La Fête du Lac makes its grand return this Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Annecy. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend the pyrotechnic show “The Soul of the World.” But in a context of severe drought and high fire risk, the City calls for the utmost vigilance, especially on the heights of Mont Veyrier, where many visitors traditionally gather to watch the fireworks for free.
The show will continue despite the context
While several fireworks displays have been canceled in France in recent days due to fire risk, Annecy has confirmed the continuation of its famous Fête du Lac.
The municipality explains that the show is launched from barges installed on the lake, a setup that greatly limits the risk of fire spreading. The approximately 2.2 tons of pyrotechnic material will thus be used in a secure environment above the water.
Mont Veyrier will remain accessible
Good news for the many residents and visitors who like to watch the show from the heights: the Mont Veyrier massif will not be closed on Saturday evening.
The City has nonetheless decided to strengthen security measures. The trails will remain accessible to pedestrians, but some roads will be closed to prevent vehicles from accessing the “Sur les Bois” area. The fields will also remain off-limits, as during the previous edition.
“No fires, no cigarette butts”
Given the drought of the vegetation, the municipality stresses a few simple but essential rules:
- do no fires, even small ones;
- do not throw any cigarette butts on the ground;
- do not use a barbecue or stove;
- do not leave any waste that could promote a fire outbreak.
A few seconds of inattention are enough to cause a fire in particularly dry vegetation at the end of July.
An important security deployment
To secure the busiest areas, the authorities have planned a reinforced system. Law enforcement, rescue teams, and mountain specialists will be mobilized, notably:
- the PGHM (High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon);
- the GRIMP, specialized in difficult environment interventions;
- mountain rescuers.
Their presence aims to intervene quickly in case of accidents, fainting, or potential fire outbreaks.
Restrictions on private fireworks
Alongside the event, the Haute-Savoie prefecture reminds that several restrictions are in place around the Fête du Lac. The purchase, transport, possession, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles are specifically regulated in the municipalities of Annecy, Sévrier, Veyrier-du-Lac, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard to limit any additional risk.
Enjoy the festival… while staying vigilant
La Fête du Lac remains one of the largest pyrotechnic shows in Europe and attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year, both on official stands and on the natural viewpoints surrounding the lake.
In the current context, everyone is encouraged to adopt responsible behavior so that this festive evening remains a moment of conviviality. A simple precaution, such as keeping cigarette butts in a pocket ashtray or refraining from lighting a stove on the heights, can be enough to prevent a fire and help preserve the massifs overlooking Lake Annecy.
Cover photo: AI illustration, fictional image
