely. Every summer, marmots are among the stars of the hiking trails in Haute-Savoie. However, offering them a piece of food, even a simple dandelion, is far from a harmless gesture. This reflex, often motivated by good intentions, can have real … 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
The event is already surrounded by great anticipation among astronomy enthusiasts. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a particularly spectacular solar eclipse will be visible throughout Haute-Savoie. Even though the phenomenon will not be total in the department, more than 90% of the solar disk will be covered by the Moon, offering a unique atmosphere at … 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
Can a simple wooden ball captivate an entire family for nearly an hour? At Mont-Saxonnex, the answer is clearly yes. With “Roule ma Boule“, children run, laugh, and watch their marble roll down a giant course dotted with obstacles, while adults quickly get caught up in the game. An original, playful, and accessible activity that … 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