In brief
- The « démontagnée », or descent from the mountain pastures, marks every year the return of the herds to the valley at the end of the summer grazing season: parades of cattle adorned with bells, agricultural competitions, local markets and traditional meals.
- The 2026 edition runs from mid-September to the end of October, with key events in La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Thônes, Abondance and of course Annecy for the famous Fête du retour des alpages.
- Most of these festivals are free and take place in the heart of the villages: an easy family outing to organize over an autumn weekend.
- It is better to plan to arrive early: the grand parade of the herds, the highlight of each festival, usually takes place in early or mid-afternoon.
What is the descent from the mountain pastures?
Every summer, as soon as the snow melts, herds of cows, goats and sheep leave the valley farms to join the high-altitude mountain pastures. Up there, the rich pasture grass gives Savoyard cheeses, Reblochon, Abondance, Chevrotin, their distinctive character. At the end of summer, when the nights cool and the grass becomes scarce, it’s time to come down: this is the « démontagnée », better known as the descent from the mountain pastures or désalpe.
This tradition, inherited from the Middle Ages, still shapes the life of many Haute-Savoie villages today. It is celebrated by popular festivals where the parade of cattle, adorned with flowers, ribbons, and bells, always takes center stage. Around this highlight, livestock competitions, cheese contests, demonstrations of old trades, producers’ markets and often a meal or a dance to close the day are held.
The schedule of démonangée festivals in Haute-Savoie this autumn
La Clusaz, the Foire de la Croix – Sunday, September 13
In the Aravis valley, the Foire de la Croix traditionally opens the end-of-summer festival season. Livestock competitions, cheese contests and craft markets take place at Champ Giguet, in a friendly atmosphere that already announces autumn.
Le Grand-Bornand, the Saint-Maurice agricultural fair – Saturday, September 19
The last big agro-pastoral event of the Aravis before the final démontagnée, this fair highlights the Abondance breed and farm-made Reblochon. Competitions and market occupy the day, followed by an evening party and prize-giving.
Thônes, the Saint-Maurice fair – Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
Historical birthplace of Reblochon, Thônes organizes one of the oldest fairs in the department, dating back to 1312. Agricultural show, livestock and cheese contests, market and crafts enliven this weekend in the town streets.
Bernex, the Saint-Michel fair – Sunday, September 27
At the foot of Dent d’Oche, this fair in the Gavot country celebrates the return of the alpine herders to the village with a craft market, local products and folk entertainment, around a meal served from midday.
Abondance, the autumn fair and Abondance breed competition – Sunday, October 4
A major event for the valley’s breeders, this fair combines the International Abondance Breed and Cheese Salon with a craft market and musical entertainment. The competition judging takes place in the morning, followed by an honor parade in the afternoon.
Annecy, the Fête du retour des alpages – Saturday, October 10
It is impossible to talk about the descent from the mountain pastures in Haute-Savoie without mentioning the season’s flagship event: the Fête du retour des alpages in Annecy. Organized by the Annecy Traditions association since 1973, it transforms the old town into a huge open-air theater where herds adorned with flowers, folk groups, old trades and smells of melted cheese mingle. The highlight remains the grand parade of animals, generally scheduled in mid-afternoon, between the canals and the colorful façades of the historic center.
Megève, the Abondance breed competition – Sunday, October 11
At the foot of Mont Blanc, breeders from Megève and the upper Val d’Arly gather at the Palais des Sports for this competition celebrating the end of the summer season. Judging in the morning, parade and prize-giving early afternoon.
Servoz, the fair and sheep competition – Sunday, October 11
In the Chamonix valley, at the foot of the Fiz massif, this fair highlights the rustic Thônes and Marthod sheep breed, in a more intimate atmosphere than the major events of the Annecy basin.
Saint-Gervais, the agricultural fair and livestock competition – Sunday, October 18
This event in the Mont Blanc area brings together the farmers of the surrounding mountain pastures and local craftsmen around an agricultural show and livestock competition, in the heart of the spa town.
Manigod, the autumn fair and sheep fair – Sunday, October 25
In the Aravis massif, this fair beautifully closes the season of Haute-Savoie démontagnées, with a strong tribute to mountain sheep breeding and the Thônes and Marthod breed.
Summary table
| Date | Festival | Town | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun. Sep 13 | Foire de la Croix | La Clusaz | Livestock and cheese competitions |
| Sat. Sep 19 | Saint-Maurice agricultural fair | Le Grand-Bornand | Abondance breed and farm Reblochon |
| Sat. Sep 26 – Sun. Sep 27 | Saint-Maurice fair | Thônes | Historical fair since 1312 |
| Sun. Sep 27 | Saint-Michel fair | Bernex | Return of alpine herders, traditional meal |
| Sun. Oct 4 | Autumn fair & Abondance breed competition | Abondance | Honor parade in the afternoon |
| Sat. Oct 10 | Fête du retour des alpages | Annecy | Grand parade in the old town |
| Sun. Oct 11 | Abondance breed competition | Megève | Parade and prize-giving at 2:30 PM |
| Sun. Oct 11 | Sheep fair and competition | Servoz | Thônes and Marthod sheep breed |
| Sun. Oct 18 | Agricultural fair and livestock competition | Saint-Gervais | Agricultural show at the foot of Mont Blanc |
| Sun. Oct 25 | Autumn fair and sheep fair | Manigod | Closing of the démontagnée season |
Dates and times given as indication only: verify with tourist offices before attending.
To read: The autumn fairs 2026 in Haute-Savoie
How to make the most of a descent from the mountain pastures: our tips
- Arrive early. The grand parade of the herds, the most anticipated moment, usually takes place in early or mid-afternoon. It is best to be settled on the route at least 30 minutes beforehand.
- Park a little further away. Town centers are pedestrianized on the festival day and nearby parking fills up quickly: plan to walk a bit or arrive early.
- Bring cash or card for the stalls. Producers’ markets and onsite catering operate on a short supply chain, sometimes with few payment terminals.
- Dress children warmly. Autumn days in Haute-Savoie can be chilly in the morning, even if the sun warms the atmosphere during the day.
- Try the seasonal cheeses. Reblochon, Abondance and mountain Chevrotin are at their best just after the démontagnée: the cheese competitions at these festivals are the perfect opportunity to discover them.
FAQ
What is the « démontagnée » called in Haute-Savoie? It is the name given to the descent of herds from the mountain pastures back to the valley at the end of summer, celebrated by numerous festivals with parades of cattle adorned with bells and flowers.
What is the biggest démontagnée festival in Haute-Savoie? The Fête du retour des alpages in Annecy, on October 10, is the most important folk and agro-pastoral gathering in the department, featuring a grand parade through the old town streets.
Are démontagnée festivals free? Yes, access to markets and entertainment is free at the vast majority of these festivals. Only certain meals or specific events may require payment.
Is it necessary to book to attend a descent from the mountain pastures? No, these festivals take place outdoors in the town centers and are open access. Only onsite catering may require booking depending on the municipality.
