The Lake Festival 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 marked drought and high fire risk, the City calls on everyone to exercise the utmost caution, especially on the heights of Mont Veyrier, where many visitors traditionally gather to admire the free fireworks display.
The show is maintained despite the context
While several fireworks displays have been canceled in recent days in France due to fire risk, Annecy has confirmed the continuation of its famous Lake Festival.
The municipality explains that the show is launched from barges installed on the lake, a setup that greatly limits the risks of fire spread. Approximately 2.2 tons of pyrotechnic material will thus be used in a secured 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 nevertheless decided to strengthen security measures. The trails will remain accessible to pedestrians, but certain 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 dryness of the vegetation, the municipality stresses a few simple but essential rules:
- do no fires, not even small ones;
- do not throw any cigarette butts on the ground;
- do not use barbecues or stoves;
- do not leave waste that could promote the start of a fire.
A few seconds of inattention are enough to cause a fire in particularly dry vegetation at the end of July.
A major security system deployed
To secure the most frequented areas, 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, health issues, or possible fire outbreaks.
Restrictions on private fireworks
Alongside the event, the Haute-Savoie prefecture reminds that several restrictions are in force around the Lake Festival. The purchase, transport, possession, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles are especially 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
The Lake Festival remains one of the largest pyrotechnic shows in Europe and attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year, both on official stands and on the natural viewpoints surrounding the lake.
In the current context, everyone is invited 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 fire outbreaks and help preserve the massifs overlooking Lake Annecy.
To read: Find our complete guide to preparing your stay at Lake Annecy
Cover photo: AI illustration, fictitious image
