Activities / Events

Every winter, in the heart of the snow-covered mountains of Haute-Savoie, an event takes place that draws the attention of winter sports and wilderness enthusiasts: La Grande Odyssée, one of the most prestigious sled dog races in the world. With its magnificent landscapes and extreme challenges, this competition is a true human and animal adventure, … Learn more

Descente des Alpages 2024 in Annecy Welcome to Annecy, one of the most beautiful cities in France, nestled in the heart of the Alps, which is part of the must-see places to visit in Haute Savoie! Known for its majestic lake, Savoyard traditions, and robust health, Annecy has new surprises in store for the coming … Learn more

On October 19 and 20, 2024 the entire village of Mieussy invites you to the traditional Autumn Fair of Mieussy. On the occasion of this 38th edition, the festival committee, the tourist office, the municipality and the technical services of Mieussy, the associations and the many volunteers are all preparing a weekend of celebration together, … Learn more

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the traditional Saint André Fair will take place in the city center of Annecy. With five centuries of existence, this emblematic Saint André Fair, featuring 1100 merchants and 5.5 km of stalls, once again attracts tens of thousands of shoppers looking for good deals … Learn more

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. will host the traditional Saint-André Fair with its 1100 merchants and its 5.5 km of stalls. This fair, boasting 5 centuries of existence, will once again attract tens of thousands of shoppers this year looking for good deals. Since the Middle Ages, the Saint-André fair … Learn more

Update date: 12/10/2025 As the year 2025 comes to an end, the towns, villages, and resorts of Haute-Savoie prepare to celebrate the arrival of the new year with sparkling lights. The fireworks, essential during New Year’s Eve, offer a breathtaking show that gathers an impressive crowd every year. But where can you admire these bursts … Learn more

For 28 years, when the end of winter arrives, the old neighborhoods and the shores of the lake are adorned with the colors of hundreds of Venetian masks & costumes. Another way to discover the city of Annecy, which then perfectly lives up to its nickname “Venice of the Alps”. What is the history of … Learn more

Summer 2025 promises to be scorching hot in Haute-Savoie, and not just because of the sun! Between mountains, lakes, and valleys, the region transforms into a gigantic open-air dancefloor. Here is a selection of festivals not to be missed to stock up on music, good vibes, and unforgettable memories. Festival Musiques en Stock – Scionzier … Learn more

Here is a small selection of animations, events, manifestations—in short, outing ideas for the long weekend of May 8, 9, 10, and 11, 2025, in Haute-Savoie. The season of alpine pasture ascents also begins this weekend (weather permitting), with Thônes inaugurating the ascents. Enjoy this second long weekend of May. All weekend Les voiles du … Learn more

Every summer, the peaceful streets of Samoëns transform to the rhythm of cowboy boots, country guitar chords, and Harley Davidson engines. The Samoëns American Festival returns from Thursday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29, 2025 for a new immersive, festive, and completely changing edition. A unique festival in the heart of the Alps The Samoëns … Learn more

The 21st European Night of Museums returns once again this year and takes place Saturday, May 17, 2025 all across France. In Haute-Savoie, many museums open their doors for free on this occasion from dusk until midnight. So, night owls and culture enthusiasts beware… Here are some activities, mostly free, offered for the Night of Museums. Annecy … Learn more

Every year in June, Annecy becomes the world capital of animation. Created in 1960, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival is now recognized as the most prestigious event of its kind. Professionals, students, renowned studios, and passionate amateurs converge on the shores of the lake to celebrate the extraordinary diversity and richness of animated cinema. … Learn more

Article updated on: 07/13/2026 Are you spending your holidays in Haute Savoie? Take the opportunity to go see the unmissable 14th of July fireworks in Haute Savoie. As every year, Haute-Savoie lights up with a thousand lights every July 14th to celebrate the National Day: small mountain villages and lakeside towns compete in ingenuity to … Learn more

A must-have tradition in Haute-Savoie, as everywhere in France, and for the great happiness of both little and big ones, many fireworks will be set off for August 15th on the occasion of the Assumption feast. But where to admire them in our department? Here is an overview of the locations and schedules for the … Learn more

Sunday, August 23, 2026, will host the 48th edition of the Belle Dimanche in the Châtel resort, at Plaine Dranse. La Belle Dimanche is among the oldest and most deeply rooted festivals in the traditional Savoyard heritage.For the great pleasure of everyone, it honors the shepherds and their flocks as well as traditional craftsmanship. The … Learn more

Dive into the Chamonix Guides Festival, an iconic moment in Haute‑Savoie that combines tradition, solidarity, and immersion in the mountains. The Guides Festival: a tradition to celebrate since 1924 Since 1924, every August 15, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, the oldest and largest of its kind in the world, organizes its Guides Festival. The … Learn more

Each autumn, the mountains of Haute-Savoie come alive with the rhythm of the alpine descents. These traditional, colorful festivals mark the return of the herds to the valleys and celebrate an ancestral heritage. Between folklore, gastronomy, and conviviality, here are the must-experience descents in October. A living tradition at the heart of the mountains The … Learn more

Located on the grounds of the Grand Parc d’Andilly, at the Mont-Sion pass between Annecy and Geneva, the Hameau du Père Noël is a magical destination that comes to life from autumn onwards to offer children and adults an immersive journey into the world of Christmas. This place, managed by the association Le Petit Pays … Learn more

The Caïon Festival is ready to enchant the streets of Annecy once again this autumn. This gastronomic event dedicated to pork specialties is a perfect opportunity to gather with family or friends to celebrate together the rich culinary heritage of Savoy. A flavorful tradition rooted in local history The term “Caïon,” which designates the pig … Learn more

Autumn is settling in Haute-Savoie, bringing with it the desire to play with shadows, to enjoy time with family or friends… and why not celebrate a little bit of Halloween spirit in the mountains! Here is an overview of original outing ideas across the department, blending nature, creative activities, thrills, and conviviality. 1. Creative workshops … Learn more

Every year, in the heart of autumn, Bonneville comes alive to the rhythm of an event that spans centuries: the Saint Martin Fair. It is one of the oldest meetings in Haute-Savoie, a tradition that is at once agricultural, commercial, and friendly, bringing together residents, the curious, and enthusiasts from across the department. Once again … Learn more

Like every year, the Menthon Saint Bernard Santa Claus castle turns into a magical world where history and magic meet. The golden lights caress the medieval walls, the scents of cinnamon and mulled wine envelop the visitors, while Christmas carols echo between the ancient towers. At the craft market, local creators display unique objects, and … Learn more

Each year-end, the city of Annecy transforms into a true open-air festive village for the occasion of the Christmas of the Alps. This 2025 edition promises to be particularly rich: from November 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026, squares, quays, streets, and gardens will be enlivened by Christmas markets, activities, an ice rink, and illuminations. … Learn more

Each winter, the city of Annecy in Haute-Savoie transforms into a true fairyland thanks to the Christmas Market, renamed for the occasion “Christmas of the Alps”. For 2025, the edition is adorned with remarkable new features: an extended route, optimized hours, and a wide range of activities for all ages. Key dates and times New … Learn more

Update date: 12/10/2025 As Christmas approaches quickly, several cities, villages, and resorts of Haute-Savoie immerse you in the Christmas spirit with their events and their fireworks, best enjoyed with a good mulled wine! Well, for big kids only, mulled wine of course! Sommand : Show “Not even scared of Santa Claus” from 4:30 p.m. in … Learn more

A warm and gourmet weekend On the place des Allobroges, the Christmas village opens its doors in a friendly atmosphere. The Clusian associations hold tasting chalets where the scents of fondue, raclette, oysters and other winter specialties mingle, to be enjoyed with family or friends. Just a few steps away, the artisan market, set up … Learn more

Last weekend for the preparations for the end of year celebrations, and the start of the Christmas holidays. All ski resorts are ready to welcome holidaymakers, with or without snow, but always in a friendly atmosphere! Here is a small selection of activities, events, manifestations, in short, outing ideas for the weekend of December 20 … Learn more