Don’t miss any of the latest news from Haute-Savoie! Cultural events, festivals and celebrations, new tourist attractions, and seasonal activities—this section keeps you informed about everything happening in the region. Stay up-to-date on the highlights and unmissable events that shape life in the resorts, villages, and towns of Haute-Savoie. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, stay connected to the news of this dynamic and tradition-rich region.
Autumn in Haute-Savoie transforms the landscapes into blazing paintings. The waterfalls, swollen by the seasonal rains and surrounded by colorful forests, then offer a spectacular sight. Focus on two natural wonders: the Rouget waterfall, nicknamed “the Queen of the Alps,” and the Ardent waterfall, a discreet gem of the Chablais. The Rouget waterfall: majestic and … Learn more
At the heart of Haute-Savoie, the Plateau des Glières today attracts hikers for its alpine pastures and magnificent panoramas. Yet, behind this postcard-perfect setting lies a tragic chapter of French history that everyone should know. A natural setting of striking beauty Located at nearly 1,450 meters of altitude, between the Bornes massif and that of … Learn more
Just steps from the village of Mont-Saxonnex, nestled between dense forests and dizzying cliffs, the Dard waterfall remains one of those discreet treasures known to few visitors. Accessible in just a few minutes’ walk, it nonetheless offers a setting worthy of a fairy tale. A natural setting at the foot of the Bargy The Dard … 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
Just a few kilometers from Haute-Savoie, nestled on the peaceful shores of Lake Geneva, Hermance is one of those villages you fall in love with at first sight. This perfectly preserved Swiss town captivates with its medieval charm and timeless atmosphere. A postcard-perfect setting on the shores of Lake Geneva Upon arriving in Hermance, you … Learn more
Little known even to locals, the mysterious waterfall of Grand-Bornand intrigues as much as it amazes. Nestled in a discreet valley in Chinaillon, this waterfall surrounded by legends offers an easy and refreshing walk, ideal for escaping a few hours in the heart of the Aravis. A waterfall with an enigmatic name Why is it … Learn more
A stone’s throw from Mieussy, in the Giffre valley, hides a place both mysterious and full of history: the Jourdy cave. A natural sanctuary, refuge during the Revolution, and today a pilgrimage site, this cavity crossed by a clear spring attracts hikers in search of authenticity and spirituality. A sanctuary nestled in the mountain The … Learn more
Autumn transforms the landscapes around Lake Annecy into a blazing palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. It is the ideal season to discover or rediscover the trails bordering this jewel of the French Alps. Here is a selection of the most beautiful walks to take during this golden season. The Roselières Trail: a walk accessible … Learn more
Just ten minutes from Annecy, the Montrottier Castle rises like a fairy tale setting. A perfectly preserved medieval fortress, a surprising cabinet of curiosities, and an exceptional panorama of the Alps: this little-known site holds many emotions for those who cross its drawbridge. A medieval castle with intact charm Built between the 13th and 15th … Learn more
Rain shows up during your stay in Annecy? No worries! Under the clouds, the “Venice of the Alps” reveals another side, more intimate and poetic. Museums, workshops, cozy cafes, sheltered walks… discover all the activity ideas to enjoy Annecy, even when the sky is overcast. Annecy in the rain: a different atmosphere, but just as … 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
I still remember my first glance at Annecy: the crystal-clear waters of the lake sparkled under a bright sun, the mountains were reflected in the mirror of water, and the alleys of the old town seemed to emerge from a dream. Annecy truly lives up to its image as a romantic jewel of the Alps … Learn more
Lake Annecy, this gem of the French Alps, is now in an alarming situation. This natural jewel, admired for its waters of unmatched blue, faces a silent but devastating threat that could make it disappear much faster than we imagined. Without decisive intervention, this aquatic paradise risks vanishing before our eyes, taking with it not … Learn more
The ski season is rapidly approaching, it is time to think about preparing your equipment. For those who do not yet have all the equipment or who wish to change it, don’t forget the Haute-Savoie ski exchanges. Here are the opening dates of the main ski resorts in Haute-Savoie: Avoriaz : From December 12, 2025 … Learn more
Châtel: The Savoyard Pearl Shining Among Europe’s Best Resorts While some are finalizing their plans for the All Saints’ Day holidays and others are looking for family activities for the coming days, winter sports enthusiasts are already turning their gaze towards the snow-covered peaks of the season. And for good reason: mountain stays are ideally … 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
Report. With Haute-Savoie: between lakes & mountains, the photographer and content creator Julien Audigier delivers a beautiful work that combines sweeping landscapes and ideas for getaways. Published on December 7, 2024, the book has already sold more than 800 copies, a success driven by a clear attachment to this territory and by careful production, entirely … Learn more
Between authentic village atmosphere, grandiose panoramas, and a friendly vibe, this ski resort in Haute-Savoie is one of the most popular in the Alps. Summer or winter, it offers a concentrated dose of everything we love about the mountains. A mountain village with charm that remains intact Nestled in the heart of the Aravis massif, … Learn more
The news has just been confirmed: the Plateau de Solaison, in Haute-Savoie, will be the finish location of the 15th stage of the 2026 Tour de France, on Sunday, July 19. A major event for this site perched at 1,500 m altitude, until now mostly known by hikers and experienced cyclists. A formidable climb, worthy … Learn more
Autumn, with its cooler temperatures and shorter days, offers an enchanting setting for hiking enthusiasts. This golden season is the perfect time to escape into nature, whether you are an experienced walker or a beginner eager to discover this activity. During your autumn journeys, nature will reveal its most precious treasures. The forests adorn themselves … Learn more
A natural gem in the heart of the forest Within the charming territory of Onnion, nestled in a surrounding forest atmosphere, hides La Gouille sous le Pont de la Tourne, a place sure to delight lovers of calm, freshness, and discovery. The discreet charm of a well-kept spot What makes this place unique? Its gentle … Learn more
In the heart of the Alps, nestled between the majestic peaks of the Aravis massif, Le Grand-Bornand embodies everything we love about the mountains: a magnificent setting, a preserved village atmosphere, and a multitude of activities to enjoy in all seasons. This Haute-Savoie resort offers a rare balance between Alpine traditions, skiing for all, and … Learn more
In the heart of Chamonix, facing Mont Blanc, the Musée des Cristaux is a real gem for lovers of nature, science, and raw beauty. Located in the Espace Tairraz, this unique place reveals the mineral wonders of the Mont Blanc massif and beyond. It’s a captivating visit, both for the curious and for geology enthusiasts … 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
When the mountains are dressed in gold, copper, and rust, Haute-Savoie becomes a vast living painting. In early November, the season of long hikes gives way to contemplative strolls, ideal for enjoying the last flames of autumn before the arrival of snow. Here is a selection of the most beautiful walks to do with family … Learn more
There is, just a few bends from Lake Annecy, a quiet village that postcards often ignore. A place where the silence of the alpine pastures replaces the noise of cars, where wooden chalets seem to watch over the valley as they did a hundred years ago. Here, time flows differently. It is measured by the … Learn more
It only takes a few minutes leaving Chamonix to discover a place of striking beauty. Hidden beneath the blazing trees, the Dard waterfall reveals itself like a natural jewel, bursting with colors in the heart of autumn. Few visitors imagine that such a spectacle lies just steps from Mont Blanc, only a few turns away … Learn more
Along a mountain road lined with spruces, a hamlet appears, as if placed on a balcony suspended facing the peaks. The snowy roofs sparkle in the sun, the chimneys gently smoke, and one immediately feels that here, time flows differently. Nothing ostentatious, no flashy luxury, just the promise of a true mountain moment, sincere and … Learn more
Launch of the 2025-2026 Winter Season The first snowflakes have fallen on the mountains of Haute-Savoie, the winter season officially begins as of November 2025, with some high-altitude areas opening very early. In Haute-Savoie, openings mostly occur in December, with some resorts offering a pre-opening depending on snow cover. Selected Opening Dates in Haute-Savoie Here … 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
Being a land of mountains, lakes, and picturesque villages attracts millions of visitors each year. But in Haute-Savoie, this appeal is beginning to raise tensions. Between summer congestion, soaring property prices, and a sense of dispossession, the line between criticism of mass tourism and outright rejection of visitors is becoming increasingly blurred. A sought-after… and … 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
Spending a few days on the slopes without blowing your budget is possible. Haute-Savoie, often seen as an expensive destination, actually holds some real good deals to enjoy the snow at a reasonable price. Between smart choices of resorts, alternatives to large ski areas, and tips to reduce equipment or pass costs, here is a … Learn more
The charming alpine resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in Haute-Savoie, was recently crowned by the prestigious American magazine Condé Nast Traveler as the only French destination featured in its ranking « The Best Places to Go in 2026 ». This distinction marks a turning point: far from being solely a traditional winter sports destination, Saint-Gervais asserts itself … Learn more
If you dream of a weekend away from noise, crowds, and overly popular resorts, there is a village in Haute-Savoie that seems suspended outside of time. Nestled at the bottom of a protected valley, surrounded by forests, glaciers, and silence, Les Contamines-Montjoie offers an alpine break like no other. Here, you come to breathe, slow … Learn more
The elected representatives from Savoy have confirmed a major decision for the future of the Mont-Blanc tunnel: from 2030, the structure will undergo a series of planned closures lasting 17 years, with several months of shutdown each year. This option, preferred over a total closure of more than three years, aims to reconcile safety, modernization, … Learn more
Every autumn in Annecy, excitement rises: the Saint-André Funfair sets up on the place des Romains and transforms the city center into a sanctuary of entertainment and thrills. In 2025, it will take place from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, December 7. With more than 30 rides and attractions, it targets both young and old: … Learn more
Tired of crowded resorts? Haute-Savoie in winter offers far more than busy slopes. I lose myself in these secret places where the snow muffles sounds and time seems suspended. Between hand-carved chalets, rare authenticity, and breathtaking landscapes like the Dents du Midi, every moment becomes an authentic escape, like a well-kept secret. The pure air, … 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
Hard to resist its charm. Between the emerald lake, majestic mountains, and delicate art of living, Annecy continues to attract attention… and the most demanding investors. Since the post-Covid period, the Haute-Savoie town has experienced a meteoric rise in the high-end real estate market, to the point of becoming one of the most sought-after destinations … Learn more