Want to know what’s on during your stay in the Aravis this summer? 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.
Please 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.
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General info
Events and Entertainment
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)
- Le Chinaillon – Sunday mornings
- La Clusaz – Monday mornings
- Manigod – Tuesday mornings
- Le Grand Bornand – Wednesday mornings
Recurring Events
Discover Reblochon Cheese Making in Le Grand Bornand
Starting July 1st to August 31st, you can discover farm life and learn about the history and making of the famous Reblochon cheese. The event takes place daily over two months – just don’t forget to book your place at the Grand Bornand tourist office!
Annecy Paysages
The beautiful mediaeval town of Annecy and its lake are further enhanced by a wide variety of exhibits in this exhibition. Starting July 2nd all the way until September 25th, you can follow the trail in and around the town to discover the artistic and landscape installations. Find out more here.
Summer Market in Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon
Taking place from 8am – 12h30 every Sunday between July 3rd and August 28th, this charming market in Chinaillon is a great place to find local cheeses, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade gifts and more.
Marché d’Art et d’Artisanat in Talloires, Lake Annecy
Throughout July and August, you can discover some of the fantastic local artisans at this lovely market in Talloires. Takes place from 9h – 20h at various dates – you can find all the information here.
Book your stay this summer in the Aravis
Events and Entertainment
Calendar of Events and Entertainment in the Aravis
Want to know what’s on during your stay in the Aravis? Take a look at our calendar of things to do in the area, including La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and Annecy.
(We have tried to provide the latest information available at the time of writing.)
June
Throughout the summer season, you’ll find all sorts of activities and entertainments taking place in our resorts. Here are some of the highlights…
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Downhill MTB Championship
Date: June 4th – 5th
Location: Manigod
If you love mountain biking then don’t miss this MTB championship – a great day out, with the main races taking place on the Sunday.
Le Gypaète Trail Run
Date: June 4th
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 2022?
Le Bélier VTT
Date: June 11th – 12th
Location: La Clusaz
If you love mountain biking then why not take part in the first ever 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 Belier running and walking events.
Sorties nature au coeur des sites Natura 2000
Date: June 11th and 25th
Location: La Clusaz
Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. The event takes place from 14h – 17h at Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard. Click here to find out more!
Critérium du Dauphiné
Date: June 12th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
Stage eight of the famed Critérium du Dauphiné will pass through Le Grand Bornand this year as it climbs up the Col de la Colombière. Come and cheer on the competitors and enjoy cycling the famed cols of the area while you’re here!
Passage of Paris-Nice Cyclo Race
Date: June 19th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
Stage 5 of the Paris-Nice cycle race goes from Annecy to Les Saisies and passes through Le Grand Bornand. Get inspired by the competitors and cheer them on, while enjoying a great atmosphere.
Le Champ des Platines
Date: June 25th
Location: La Clusaz
Chill out in the mountains with these monthly outdoor DJ sets from Radio Meuh! Entry is free – there’s a food truck and a bar, or bring a picnic. Check the website for the line-up and locations nearer the date. From 16h to 20h30.
British Open Paragliding Competition
Date: June 25th – July 1st
Location: Le Grand Bornand
The 33rd British Open Paragliding competition comes to Le Grand Bornand this summer, with pilots from 40 different countries competing. An incredible spectacle to watch!
July
Yoga Festival
Date: July 7th – 10th
Location: La Clusaz
Discover yoga, or deepen your knowledge, at this festival dedicated to all things yoga. Set amid the beautiful mountains of the Aravis, it’s the perfect location to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.
Carnets d’Alpage mountain sketching
Date: July 7th – 12th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
One for the artists, or budding artists – five days of meetings and workshops, sketching the landscape of the Alps. Open to anyone over the age of six, you’ll get tips on sketching, lighting and capturing the scenery from local professionals. Find out more here.
Jeep Festival
Date: July 9th and 10th
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.
Fête Nationale
Date: July 13th and 14th
Location: Le Grand Bornand Village & Chinaillon
Celebrate Bastille Day in the Alps! On 13 July in Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon there’s a host of games and concerts, while on 14 July in Le Grand Bornand Village there’s a huge fireworks display, starting at 21h with a concert.
Fête de 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. Plus enjoy a savoyard dinner and fireworks that light up the Aravis mountains! Head over to the website to find out more.
Heritage and Chapels Hike
Date: July 19th
Location: Manigod
Explore the hamlets and valley of Manigod with a heritage guide and a mountain guide. The hike is about 5-6km long, and takes about four hours.
Le Champ des Platines
Date: July 20th
Location: La Clusaz
Chill out in the mountains with these outdoor DJ sets from Radio Meuh! Entry is free – there’s a food truck and a bar, or bring a picnic. Check the website for the line-up and locations nearer the date. From 16h to 20h30.
Artisans à Ravir
Date: July 21st – August 9th
Location: La Clusaz
Discover this charming market with all different kinds of artisans selling their wares. You can also see demonstrations and there are concerts throughout the day.
Music at Beauregard
Date: July 21st – 30th
Various locations across La Clusaz, Manigod, Le Grand Bornand and Thônes
Born as a classical musical festival in 2017, this year’s festival celebrates music, dance and poetry all in stunning natural settings. Concerts, workshops and even musical hikes are all included in the programme – check the website for more details and to book your tickets, which can be bought for individual performances or for the whole event. Read our blog post about the festival here.
The Eagle Trail
Date: July 24th
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!
Lormay’s Traditional Fair
Date: July 24th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
Local traditions, crafts and activities from days gone by are brought back to life at this lovely fair. From a hay bale throwing contest to woodwork and cheese making, there’s lots to enjoy.
August
Heritage and Chapels Hike
Date: August 2nd and 9th
Location: Manigod
Explore the hamlets and valley of Manigod with a heritage guide and a mountain guide. The hike is about 5-6km long, and takes about four hours.
LCZ Summer Session
Date: August 3rd
Location: La Clusaz
Come and watch some of the future stars of French skiing perform their tricks onto one of the biggest air bags in Europe! Find out more about the event.
Fête du Lac
Date: August 6th
Location: Annecy
Come and enjoy the biggest pyrotechnic show in Europe – one hour and 10 minutes of fireworks in rhythm with music, lights and special effects. Definitely one not to miss!
Sous l’Aiguille village festival
Date: August 14th
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.
Reblochon festival
Date: August 14th
Location: La Clusaz
Celebrate the history and craftsmanship of this famous local cheese. You can watch it being made, and of course, sample the results. Folk dancing, bread-making and a grand parade will round off this tribute to the great Reblochon.
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.
Le Bélier Trail
Date: August 19th – 21st
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 21st – 26th
Various locations in Le Grand Bornand
The 30th edition of this fantastic family festival, packed with fun, especially for children. This year’s theme is Culture, Cultures… and you’ll find a wealth of shows, entertainers, musicians, magic and workshops to enjoy. Their website is in French only, but our blog post may come in handy!
Le Champ des Platines
Date: August 24th
Location: La Clusaz
Chill out in the mountains with these monthly outdoor DJ sets from Radio Meuh! Entry is free – there’s a food truck and a bar, or bring a picnic. Check the website for the line-up and locations nearer the date.
September
Foire de la Croix
Date: September 11th
Location: La Clusaz
Alpine farmers, shepherds and goat herds get together at this traditional fair, which celebrates the end of summer and the return of the herds from the mountains to the villages. Abondance cows go on parade, and there’s a prize for the best Reblochon cheese.
Le Champ des Platines
Date: September 17th
Location: La Clusaz
Chill out in the mountains with these monthly outdoor DJ sets from Radio Meuh! Entry is free – there’s a food truck and a bar, or bring a picnic. Check the website for the line-up and locations nearer the date.
Manigod Trail Challenge
Date: September 17th and 18th
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.
Foire de la Saint-Maurice
Date: September 18th
Location: Le Grand Bornand
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, there’s a grand cow parade, a funfair and a farmers’ dinner and dance in the evening. Local food is on sale throughout the day.
Tourist Offices
You can find out about other events, tours and concerts on the individual tourist office websites:
Heading to the Aravis this summer?
Take a look at our fabulous properties across the area with all the facilities required for a memorable summer in the French Alps.
