Patrick 
Every summer, the Chamonix valley becomes one of the nerve centers of world climbing. From July 10 to 12, 2026, the Climbing World Cup makes its grand return to the Mont-Blanc square for three days of spectacular competition bringing together the best international specialists in speed and difficulties. Between nighttime finals, free activities, and an … 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
Each summer, mountain storms surprise hundreds of hikers. They sometimes break out in just a few dozen minutes, turning a peaceful outing into an emergency situation. In France, lightning still causes several deaths and many injuries each year, the mountains remaining one of the most exposed environments. Over my years of hiking, I have faced … Learn more
A few minutes from the Arve valley, an easy walk allows access to one of the most impressive structures in Haute-Savoie. Suspended above a deep ravine, this 160-meter footbridge offers an experience accessible to the whole family and a spectacular panorama of the surrounding mountains. An accessible walk that holds a real surprise Haute-Savoie is … 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
For this weekend of July 4 and 5, 2026, 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 Festival Musiques en Stock – Scionzier Musiques en Stock returns in force to Scionzier from July 2 to 4, 2026 for a new edition always 100% free, … 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
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, this small village in Haute-Savoie is preparing for a particularly busy summer season. Concerts, open-air cinema, exhibitions, and popular festivals will follow one another for more than two months, offering both residents and visitors many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings. A cultural summer in the heart … 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
They are increasingly numerous on the trails. In backpacks, on the end of a leash, or running freely on the paths, dogs now accompany their owners on most mountain hikes. But behind this trend that appeals to vacationers, many professionals are now sounding the alarm. In Haute-Savoie as elsewhere in the Alps, refuge keepers, mountain … 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
Last updated: 22/06/2026 The season for flea markets and yard sales is in full swing in our department, as everywhere in France. Here is an overview of the yard sales, flea markets, clothes swaps, and fairs organized in the month of July 2026 in Haute-Savoie. Event calendar for July 2026 Saturday, July 4 Sunday, July … Learn more
When temperatures rise dramatically, the desire to go hiking does not disappear, quite the opposite. The stifling heat of a heatwave turns a simple walk in nature into a true challenge for the human body. Under a scorching sun, the risks related to dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke intensify dangerously. For several years, experts have … Learn more
Facing the Mont-Blanc massif, this high-altitude lake offers one of the most spectacular panoramas of the French Alps. But its booming success now attracts thousands of visitors every summer and raises many concerns among mountain professionals. For a long time, this hike was seen as a reward for the most motivated walkers. You had to … Learn more
For this weekend of June 27 and 28, 2026, 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 Samoëns American Festival 2026 From June 25 to 28, 2026, the town of Samoëns transforms to host the emblematic Samoëns American Festival, an … 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
Just a few kilometers from the most famous resorts of the Alps, a village in Haute-Savoie quietly cultivates another idea of the mountain. Here, there are no luxury shops on every corner or dense crowds on the terraces. Yet, those who discover it often return year after year. A mountain that has kept its soul … Learn more
With the heatwave currently affecting much of France, many mountain lovers ask themselves the same question: is it still reasonable to go hiking when the thermometer exceeds 35°C? Guides, mountain leaders, and rescuers remind that hiking remains possible, but only on the condition of seriously adapting one’s habits. The mountains are often seen as a … Learn more
Every summer, thousands of hikers return to the trails of Haute-Savoie. But with the return of herds to the alpine pastures, encounters with patous and shepherds become more frequent. A few simple gestures can, however, prevent most delicate situations and allow you to fully enjoy the mountains. Why herds are everywhere in the mountains in … Learn more
While the thermometer exceeds 35 °C in the Rhône valley, the same reflex seems to be taking hold of many inhabitants of the Lyon region: hitting the road towards the mountains. Less than two hours from Lyon, a spectacular natural site attracts every summer those looking for some freshness. And these past few days, its … 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
For the weekend of June 20 and 21, 2026, Haute-Savoie offers a program full of festivities, sporting events, and cultural activities, with the highlight of the weekend being the Music Festival. Here is a small selection of events and activities not to be missed: All weekend The Ultra-Trail® du Haut-Giffre – Samoëns From June 19 to … 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
From June 19 to 21, 2026, Samoëns will host the 13th edition of the Ultra-Trail® du Haut-Giffre (UTHG), one of the major summer trail events in Haute-Savoie. Each year, nearly 2,000 runners come to take on the challenge on the spectacular trails of Haut-Giffre, between Samoëns, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the alpine pastures, and the iconic peaks of … Learn more
July arrives, and with it queues, full parking lots, and terraces taken by storm. But in June, this month suspended between spring and summer, Haute-Savoie still belongs to us. The landscapes are at the height of their beauty, the waterfalls swollen by melting snow, the villages breathe. This is the moment to go. In summary … 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
For the weekend of June 13 and 14, 2026, 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 Le Bélier VTT – La Clusaz June 13 and 14, 2026, La Clusaz will host a new edition of Bélier … Learn more
Spectacular mountain films, open-air screenings, meetings with adventurers, and debates about the alpine world… The Chamonix Film Festival will make its grand return from June 10 to 14, 2026, for a 6th edition already announced as one of the cultural highlights of the year in the Chamonix valley. The unmissable event of mountain cinema For … Learn more
Thousands of mountain bikers, magnificent landscapes, legendary descents, and a friendly atmosphere in the heart of the Alps… The Pass’Portes du Soleil will make their grand return from June 26 to 28, 2026 in the Portes du Soleil. An unmissable event for mountain biking and mountain enthusiasts. The largest mountain biking event in the Alps … Learn more
The Abbey of Abondance is about to come alive to the rhythm of classical music with the return of the festival “Du Vent dans l’Abbaye”, organized by the association La Bise des Vents. After a remarkable first edition, this cultural event returns with a new program combining heritage, chamber music, and immersive experiences in the … Learn more
Les Gets is once again getting ready to become the world capital of mountain biking. From August 20 to 23, 2026, the Haute-Savoie resort will host another round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, a must-see event for downhill and cross-country enthusiasts. For four days, the best riders on the planet will meet on … 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
When temperatures soar in the city, some places become true natural refuges. In Haute-Savoie, the cascade d’Ardent is precisely one of these spectacular spots where people come to seek a bit of coolness in the heart of the mountains. Located near Morzine, this impressive waterfall attracts nature lovers, hikers, and alpine landscape enthusiasts every summer. … Learn more
Last updated: 05/12/2026 The season of flea markets and garage sales is in full swing in our department, as everywhere in France. Here is an overview of garage sales, flea markets, wardrobe sales, and fairs organized in the month of June 2026 in Haute-Savoie. Event calendar for June 2026 Saturday, June 6 Sunday, June 7 … 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 through the cobblestone streets, the animals cross the old town under the amazed eyes of visitors, and the Savoyard traditions take back possession of the historic center. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the highly anticipated Return of the Alpages … 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
The favorite event for children, and often also for parents, will make its grand return to Haute-Savoie at the end of summer 2026. From Sunday, August 23 to Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival will once again take over the streets and squares of Grand-Bornand with hundreds of shows, activities, and … Learn more