With lush green mountains, sparkling lakes, and charming villages, the Lake Annecy area offers an ideal setting for enjoying summer in Haute-Savoie. The season is filled with a rich variety of cultural, sporting and festive events that bring together locals and visitors. To help you plan your stay, have a look at these must-see events in Annecy, Sévrier, Talloires-Montmin and Veyrier-du-Lac.
To help you plan your stay, you’ll find a list at the end of the article of the regular events and activities taking place throughout the season.
Table of content
Click on the section you would like to jump to…
The highlights of the summer in the Annecy area
Here are the events personally recommended by the OVO Network team…
The Animation Film Festival
21–27 June
Annecy
It is no exaggeration to say that Annecy is to animated film what Cannes is to cinema. Even if you are not a film enthusiast, come and enjoy an open-air screening by the lake.
Lake Annecy festival
1 August
Lac d’Annecy
The largest pyrotechnic show in Europe lights up Lake Annecy every year, creating a colourful spectacle that we promise you will never forget.
Annecy Triathlon
26–27 September
Annecy
Swimming in one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, cycling through the Bauges Regional Nature Park and running through the medieval heart of Annecy… Could this be the most beautiful triathlon in the world?
Book your chalet in the Lake Annecy area
Calendar of events in the Lake Annecy area this summer
JUNE
The Classical hours
18–26 June
Menthon-Saint-Bernard
The chateau’s prestigious grand salon will open its doors to music lovers for an intimate classical music festival. Guests will have the opportunity to share a cocktail with the musicians after each performance. Tickets are €45 or €38 for concessions, with free admission for children up to 5 years old.
Annecy Animation Film Festival
21–27 June
Annecy
The world’s largest animation film festival brings together international directors and animators to select the best films across different categories. A full programme combining exhibitions, conferences and open-air screenings by the lake.
Fête de la Musique
21 June
Annecy
To celebrate this now unmissable music festival, stages will be set up at several key locations in Annecy’s old town. Pop, reggae, rock, jazz – this year as every year, there will be something for everyone!
Malaz Festival
22–27 June
Annecy
The magnificent shady park of the Maison de Malaz is the idyllic setting for some wonderful open-air theatre productions. Admission to the performances is free with a suggested contribution, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Outdoor climbing course for ages 8–15
24 June
Annecy
Young adventurers can discover the joys of climbing on the natural rock faces of La Grande Jeanne, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors. Children will learn safety knots and climbing techniques to gain height with confidence while developing agility and a spirit of teamwork.
Guinguette dance evening
26 June
Annecy
A wonderfully retro atmosphere will take over the Forum des Romains beneath the colourful lanterns. Host Hubert Ledent will bring all generations together on the floor to dance and have fun to the rhythm of upbeat popular music. Admission is free, and a paid light refreshment service will be available.
Bodø Cathedral Girls’ Choir
27 June
Veyrier-du-Lac
The gentle voices of this group from Norway will resonate in through this reflective setting from 8:30pm. The audience will travel through traditional Scandinavian songs and sacred works. This exceptional concert will offer a timeless musical interlude for all lovers of choral music.
Show: “A Bone in the Cosmos”
27 June
Annecy
A hilarious theatrical parody of great science-fiction films will take to the stage at Le Brise Glace at 8pm. The actors will take audiences of all ages on a quirky journey through space filled with visual gags. Entry to this humorous intergalactic odyssey will be free.
Sev’s children – Festival des Musiques du Genevois
27–28 June
Sévrier
Five hundred passionate musicians will come together at the Complexe d’Animation and in the Prieuré Gardens for a spectacular weekend. The Sévrier Wind Orchestra will celebrate its 120th anniversary with a memorable concert at 8:30pm on Saturday.
The Musical Shores
29 June–1 July
Saint-Jorioz, Leschaux, Duingt
Three lakeside towns will come together for the second edition of this music festival. Audiences will enjoy a variety of concerts showcasing the richness of chamber music, including performances on historic wind and string instruments.
JULY
Bingo Summer
2 July
Annecy
Le Petit Port will come alive from 6-10pm with a summer twist on bingo, just a few steps from the lake. Players will mark their cards in a fun atmosphere and try to win a variety of original prizes. Cocktails and refreshments will accompany this fun evening.
Vital’été
6 July–30 August
Annecy
The summer season will be full of activities in Annecy! There’s a wide range of free sports and dance sessions, such as Pilates, outdoor yoga, tango and aqua jogging, giving you the chance to look after your wellbeing with daily sessions suitable for all levels.
Musical Siesta: Under the Sea
8 July
Annecy
Sink into a bubble of relaxation at this one-hour listening session, starting at 2:30pm at the Seynod media library. Close your eyes and let yourself drift away to the rhythm of a soothing musical programme. Bring your own deckchair or mat to enjoy this moment in comfort.
Giant Family Cluedo
8 July and 5 August
Lovagny
A mysterious criminal case will challenge the detective skills of budding investigators aged 7 and over. Teams will explore every corner of Château de Montrottier to question suspects and uncover hidden clues. You can also take the opportunity to visit the château while you’re there.
7200 Kilometres Solidarity Challenge
11–12 July
Annecy
Big-hearted athletes will combine their efforts by walking, running, or cycling to reach a symbolic goal. Each kilometre covered will help raise valuable funds for a worthy cause.
Bastille Day
14 July
Talloires-Montmin
To celebrate the national holiday, a magical fireworks display will light up the bay as night falls. The Cercle Nautique will run a refreshment bar and a light food stall from 7:45pm. A music group and a DJ will accompany this free event by the water.
Big summer sale
18 July
Annecy
The town centre shops will set up stalls on the pavements, taking over the pedestrian streets in a lively summer market atmosphere. It will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy exceptional offers and find great bargains, from branded clothing to decorative items at reduced prices.
Makers’ market
19 July and 16 August
Veyrier-du-Lac
Around thirty local makers will display their finest creations from 10am to 7pm, on the shores of Lake Annecy. Take the opportunity to admire (and purchase) original jewellery, unique decorative items and locally made clothing.
Panic Fest
24–25 July
Saint-Félix
The largest extreme music festival in the Savoie regions will bring twelve high-energy bands, who will get festival-goers rocking to the sounds of rock, punk, and metal. A large village of independent exhibitors will complete this unmissable event for all fans of powerful music.
Art and Creators’ Markets
25 July and 29 August
Annecy
Around thirty amateur and professional painters, as well as independent jewellery and clothing designers, will take over Quai Vicenza in Annecy, from 8am to 6pm. Art lovers will have the opportunity to meet directly with the creators and buy original locally made pieces.
The Legend of the Knights
29–30 July
Lovagny
Proud knights will face each other in jousting tournaments and sword fights at Château de Montrottier at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Children will also be able to take part in medieval games, bringing the days of chivalry back to life.
AUGUST
Lake Annecy Festival
1 August
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy will light up in a thousand colours in Europe’s largest pyrotechnic show. Held on the Bay of Albigny, the 70-minute spectacle will combine fireworks, water jets, lasers and a sound and light show. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Swim across Lake Annecy
15 August
Lake Annecy
If you feel like taking on a slightly crazy physical challenge, come and try this new edition of the Lake Annecy swim crossing. Four distances are available, ranging from 1 to 10 kilometres.
Journey to medieval lands
15–16 August
Clermont
A huge historical re-enactment at Château de Clermont will transport spectators back to the time of lords and troubadours through demonstrations of blacksmithing and traditional crafts, as well as archery and sword-fighting workshops.
Impérial Annecy Festival
18–28 August
Annecy
Jazz, classical music and comedy will take centre stage in an this idyllic setting between the lake and the mountains. Around 20 events will bring summer evenings to life at the Impérial Palace. Half of the programme will be open to the general public free of charge.
The Legend of the Knights
19–20 August
Lovagny
Proud knights will face each other in jousting tournaments and sword fights at Château de Montrottier at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Children will also be able to take part in immersive medieval games, bringing the great days of chivalry back to life.
Open-Air Mountain Cinema
19 August
Talloires-Montmin
A free film screening on a giant screen will take place under the stars after nightfall. Film lovers can enjoy a great family movie (yet to be announced), comfortably seated at the foot of the mountains.
SEPTEMBER
Makers’ market
5 September
Annecy
Local artisans will come together for the “Bien Fait” market in the Lac district. Discover handmade cosmetics, ceramics, jewellery, clothing and illustrations, which could make unforgettable souvenirs to take home from your stay.
Annecy Triathlon
26–27 September
Annecy
Come and swim in one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, cycle through the Bauges Regional Nature Park and run through the medieval heart of Annecy. A spectacular setting for a particularly challenging competition, featuring 1.5km of swimming, 43km of cycling and 10 km of running.
Book your chalet in the Lake Annecy area
Events and activities throughout the season
Market days around Lake Annecy
Do your shopping at one of the busy markets in the resorts. You will find regional specialities such as cheese and cured meats, as well as crafts and souvenirs to take home.
- Annecy Old Town: every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, from 7am to 1pm
- Place des Romains (Annecy): every Tuesday, from 7am to 5:30pm
- Saint-Jorioz: every Tuesday, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, and every Thursday, from 7am to 12:30pm
- Sévrier: every Wednesday, from 7am to 12:30pm
- Veyrier-du-Lac: every Friday, from 8am to 12pm
Farm visits
Several farms near Lake Annecy are open to visitors. It is the perfect chance to discover Alpine traditions, meet the farm animals, and taste local products.
Ferme Les Noisetiers, Leschaux
Thursday and Friday afternoons
For more information, click here
Ferme de Chosal, Copponex
Every day
For more information, click here
Regular activities
Ah, La Belle Saison!
Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 18 June to 23 July
Annecy
Annecy celebrates street arts for an entire month with this free live performance festival. Every Tuesday and Thursday, circus, music, theatre, and dance will take over the city’s streets and squares, including the Jardins de l’Europe, Albigny, Cran-Gevrier, and more.
Open-air cinema
26 June, 24 July and 28 August
Annecy
Temporary cinemas will be set up throughout the city, with free screenings starting after nightfall. For your own comfort, you are advised to bring your own deckchair or blanket.
Clermont en scène festival
Every Saturday, from 27 June to 1 August
Annecy
Château de Clermont will come alive every Saturday with live performances cleverly blending humour, theatre and music. The artists will take over the courtyard to deliver memorable shows in a unique heritage setting.
Les P’tits Bals Perdus
Every Sunday, from 28 June to 30 August
Annecy
Dancers will gather outdoors to share moments of pure intergenerational joy. A lively orchestra will play guinguette, swing and rock tunes to get the audience on their feet during this free event.
AnciMômes
Every Wednesday, from 8 July to 12 August
Annecy
Magic, humour, songs… a series of short shows and activities for children aged 3 to 10 will be organised every Wednesday evening, from mid-July to mid-August. They will take place on Albigny Beach at 8pm.
Annecy Paysages art trail
All summer
Annecy
Some of the contemporary art installations that adorned Annecy’s most popular locations last year are still on display. Follow this artistic trail via the event’s website, or ask for a brochure at the tourist office.
The information presented in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. As organisers may change dates, times, prices or access conditions without notice, we recommend checking the official channels of each event before your visit.
Practical advice to help you plan your holiday
Tourist offices
Check the Lake Annecy Tourist Office website to find out about other concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours taking place during your stay:
Transport
By car: From the A41 motorway, take exit 16 (Annecy Centre) or 17 (Annecy Nord). Then follow the signs for the lake depending on where you are staying: the D1508 road runs along the western shore, while the D909A serves the eastern shore.
By train: Annecy station offers direct connections from Paris (3h45), Lyon, and Chambéry. If you are staying outside Annecy, you can complete your journey by bus. Take line Y51 for the western shore or lines Y62 / Y63 for the eastern shore. The Lake Annecy Boat Company also offers transfers by boat.
By air: The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), just 45km away (less than an hour’s drive). Regular shuttle services (such as FlixBus or BlaBlaCar) provide direct connections from the airport to Annecy bus station.
Book your holiday at Lake Annecy
When the temperatures start to rise, Lake Annecy reveals the full richness of the area. The landscapes invite you to escape, while the summer events create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Between local discoveries, shared moments with friends and family and the season’s major highlights, your stay in one of the villages around Lake Annecy promises a summer full of unforgettable memories.
Book your chalet in the Lake Annecy area
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to receive all the latest information and exclusive offers in advance, so you can plan your summer holiday in the Lake Annecy area!
