The Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity for a getaway to Haute-Savoie. Between nature, traditions, and gastronomy, the department offers a multitude of activities for young and old alike. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural discoveries, here are some essential ideas to fully enjoy your stay.
1. Explore the natural wonders
Spring hikes
Spring is the ideal season to go hiking and admire the stunning landscapes of Haute-Savoie. Some must-see trails:
- Le Plateau des Glières: An accessible walk offering a magnificent view of the Bornes Massif and a place steeped in history, marked by the Resistance during World War II.
- The Lac d’Annecy and the Col de la Forclaz: A hike with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, ideal for photography enthusiasts. Discover the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Annecy
- The Gorges du Fier: A spectacular walk on a suspended bridge above turbulent waters, perfect for a family outing.
Warning, due to the recent heavy snowfall on Thursday, April 17th, the snow cover is abundant and unstable. Do not venture into the mountains without first checking the avalanche risks, which could be very high in some areas.
Excursion to Mont Blanc
Take the cable car from the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Alps. For thrill seekers, the Pas dans le Vide promises a vertiginous experience by walking on a glass wall suspended more than 3,800 meters above sea level.
A climb with the Montenvers train will allow you to discover the remains of the Mer de Glace, as well as a breathtaking view of the Chamonix needles.
2. Experience Easter traditions
Easter egg hunts
Many towns and villages organize egg hunts for children. Among the most famous:
- Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard: An egg hunt in a magical setting, accompanied by costumed tours and fun workshops.
- Jardins Secrets de Vaulx: A fun and delightful activity in the heart of an enchanting garden where children must solve riddles to find chocolates.
Here are a few others throughout this Easter weekend:
- Lovagny: egg hunt in the gardens of Montrottier Castle. Saturday 19, Sunday 20, and Monday 21 April: between 9 am and 11:30 am. Price: €5 / child. Reservation HERE
- La Chapelle-d’Abondance: Easter egg hunt. Sunday 20 April 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm. Free. Registration at the town hall or library.
- For little ones up to 5 years old: an egg hunt at the playground area (under the tourist office).
- For 6-11 years: an egg hunt, treasure hunt, and quiz at the city stadium (under the school)
- Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: Go on an adventure with our Orientation Race-style Easter Egg Hunt! Riddles, exploration… and chocolate rewards at stake! Monday 21 April 2025 from 10 am to 11:30 am
- Annecy le vieux: Egg hunt at Clos des Sens. In a spirit of conviviality and innkeepers, Thomas Lorival and Franck Derouet chose to organize at the dawn of spring an egg hunt at the Cortil, garden of Clos des Sens in Annecy-Le-Vieux. At the end of this happy hunt, little adventurers will leave with a chocolate hen, created and offered by Patrick Agnellet, chocolatier pastry chef Annecy-le-Vieux, as well as small praline chocolate eggs, made and supplied by the Campus of Groisy. Sunday 20 April 2025 from 9:45 am to 12 pm. Phone: 04 50 23 07 90. Time slots:
- Meet at 9:45 am for a hunt at 10 am
- Meet at 10:20 am for a hunt at 10:35 am
- Meet at 10:50 am for a hunt at 11:10 am
- Meet at 11:30 am for a hunt at 11:45 am.
- Combloux : Chick egg hunt. At Easter, it’s the time to eat chocolate eggs, but first, there’s the egg hunt! The little ones will discover in the playground opposite Saint Nicolas church the gourmet treasures the bells brought for the occasion. Sunday 20 April 2025 from 11 am to 11:30 am, then from 11:30 am to 12 pm. Phone: 04 50 58 60 49
- Yvoire: Egg hunt at the Jardin des 5 sens. During their sensory walk in the maze alleys, participants will be surprised to discover amusing eggs scattered along their path. Finding just one egg will be enough to leave with a surprise. Sunday 20 April 2025, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.
- Bernex: Easter egg hunt. Sunday 20 April 2025 at 10 am, bring your basket to participate in the big Bernex Easter egg hunt in search of Easter chocolates. Mandatory registration at the tourist office before Saturday noon. Tel. 04 50 73 60 72
- Taninges: Easter egg hunt Saturday 19 April 2025 at 2 pm at the Chartreuse de Mélan.
- Bonneville: Easter egg hunt with game booths around the lake. Sunday 20 April 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm. 618 Av. de Savoie , 74130 Bonneville
- Abondance: Open egg hunts for children. Accompany your little ones to discover eggs hidden in nature. Sunday 20 April 2025 at 11 am. Last departure at 11:45 am. Rue de la Dranse , 74360 Abondance. 04 50 73 02 90
- Chatel: Egg hunt for very young children (under 5 years). Participate in a real Easter egg hunt in Châtel. Meet us on the Chemin de l’Eterlou at Pré la Joux to take part in the real Easter egg hunt in a natural and bucolic setting. Saturday 19 April 2025 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. 04 50 73 22 44
- Le Grand-Bornand: Easter egg hunt. Go hunt for hidden chocolate eggs in the village. An afternoon of relaxation and fun. Monday 21 April 2025 from 2 pm to 6 pm.
- La Clusaz: As every year, the Easter Bunny will visit La Clusaz, the perfect occasion to go on an egg hunt and bring back delicious chocolates. Meet at the tourist office reception to start this egg hunt! Monday 21 April 2025 from 9 am to 6 pm.
Heritage discovery
Take advantage of the weekend to visit the historical sites of Haute-Savoie:
- L’Abbaye d’Abondance: Discover its majestic cloister and the local heritage museum.
- The Old Town of Annecy: Stroll through its picturesque alleys, visit the Palais de l’Île, and admire the castle overlooking the lake.
- Yvoire, one of the most beautiful villages in France: Enjoy a walk along Lake Geneva, visit the Garden of Five Senses, and discover the medieval history of the town.
3. Savor local specialties
Tasting Savoyard cheeses
Visit a cheese shop or local market to taste local specialties:
- Farmhouse Reblochon, to enjoy in tartiflette or simply with bread and white wine from Savoie.
- Tomme de Savoie and Abondance, perfect for an authentic cheese platter.
- Raclette or fondue, a convivial experience ideal after a day of walking.
Easter chocolates and sweets
Easter is also the occasion to savor delicious artisanal chocolates. Visit:
- The Megève Artisan Chocolaterie, renowned for its original and gourmet creations.
- Le Palais du Chocolat in Annecy, a must for chocolate lovers.
- The master chocolatiers of Chamonix, where you will find chocolate eggs with refined flavors.
4. Family activities
Parks and leisure
If you are traveling with family, Haute-Savoie is brimming with activities to entertain young and old:
- The Parc Animalier de Merlet: Observe ibexes, chamois, and marmots in an exceptional natural setting.
- Vitam Parc in Neydens: A water and fun center with wave pools, slides, and wellness area.
- The Little Train of Annecy: A fun and relaxing way to discover the old town and its monuments.
Last slides of the season
Some ski resorts remain open during the Easter weekend. Enjoy the last runs at:
- Chamonix: A legendary area with slopes for all levels and exceptional panoramas.
- Avoriaz: A high-altitude resort still guaranteeing good snow conditions for pleasant spring skiing.
- La Clusaz: Combine skiing with a festive atmosphere and events in the resort, as well as discovery of the Aravis mountain range.
5. Good deals and tips
Discounts and special offers
- Reduced-price ski passes: Some resorts offer discounts for the final days of the season.
- Activity passes: Consider tourist cards (e.g., Pass’Portes du Mont Blanc) offering discounts on several attractions.
- Family deals: Accommodations and restaurants offer free children’s menus for Easter.
Parking and access
- Annecy: Favor park-and-ride car parks with free shuttles to avoid traffic jams. Traffic in Annecy can be a real problem, so simplify your trips by favoring buses and shuttles. See bus transportation in Annecy
- Chamonix: Arrive early to access parking close to the lifts.
- Yvoire: Park at the village entrance and enjoy walks on foot.
Best times to avoid crowds
- Chamonix and Annecy: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the calm.
- Parc de Merlet: Favor late morning to see the animals more active.
- Easter egg hunts: Register in advance, some activities fill up quickly.
Accommodation in Haute Savoie
Whether you are looking for a cottage, an Airbnb, a mountain chalet, a hotel, a view of Lake Annecy or the Chamonix needles, Haute-Savoie offers plenty of choices. Discover a selection from our partner Booking.
Final word
Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast or avowed foodie, Haute-Savoie is full of activities for an unforgettable Easter weekend. Between breathtaking landscapes, local traditions, and gourmet pleasures, every moment spent in this magnificent department will be synonymous with discovery and escape.
So, ready to experience a unique Easter weekend in Haute-Savoie?
Additionally:
