On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Grand-Bornand Chinaillon will come alive to the rhythm of one of the oldest traditional festivals in Haute-Savoie. A genuine tribute to the pastoral world, the Fête de l’Alpage will bring together residents, vacationers, and lovers of traditions around a program full of activities, demonstrations, and folk performances. An unmissable event of the summer in the Aravis mountain range.
An immersion into the traditions of the alpine pastures
For several decades, the Fête de l’Alpage has celebrated the agricultural heritage that shapes the identity of Grand-Bornand. For a day, Chinaillon plunges back into the atmosphere of the alpine pastures of yesteryear with numerous activities highlighting mountain know-how, traditional trades, and pastoral life.
The event attracts several thousand visitors each year, eager to discover an authentic facet of the mountains, far from the clichés of ski resorts.
Parade of floats, folklore, and demonstration of Reblochon cheese making
The program for this 2026 edition will once again highlight local traditions. Starting in the morning, a foot race will open the festivities, followed by an outdoor mass and a picnic animated with music.
From the afternoon onward, activities will follow one another with:
- the grand parade of decorated floats;
- Savoyard folk groups;
- the traditional making of farm Reblochon cheese;
- demonstrations of old trades;
- a lumberjack competition bringing together the best specialists from the region;
- activities for children and the whole family.
Throughout the day, visitors will also be able to discover an area dedicated to old trades, participate in climbing initiations, or attend demonstrations of grass skiing, a spectacular discipline particularly appreciated by the public.
A day marked by conviviality
Beyond the activities, the Fête de l’Alpage is above all a moment of sharing between generations. Local producers, artisans, and associations from Grand-Bornand will be present to showcase the gastronomic and craft riches of the Aravis.
Savoyard specialties will naturally be honored with the opportunity to taste local products in a warm atmosphere at the foot of the mountains.
The day will conclude in the evening with a fireworks display followed by a free dance, extending the celebration late into the night.
Enhanced access
To limit traffic difficulties, a shuttle service on line A between the village of Grand-Bornand and Chinaillon will be reinforced throughout the day and extended in the evening for visitors’ return.
Practical information
- Event: Fête de l’Alpage
- Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026
- Location: Le Chinaillon – Grand-Bornand
- Price: free entry
- Activities: all day long
- Shuttles: reinforced line A between Grand-Bornand Village and Chinaillon
Every summer, this festival is one of the most emblematic events in Haute-Savoie. Between pastoral traditions, folklore, gastronomy, and family activities, it offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the soul of the Aravis in an authentic and friendly atmosphere.
