Last update: 07/16/2025
After a break in 2024 due to the Paris Olympic Games and many questions about its future, the Fête du Lac d’Annecy will be back in 2025! An announcement that will delight lovers of this iconic event.
But this edition will not be quite like the previous ones: changes and new features are on the agenda. Discover what awaits you for this major unmissable event in our department!
On the agenda:
- History of the Fête du Lac d’Annecy
- The Fête du Lac d’Annecy 2025
- Where to stay for the Fête du Lac 2025
History of the Fête du Lac d’Annecy
Every first Saturday of August, Annecy lights up with a thousand lights during its famous Fête du Lac. This magical show attracts each year more than 200,000 spectators, who come to admire one of the largest fireworks displays in Europe on the shores of the Lake Annecy.
A tradition born in 1860
The history of this event dates back to 1860, during the visit of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. On this occasion, a Venetian festival was organized, marked by a fireworks display launched on the lake at the end of the evening.
However, it took until August 10, 1924 to see the Fête du Lac take off. That year, the Annecy Tourist Office proposed a show mixing illuminations, fireworks, and a parade of boats. The success was immediate, and from the following year, the event became a major annual appointment.
A European renowned event
Since then, the Fête du Lac has continued to reinvent itself to offer an increasingly magnificent show. Today, it stands as one of the flagship events of Annecy and one of the most impressive pyrotechnic shows in Europe.
A cancellation in 2024, but a guaranteed return
In 2024, the traditional Fête du Lac d’Annecy did not take place due to the Paris Olympic Games. This cancellation, coupled with the new event policy of the city hall, sparked many questions, some residents fearing the definitive disappearance of this iconic event.
An event cherished by the people of Annecy
Proof of its importance in the hearts of residents: in 2023, 90% of spectators were locals. More than just a show, the Fête du Lac is a true symbol of Annecy’s identity.
A tradition preserved
Faced with concerns, the City of Annecy reassured the public: the Fête du Lac remains an essential part of the local heritage and its future is absolutely not in question. So, see you in 2025 for a long-awaited return!
The program of the Fête du Lac d’Annecy 2025: a renewed and more responsible edition
Good news! The Fête du Lac d’Annecy will make its grand return this year on Saturday, August 2, 2025. This next edition promises some new features, directly inspired by the expectations of the residents…
A citizen consultation at the heart of the changes
Last spring, a citizen consultation brought together 3,319 participants to gather residents’ expectations about the Fête du Lac. The verdict is clear: the people of Annecy care deeply about their iconic lakeside festival but want an event with more festivities and more respect for the environment and residents. These expectations will be taken into account to shape this new edition! You can consult the full results of this citizen consultation here: The results
Towards a more eco-responsible Fête du Lac
One of the major issues raised during the consultation concerns the environmental impact of the event. Several changes are being considered:
✅ A shorter show, limited to 70 minutes, but still spectacular.
✅ Increased use of illuminated drones, while retaining the water and light effects that create the magic of the show.
✅ Better waste management and easier access to public transport to reduce the ecological footprint of the festival.
New activities around the show
Long focused on the Pâquier, the Fête du Lac grows in 2025 thanks to several sites, each offering shared moments. It opens up, circulates, adapts, returning to a festival closer to the residents. All proposed activities are free and open to everyone.
Poetic space in the Jardins de l’Europe and on the Marquisats beach
Whale project, podcast in the water
From 11 am to 3 pm.
Free listening in the water of podcasts on the theme of water and legends of Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva. Bring your swimsuit!
Harp concert
From 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm.
A young harpist from Annecy will play at the dock on the Espérance III.
Urban space on Place des Cordeliers
Collaborative mural
From 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
With Kasur Graff, an artist from Annecy who collaborates with La Mante Religieuse and who has already done graffiti during the Fête de la Musique.
Tethys, urban dance
From 2:30 pm to 3 pm and from 4:30 pm to 5 pm.
A show conceived by the Annecy company Soul Magnet paying tribute to water.
Genesis, hip-hop dance
From 3:30 pm to 4 pm and from 5:30 pm to 6 pm.
Floor Fighterz, a young local hip-hop collective, creates a unique show for the Fête du Lac. To discover: show, individual performances, initiations for the public
Family space at Square Bernard Bosson
Giant goose game
From 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
All afternoon, with the association AREMACS for a fun activity about ecology.
Show
From 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
All afternoon, various activities (show, clown, juggling, stories…) offered by the company Activ’Isère.
Walkabout
From 1:45 pm to 5:30 pm.
Walkabouts in different places in the town center with La Ripaille à Sons, a street brass band from Annecy. Route available soon.
Exhibition at Bonlieu
From July 28 to August 3, discover chronologically, in texts and images, the history of the Fête du Lac.
“An Annecy passion, the Fête du Lac” – an exhibition available in French and English at the Bonlieu Exhibition Forum.
Projections on buildings
From July 11 to August 10, a projection on the city’s buildings of the last 20 posters of the Fête du Lac allows one to (re)dive into the worlds of past editions. A chance to learn more about the different editions of the event through a QR code to scan on the posters.
The posters will be displayed in the following locations:
- Albert Lebrun Bridge
- Lake Street
- City Hall Esplanade
- Saint Maurice Street
- Semnoz Quay
- Île Quay (both sides)
- Old Prisons Quay
- Île Passage
- Morens Bridge
- Île Street
- Castle Museum
- Clock Tower
- Republic Street
- Cathedral Quay
- Bishop’s Garden
- Grenette Street
- Notre-Dame Street (at two different corners)
- Martyrs’ Square
The posters will be projected from 10 pm to 2 am on weekdays, and all night on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ticketing: open since spring 2025
The ticket office opened in two stages: physical opening only at Fnac Annecy at first, one month before the general and national opening of ticket sales to encourage Annecy residents to buy tickets.
The ticket office thus opened May 13, 2025 physically, only at Fnac Courier in Annecy, then June 12, 2025 at points of sale within the France Billet network, both online and physical
Physical points of sale:
Carrefour; Fnac; Géant Casino; Auchan; France Billet networks; Ticket Master.
Online ticketing:
Tickets are on sale on the France Billet online ticketing platform.
As every year, several options will be available:
- Numbered seated seats
- Grandstands
- Spaces on the lawns of the Pâquier, Imperial, and Marquisats
On the program of the Fête du Lac 2025: a poetic and enchanting show
For this year 2025, the Fête du Lac returns with the artistic project of the French company Arteventia (pyrotechnician behind the July 14 fireworks in Annecy) “Ode to the Moon.” Divided into 6 acts, it is a powerful and colorful 70-minute show that the public will discover, combining pyrotechnics, water jets, lights, lasers, luminéoles, and batucadas.
A varied musical repertoire (30 pieces) and a narration by Benoît Allemane will accompany the performance for a total immersion, rich in emotions. Led by master-pyrotechnician Édouard Grégoire, this intergenerational show will highlight the elements of nature and human relationships.
Although it is true that the Fête du Lac has become one of the largest pyrotechnic shows in Europe, it remains above all a festival deeply rooted in the local imagination, a joyful and popular festival, a meeting between generations, a landmark in the year, a collective heartbeat.
It is in its original spirit that the Fête du Lac returns this year, a festive and convivial time that everyone is invited to live and explore, by the lake and in the neighborhoods, between fireworks and local activities.
Where to stay for the Fête du Lac 2025?
Finding accommodation during the Fête du Lac d’Annecy is very difficult, and it is essential to book well in advance. We advise you, if possible, to find accommodation in the heart of Annecy so that you don’t have to take a vehicle to get around.
Indeed, even if driving in the city is already complicated under normal circumstances, driving during the Fête du Lac is nearly impossible and promises long hours of traffic jams for the unwary. You can find many accommodations in Annecy through our partner Booking.
Transport and parking
The transport offer is strengthened this year with the goal of transporting 20,000 people by increasing trips and adapting schedules set up by SNCF voyageurs TER, APMFS, Lemanis company (with Léman Express), Sibra (with a special free Fête du Lac line and a Rives du Lac line), Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region (for intercity lines of regional coaches).
Coming by bus or coach
Sibra – Special Fête du Lac and Rythmo lines
The urban network is paid until 10 pm.
Returns at the end of the show are free, starting at 11 pm:
- Special Fête du Lac line with park and ride (P+R) at Lycée Baudelaire, departure from the Gare exchange hub,
- Special Fête du Lac line with park and ride (P+R) at Campus/Université de Savoie, departure from the Gare exchange hub,
- Rythmo line 1 (toward Meythet/Poisy), departure from Place François-de-Menthon,
- Rythmo line 2 (toward Cap Périaz), departure from the Gare exchange hub,
- Rythmo line 2 (toward Pringy), departure from Place François-de-Menthon,
- Rythmo line 3 (toward Cran-Gevrier/Chavanod), departure from the Gare exchange hub.
Find all information on the Sibra website.
Sibra – Return line to the lake shores
Tickets on sale exclusively at the Annecy Tourist Office located at Bonlieu and on the Office’s website, subject to availability, until Saturday, August 2, at 7 pm.
No tickets will be sold on the bus, reservation is mandatory.
Tickets are non-refundable, even if the Fête du Lac show is canceled.
Ticket checks will be performed when boarding the bus. For tickets purchased online, it is necessary to print them or download them on a mobile phone.
Flat rate: €10 per person (free for children under 3) for a return trip starting at 11:15 pm. Free for children under 3 (remember to reserve a ticket).
Returns at the end of the show are scheduled from 11:15 pm:
- West Shore – line 15:
Departures from the Sibra bus stop “Piscine Marquisats”, rue des Marquisats (opposite the Police Station). The villages of Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz and Duingt are served. - East Shore – line 20:
Departures along Albigny beach, avenue du Petit Port. The villages of Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires-Montmin Angon are served.
Book a ticket on the Tourist Office website.
Cars Région – Line Y51 to Albertville
This service will depart from the Annecy stop – avenue de Trésum, at 11:45 pm.
Paid, reservation required.
Book a ticket on the Transdev website.
Cars Région – Lines Y62/63 to Thônes, La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand
This service will depart from the Annecy stop – avenue du Petit Port, at 11:45 pm.
Paid, reservation required.
Book a ticket on the Transdev-Altibus website.
Cars Région – Special line Y22 service to Valserhône
This special service will depart from the usual Annecy bus station stop, at 11:45 pm.
All stops planned on line Y22 will be served.
This paid service will be accessible only by prior reservation via the reservation center “Allo La Région Vous Transporte”, by phone at 04 80 00 70 00 (reachable Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm).
More information on the Transdev website.
Coming by bike
The City is setting up 3 free and supervised bike parking areas from 6 pm to midnight. They are located near Sainte-Bernadette church, at the Marquisats and Place François-de-Menthon.
Don’t have a bike?
Vélonécy offers electric bikes on self-service.
More information on the Vélonécy website.
Coming by train
By TER
From Annecy station, adapted schedules and extra trains with SNCF.
- Returns to Chambéry: 11:55 pm, 12:10 am, 12:25 am
TER tickets at -40% and free for children under 12 years old.
Book a ticket on the SNCF TER site.
With APMFS
The Association for the Preservation of Savoyard Railway Equipment offers trains departing from Lyon, Aix-les-Bains, and Chambéry.
Book a ticket on the APMFS website.
With Léman Express
Adapted schedules and extra trains are offered with Léman Express:
- Departure, from Annemasse: 4:37 pm, 5:19 pm, 6:37 pm
- Return, from Annecy: 11:34 pm, 11:54 pm, 12:24 am
More info on the Léman Express website.
Coming by car
Park and ride lots
Park and ride lots will be set up to park vehicles on the outskirts of the city. Park your vehicle in the park and ride lots and take a line of the Sibra network to reach the city center: Cap Périaz zone, Lycée Baudelaire parking lot, Campus/Université de Savoie, Rabelais/Le Météore hall.
Warning! The Sibra network traffic plan is modified, and some lines will experience major disruptions.
Restrictions on downtown parking lots
Circulation restrictions put in place on August 2 will impact the opening of some downtown parking lots.
Bonlieu Parking
Entrances and exits only via rue Sommeiller between 5 pm and midnight.
City Hall Parking and Tournette Parking
These 2 parking lots are located in the area affected by the traffic plan put in place on the evening of the Fête du Lac.
No entry allowed into City Hall parking after 10 am and into Tournette parking after 5 pm.
No exit allowed until the complete evacuation of the public after the event (around midnight).
Traffic plan after the festival
Recommendations:
- Do not follow GPS routes before leaving the municipality.
- Follow temporary signage and police support to use this traffic plan efficiently.
- Prefer parking outside the city center to leave the municipality under better conditions.
- Parking as close as possible to the lake in Annecy implies a long waiting time to leave the city; evacuating the crowd (more than 46,000 people) from the Fête du Lac site requires keeping certain roads closed to car traffic.
To read: Find our complete guide to prepare your stay at Lake Annecy
Article mis à jour le 21 August 2026
