Want to know what’s on during your stay in the Aravis? Take a look at our list of things to do in the area, including events and activities in La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and Annecy too.
As well as these main events, you’ll find lots of other guided tours, concerts and activities to enjoy – take a look at the individual tourist office websites to find out more.
Note: We have tried to ensure that all details and events are as up to date as possible. However, events are subject to change, and we recommend that you check information about the event you wish to visit before you set out. Some of the details are only available in French, but we have included links to English information pages wherever possible.
Throughout the season
Market Days in the Aravis
Enjoy shopping at one of the area’s local markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to charcuterie to pottery and handmade gifts…
- Annecy – Tuesdays (food market), Fridays and Sundays. Last Saturday of the month – “brocante” (flea market)
- Chinaillon – Sunday mornings
- La Clusaz – Monday mornings
- Manigod – Tuesday mornings
- Le Grand Bornand – Wednesday mornings
Book your stay this summer in the Aravis
Calendar of events
Jump to your chosen month…
June
Throughout the summer season, you’ll find all sorts of activities and entertainment taking place in our resorts. Here are some of the highlights…
Guided nature walks – Natura 2000
Various dates
Location: Aravis
Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. Taking place from 9am to noon, you can explore sites such as Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard.
Le Gypaète Trail Run
Date: June 1st
Location: Le Grand Bornand
With a choice of courses – ranging from 14km to 76km – set in spectacular scenery, this is a trail running event that grows in popularity every year. Why not give it a go in 2024?
Alpsman Xtrem triathlon
Date: June 8th & 9th
Location: Annecy
Whether you’re watching or taking part , this extreme triathlon is a spectacular event. Starting with a 38km swim in Lake Annecy, participants then cycle 180km over five mountain passes and finishing with a 42km run finishing at the summit of the Semnoz. There are more accessible events, including a half triathlon and the Xperience Trirace, as well as the AlpsKid for younger guests.
Annecy Festival of Film Animation
Date: June 9th – 15th
Location: Annecy
The word’s largest animation festival brings film makers and animators from around the world to select the year’s best animated films in a variety of categories. Enjoy world premieres as well as free open-air showings on the Paquier, by the lake.
Le Bélier VTT
Date: June 15th & 16th
Location: La Clusaz
If you love mountain biking then why not take part in the Bélier VTT event, with various options for both adults and children? Taking place on the famed mountain biking trails around La Clusaz, this is the latest edition in the popular Bélier running and walking events.
Fête de la Musique
Date: June 21st
Location: Annecy
Several concert stages throughout this beautiful town offer free concerts of all genres – pop, rock, reggae, jazz etc.
Namass Pamouss Festival
Date: June 28th & 29th
Location: Manigod
Get together for a weekend of concerts, jam sessions and local produce in the heart of the mountains. The gathering is on the Tête du Cabeau, which can only be reached by foot – it’s 20 minutes from the top of the Col de Merdassier.
La Grand Bo Cycle Race
Date: June 29th & 30th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
Tackle some of the mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France in this cycle race organised by the Vélo-Club Du Grand Bornand. It’s open to cyclists aged 18 and over, and this year there’s a choice between a road or a gravel format.
International Triathlon
Date: June 30th
Location: Annecy
Swim in one of Europe’s purest lakes, cycle in the Bauges National Park with views of the lake and mountains, and finish with run through the heart of Annecy, between the Imperial Palace and the Lovers’ Bridge. More details here.
July
Guided nature walks – Natura 2000
Various dates
Location: Aravis
Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. Taking place from 9am to noon, you can explore sites such as Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard.
Discover Reblochon Cheese Making
Date: July 1st – August 31st
Location: Le Grand Bornand
Discover farm life and learn about the history and making of the famous Reblochon cheese. This event takes place on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am – book your place at the Grand Bornand tourist office.
Yoga Festival
Date: July 4th – 7th
Location: La Clusaz
Discover the physical and mental benefits of yoga or deepen your knowledge of this practice with four days of practices and event at the Satiam Yoga Festival.
Summer Market
Date: July 7th – August 25th
Location: Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon
Taking place from 8h – 12h30 every Sunday in the summer, this charming market in Chinaillon is a great place to find local cheeses, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade gifts and more.
Jeep Festival
Date: July 6th & 7th
Location: Col de la Croix Fry, Manigod
A huge collection of vintage jeeps and motorcycles are on display at this unusual Alpine festival. Enjoy discovery walks and demonstrations as well as a military camp and exhibitions. Food and drink is also available.
Firemen’s Ball
Date: July 13th
Location: La Clusaz
This traditional ball takes place on the eve of the national holiday. Starting at 6.30pm with a parade and demonstrations by the firemen, the ball follows, with a concert and fireworks.
National Day
Date: July 13th
Location: Chinaillon
A day of free entertainment, with inflatables, giant games and concerts followed by a fireworks display. Refreshments will be available.
Fête de la Montagne
Date: July 14th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
A festival celebrating all things ‘mountain’, with experts on hand to guide you and activities such as mountain biking and slackline to try. You can also enjoy a Savoyard dinner and fireworks that light up the Aravis mountains.
La Cour Lake Party
Date: July 23rd
Location: Chinaillon
A magical late summer evening starts in Chinaillon with a welcome drink and a short walk to the lake. Dinner will be served by the lake before a concert and a torchlit walk back, accompanied by the accordion. Wear hiking shoes and bring a picnic blanket.
The Eagle Trail
Date: July 21st
Location: Manigod
Join the Manigod sports club for this annual trail race. There’s a choice of two routes – 11km and 26km – as well as a children’s 2km event and an 11km Nordic walking race. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be guaranteed great views. This year all the races start from the foot of the Cabeau lift at Col de la Croix Fry, and participants can enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the race and a free reblochon cheese!
Savoyard Party
Date: July 24th
Location: La Clusaz
Enjoy a typical Savoyard meal followed by folk dancing from the Lou Socali folk group. More details here.
LCZ Summer Session
Date: July 31st
Location: La Clusaz
Think there’s no fun on the slopes in summer? The future stars of French skiing are here to prove you wrong, with a freestyle competition on one of the biggest airbags in Europe!
August
Guided nature walks – Natura 2000
Various dates
Location: Aravis
Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. Taking place from 9am to noon, you can explore sites such as Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard.
Summer Market
Date: July 7th – 25th August
Location: Le Grand bornand Chinaillon
Taking place from 8 am – 12.30 pm every Sunday in the summer, this charming market in Chinaillon is a great place to find local cheeses, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade gifts and more.
Fête de l’Alpage
Date: August 4th
Location: Chinaillon
A traditional festival focusing on the traditions of the mountain pastures. From open-air mass to demonstrations by herding dogs and wood-cutting competitions, there’s something for everyone. The day ends with a traditional meal, music and fireworks.
Village festival
Date: August 3rd-4th
Location: La Clusaz
A weekend of fun, games and entertainment for children at the village school, followed by a traditional dance that goes on late into the evening. Find out more here.
Reblochon festival
Date: August 11th
Location: La Clusaz
A festival celebrating the production of this famous cheese and the history of local farming. See how the cheese is made and taste it too. There’s also folk dancing, bread-making and a grand parade.
Sous l’Aiguille village festival
Date: August 11th
Location: Manigod
Demonstrations of traditional mountain crafts, such as farming and logging, and an outdoor mass are at the heart of this traditional village festival.
Le Bouquetin Cycle Climb
Date: August 15th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
This timed climb up the Col de la Colombière is open to anyone aged 16 and over – register with the Office Municipal des Sports et des Loisirs. The day starts with registration and bibs from 7am, and culminates in the prize-giving at 11pm.
Tour de France Women’s Race
Date: August 17th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
The 7th stage takes the competitors 167km from Champagnole to Le Grand Bornand, finishing with a 7km ascent on the Chinaillon climb.
Le Bélier Trail
Date: August 23rd – 25th
Location: La Clusaz
Runners and walkers aged eight and above, and of all abilities, can join in this trail race – one of the oldest in Haute Savoie and a major event on the French trail running calendar. There are different routes of varying lengths – check the website for more details and to sign up.
Au Bonheur des Mômes Children’s Festival
Date: August 25th – 29th
Various locations in Le Grand Bornand
The 32nd edition of this fantastic family festival will, as usual, be packed with fun, especially for children. You’ll find a wealth of shows, entertainers, musicians, magic and workshops to enjoy. Check the website for programme details and to book tickets.
September
Manigod Trail Challenge
Date: September 7th & 8th
Location: Col de Merdassier, Manigod
A choice of routes makes this challenge popular with trail runners of all levels. Runners with time to look around will be rewarded with some stunning views of Mont Charvin, Etale, the Beauregard Plateau and the Manigod Valley. There are new routes and new distances this year, so be sure to check out the website!
Foire de la Saint-Maurice
Date: September 28th
Location: Thônes
This festival of farming is a highlight of the agricultural calendar, but it’s a great day out for visitors too. The best cattle and cheeses are judged, and there’s a grand cow parade, a funfair and a farmers’ dinner, plus a dance in the evening. Local food is on sale throughout the day.
More information
You can find out about other events, tours and concerts on the individual tourist office websites:
