News from Haute-Savoie

Long considered the essential activity of mountain vacations, hiking is now seeing its dominance wane. While the trails remain heavily frequented, visitors are now seeking a much more varied experience. Mountain biking, summer sledding, giant zip lines, white-water sports, or family activities: mountain resorts are adapting their offerings to meet these new expectations. The mountain … Learn more

Long considered natural refuges from intense heat, mountain resorts are now seeing thermometers climb to unusual levels. At 1,000, 1,500, or even 2,000 meters altitude, days regularly exceed 30 °C and nights sometimes remain surprisingly mild. Facing this change, one question arises: can the inhabitants of these resorts still live without air conditioning? The mountain … Learn more

For a long time, it symbolized absolute freedom in the mountains. A tent set up facing the peaks, a night under the stars and the feeling of experiencing the mountains differently. But this very popular practice is now under scrutiny by the authorities in Haute-Savoie. Faced with a sharp increase in visitors, growing amounts of … Learn more

They are among the most popular spots around Lake Annecy. Shaded forests, easy trails, wetlands, coolness in summer: these natural areas attract increasing numbers of visitors each year. But behind this tourist success, the territory managers observe a trend that increasingly worries them. Over the seasons, some natural sites have seen attendance become hard to … Learn more

For decades, it was one of the most spectacular symbols of the Chamonix valley. Visible from the bottom of the valley, the Bossons glacier impressed with its size and proximity. Yet, year after year, its retreat is accelerating. To such an extent that some scientists believe it could lose nearly half of its mass by … Learn more

On the trails of Haute-Savoie, regulars notice every summer: the profile of hikers has profoundly changed. Where one used to mainly encounter mountain enthusiasts, today we meet families discovering the peaks for the first time, visitors drawn by social networks, or holidaymakers seeking coolness during heatwave episodes. A spectacular democratization that is transforming the mountains… … Learn more

The meeting is set for this summer in the Bouchet valley. The traditional Lormay Country Festival returns to Grand-Bornand for a day entirely dedicated to rural heritage, the know-how of the past, and mountain traditions. Organized in the natural setting of Lormay, this event attracts every year residents, holidaymakers, and lovers of the Alps who … Learn more

Between record prices, highly sought-after seasonal rentals, and a continuous influx of new residents, Haute-Savoie is experiencing a renewed surge of real estate tension in 2026. For first-time buyers, becoming a homeowner sometimes seems like a battlefield. Yet, some continue to buy. The question now is under what conditions. Buying in Haute-Savoie: a dream that … Learn more

Every summer, it’s the same story. The most beautiful shelters of Haute-Savoie are fully booked from spring, and some hikers already think they will have to give up their plans for August. Yet, the reality is more nuanced. With a bit of flexibility and some tips, it is still possible to sleep in the mountains … Learn more

With the heatwave settling in, the temptation is great. After a hike under the sun, facing turquoise water that looks perfect, many dream of a refreshing dip in a mountain lake. However, this swim can be much more dangerous than it seems. The image is well known: a high-altitude lake with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by … Learn more

Summer has only officially started a few days ago, but Haute-Savoie is already experiencing its first major heat wave of the year. Météo-France has placed the department under orange heatwave alert starting Thursday, June 18 at noon. Temperatures could locally reach 34 to 36°C in the plains, while the heat will also spread to the … Learn more

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Annecy will transform into a vast open-air stage to celebrate the Fête de la Musique. Free concerts, musical strolls, choirs, electro, rock, jazz, reggae, and world dances: the city and its neighborhoods will offer dozens of events throughout the day and into the night. Here is everything you need to … Learn more

Summer in Haute-Savoie is an explosion of life. Between festivals, sporting events, markets, concerts, and outdoor activities, each week offers its share of highlights. From June to September, the region becomes a vast playground between lake and mountain. Here are the must-see events of summer 2026, listed month by month to help you organize your … Learn more

While many already imagine crowded beaches or major tourist resorts for the Pentecost weekend, a village in Haute-Savoie quietly attracts more and more visitors seeking fresh air, alpine landscapes, and a friendly atmosphere. Between still snow-covered mountains, lively terraces, powerful waterfalls, and a music festival in the heart of nature, this destination could well create … Learn more

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 … Learn more

For two days, the Sommand plateau will immerse once again in the atmosphere of the Savoyard alpine pastures. On July 18 and 19, 2026, the traditional Alpage Festival of Praz de Lys Sommand promises a weekend blending mountain traditions, unusual activities, local crafts, and conviviality at the heart of the Haute-Savoie pastures. A major summer … Learn more

Imagine yourself, at dusk, perched at 1,763 meters altitude, breath taken away by the raw beauty of the Alps, while the notes of a piano rise into the pure air, blending with the distant song of the marmots and the rustling of the wind in the pines. This enchanting setting is offered by the Bostan … Learn more