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 to follow one of the most anticipated automotive events of the season in Haute-Savoie.
A historic rally, anchored in the valley’s sporting heritage
The Rallye du Mont-Blanc is among the oldest French automotive events still active. Its history dates back to 1947, with the creation of the Paris-Évian rally, before it took its current name and settled permanently in Morzine in 1989, after being long organized from Annecy. Over the decades, the event has seen some of the greatest names in French rallying shine on its mountain roads, including Sébastien Loeb, Stéphane Sarrazin, Philippe Bugalski, and Pierre Campana.
In 2026, the rally retains its status as a major event: it forms the 6th round of the French Rally Championship (asphalt), with a coefficient of 4, one of the highest on the national calendar. Alongside the modern competition, enthusiasts of beautiful mechanics can follow the French Historic Rally Championship (VHC), dedicated to historic competition vehicles, giving the event the appearance of a living retrospective of motorsport history.
2026 Stages Program
Organized by ASAC Mont-Blanc, the rally takes place over three days, preceded by reconnaissance and administrative and technical checks.
| Day | Schedule | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Before the rally | Until August 24 | Closing of registrations |
| Late August – early September | August 29-30, September 1-3 | Specials reconnaissance by crews |
| Thursday, September 3 | 8:30 am–12:30 pm then 1:00 pm–5:30 pm | Shakedown (timed trials) at La Côte-d’Arbroz |
| Thursday, September 3 | 10:00 am–8:00 pm | Technical and administrative verifications, route de la Combe à Zore and place la Poste in Morzine |
| Friday, September 4 | 6:30 am | Start of the rally, at the tourism office square in Morzine |
| Saturday, September 5 | 6:43 pm | Finish of the rally, at the tourism office square in Morzine |
In total, competitors cover 517.84 km, including 196.04 km spread over 17 timed special stages, set on mountain roads around Morzine and the valley, with routes traditionally taken near the cols of Joux Verte and Joux Plane.
Who can be seen on the starting line?
The 2026 lineup brings together a wide range of competitions and trophies, starting with the French Rally Championship in its Pilots, Co-drivers, Teams, and Women categories, as well as the 2-Wheel Drive championship. Added to this are the French Rally Cup, several promotion trophies (Michelin Trophy, IGOL Trophy, Clio Trophy France, Alpine Elf Rally Trophy, ADAC Opel E-Rally Cup), as well as regional and international competitions: Rhône-Alpes Motorsport League championship, Swiss rally championship and its junior division. This offers a varied field, between young hopes, confirmed French championship drivers and crews coming from neighboring Switzerland.
Practical information for spectators
Access and prices. Access to official spectator zones, located along the special stages, is free. Only certain regulated zones for safety reasons may be limited or closed to the public: it is recommended to strictly respect the signage and the instructions of the race marshals on site.
Where to follow the rally. The start and finish both take place at the tourism office square in Morzine, a place accessible on foot from the town center and conducive to the festive atmosphere that traditionally surrounds these highlights. For the mountain special stages, it is better to plan to arrive early to settle in authorized zones before the first competitors pass, as roads are closed to traffic during each special stage.
Check before leaving. A spectator guide, with details of accessible zones and safety advice, is usually published before the event. The precise passing times for each special stage, as well as maps of the routes, are updated in the days before the rally: it is advised to consult them just before traveling, as schedules may slightly evolve depending on the progress of the race.
Accommodation on site. Morzine and its valley, between the Portes du Soleil resorts and valley-bottom towns, offer a wide choice of accommodations, but as the rally coincides with the school start and the end of the summer season, it is recommended to book lodgings sufficiently in advance to fully enjoy these three days of competition.
An event that beautifully closes the Haute-Savoie summer
With its special stages winding between mountain pastures and forests, its iconic passes at the cols of Joux Verte and Joux Plane, and its electric atmosphere at the tourism office square in Morzine, the Rallye du Mont-Blanc marks every year the shift between summer and autumn in Haute-Savoie. A unique opportunity, for motorsport fans as well as the curious, to discover the valley under a whole new light.
