Facing the majestic panoramas of Mont Blanc, summer takes on a special dimension in the villages of the Évasion Mont-Blanc area. With hiking, gastronomic discoveries and activities for all ages, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the mountains. In this article, discover the main events that will set the rhythm of the summer season in Megève, Combloux, Chamonix, Saint-Gervais, and La Giettaz.
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.
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The highlights of the summer in the Évasion Mont-Blanc
Here are the events personally recommended by the OVO Network team…
Chamonix Film Festival
10–14 June
Chamonix
This festival combines a love of cinema with a passion for the mountains, featuring screenings and excursions. What more could you ask for during a stay in the Alps?
MB Race
3–5 July
Megève, Combloux, La Giettaz
With eight events, this mountain bike race is as challenging as it is impressive. What’s more, you can easily watch it from three villages in the area.
Slowly festival
20–23 July
Val d’Arly
Holidays are an opportunity to slow down and disconnect from everyday life. This festival combining art and nature allows visitors to discover several villages in the Val d’Arly.
Megève Blues Festival
31 July – 2 August
Megève
If you are a blues fan, you won’t want to miss this festival, which welcomes renowned international musicians and singers every year.
UTMB – Ultra-Trail of Mont-Blanc
31 July – 2 August
Chamonix
For many years, the UTMB has been one of the most iconic races in the world of trail running. The atmosphere promises to be electric for spectators!
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Calendar of events in Évasion Mont-Blanc this summer
JUNE
Megève–Saint-Tropez Rally
8–11 June
Megève
For more than 10 years, this 850km rally has crossed the most beautiful French mountain passes, across the Verdon and the Lubéron, before finishing in Saint-Tropez. The competitors will arrive in Megève on 9 June and will leave for Alpe d’Huez the following day.
Chamonix Film Festival
10–14 June
Chamonix
For six years, this festival has celebrated cinema with film screenings, meetings with directors and mountaineers, debates, and conferences. The screenings take place at the Vox cinema and the PlanB base camp, and mountain outings will also be organised alongside the festival.
Trail: La Comblorane
12–13 June
Combloux
This popular trail race returns with four timed races on routes of 7, 15, 25, and 42km through forests and alpine meadows. There are also runs for children and families.
Megève Nature Trail
20 June
Megève
This is not a leisurely countryside stroll, but more a full weekend of mountain racing, with the breathtaking Mont Blanc as a backdrop. All ages and ability levels are included: several events are planned, and you can run distances of 13, 18, and 35km.
Rally – 37th Coupe des Alpes
25–26 June
Megève
This historic automotive event brings together about 100 participants from about 15 nationalities on the great Alpine passes. Spectators will be able to watch a parade of superb classic sports cars dating from 1945 to 1996.
Rencontres combloranes
25–28 June
Combloux
This sea-and-mountain festival celebrates the unusual marriage between Savoie and Brittany. This year’s edition explores the theme of ice and glaciers through the perspectives of numerous experts, documentary screenings, round tables and fascinating discussions organised at the Tourist Office.
Mont-Blanc Marathon
25–28 June
Chamonix
A trail running event with eight races, including the marathon (42 km, 2,540m elevation gain), the 23km race, and events for children. The races start from Place du Mont-Blanc. Please note that registrations are already full for most of the races.
Green Tee Cup
27 June
Megève
This golf competition will be played as a two-person scramble in the heart of the prestigious Golf du Mont d’Arbois. Top-level athletes and enthusiasts will share an aperitif with snacks at the ninth hole. The entry fee is €55 for members (€90 for non-members) and will include lunch.
Festival of Saint-Jean
27 June
Megève
Bring the family along to this lantern parade, accompanied by the music of the municipal orchestra. It will be followed by a traditional folk dance performance and the lighting of the traditional bonfire.
JULY
Megève Night Relay
2 July
Megève
Come and enjoy an electrifying evening in the streets of Megève! The village will echo with this festive two-person team race, starting from 7pm. Runners will tackle intense loops of 600 metres for children and 800 metres for adults.
Arc’teryx Alpine Academy
2–5 July
Chamonix
If you are passionate about mountaineering, don’t miss these four days of alpine training, with more than 80 workshops led by IFMGA guides and professional athletes. The programme also includes film screenings and concerts at Parc Couttet.
MB Race
3–5 July
Megève, Combloux, La Giettaz
A mountain bike race that is as challenging as it is impressive. With eight different events of up to 140km, it is the longest distance to be covered on a mountain bike in a single day.
Trail la Montagn’Hard
4–5 July
Les Contamines-Montjoie
A demanding trail race featuring four distances (20, 50, 70 and 100km), offering technical routes and significant elevation gain. Participation is free, but it is recommended that runners have experience.
Cuisine Mon Village
4–5 July
Megève
This is without doubt the best event if you want to discover local culinary specialities. Chefs, pastry chefs, butchers and producers will introduce you to the flavours of the region in the most food-loving village in the Alps. Workshops for children are also planned.
Haute-Savoie Brass Band Festival
5 July
Saint-Gervais, Domancy
Once again this year, the mountains will come alive to the sound of trumpets! Brass and percussion enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a grand parade and open-air concerts, as well as an official ceremony on Sunday morning at the Marie Paradis esplanade in Saint-Gervais.
Tour du Mont-Blanc
11 July
Saint-Gervais
This legendary ultra-cycling event will give test even the most experienced riders. Starting from Les Saisies, participants will tackle a 330km route with an impressive elevation gain of 8,300m, passing through Le Fayet before finishing in Saint-Gervais.
Megève Jazz Contest
10–12 July
Megève
Come and enjoy the gentle summer evenings with the sound of swing music. Eight professional groups will compete in a friendly New Orleans jazz competition, full of rhythm and joy. Be-bop dance classes are also included in the programme.
Megève International Show Jumping CSI
11–19 July
Megève
More than 500 riders from around the world gather at the Palais des Sports in Megève for this equestrian competition, which is free for spectators. The sporting events will be followed in the evening by musical entertainment.
Bastille Day
14 July
Saint-Gervais
Come and celebrate the national holiday in the heart of Saint-Gervais. A DJ will create the atmosphere, while refreshments will be provided by the local fire brigade. Don’t miss the fireworks display which rounds off the evening at 10pm.
Pays du Mont-Blanc Baroque festival
11–21 July
Several villages
Baroque music in all its forms and styles takes centre stage in this series of concerts, which will be held in nine towns across the Pays du Mont-Blanc.
“Barock’n’roll” street performance
16 July
La Giettaz
This outdoor theatrical and musical walk will take the whole family into its quirky world. An actor, a musician and a tour guide will blend local history and sharp humour to create this free performance. Meet at Les Puginières at 5:30pm.
Jazz en Bouche Festival
17, 24 and 31 July
Several villages
This festival combines jazz and gastronomy, with concerts taking place at 6pm and 8:30pm, with an aperitif or dinner, in one of the festival’s many partner restaurants. The event will take place in a different resort every Friday: Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle and Crest-Voland Cohennoz.
The Nid d’Aigle ascent
18 July
Saint-Gervais
This mountain race, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, covers 19.5km with no less than 2,000m of elevation gain, linking the thermal park of Le Fayet to Bellevue. Registration is open to all levels.
Slowly Festival
20–23 July
Val d’Arly
Holidays are an opportunity to slow down and disconnect from everyday life. The varied programme of this art and nature festival, which takes place in several villages of the Val d’Arly, includes a local producers’ market, wild cooking workshops, open-air performances, and sensory hikes.
Cosmojazz Festival
20–25 July
Chamonix
“Cosmojazz” is an open-air jazz festival offering free concerts in spectacular natural locations, such as Planpraz and Parc Couttet. The event also includes activities and workshops for everyone.
“Theatre in the Alpine Meadows” Festival
28–31 July
Saint-Gervais
This open-air theatre festival offers you the chance to enjoy nationally renowned plays and actors every evening at the foot of Mont Blanc. A magical moment at dusk, facing the Bionnassay Glacier.
Megève Blues Festival
31 July – 2 August
Megève
This must-see blues music festival has already welcomed great names such as Vanessa Collier, Mr Sipp, Shemekia Copeland, and Manu Lanvin. The concerts will take place at Pré de Saint-Amour.
AUGUST
Nature Week
2–7 August
Les Contamines-Montjoie
The village of Les Contamines celebrates nature this summer with free activities centred around the nature reserve. This week, which includes walks, workshops and exhibitions, aims to raise public awareness of preserving the mountain environment.
Xplore Film Tour
3–6 August
Val d’Arly
Four evenings of films dedicated to the mountains, including open-air screenings, in a different village of the Val d’Arly each evening. Deckchairs will be provided so you can enjoy the spectacular views in comfort.
Music and Heritage Encounters
3–7 August
Saint-Gervais
Discover music that touches the heart during concerts in the Baroque church of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, as well as activities and a musical hike with Mont Blanc views. Check the official website for the programme.
Theatre goes to the Alpine Meadows
5 August
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
Come and enjoy open-air performances at Lac du Plan Dessert, with children’s workshops and concerts. This free event combines culture and nature in an exceptional mountain setting.
Alpine Farmers’ Festival
14 August
La Giettaz
Local farmers and the pastoral world will be championed during this major traditional mountain festival, which runs from 10am to 6pm. Access to the many activities, concerts, and craft exhibitions will be free, and a paid mountain-style meal will be organised in the village hall at midday.
Notre-Dame de la Gorge festival
15 August
Les Contamines-Montjoie
The Notre-Dame de la Gorge festival aims to bring together the local community and visitors in a spirit of friendliness and warmth. You will be able to attend a religious celebration with an open-air mass, a procession and traditional activities.
Beaufort festival
16 August
Les Saisies
More than 90 exhibitors will gather to celebrate the famous AOP cheese, Beaufort. With a producers’ market, cheese-making demonstrations and the blessing of the animals, it promises to be a great event!
Savoie and Beyond Wine Festival
16 August
Val d’Arly
Savoie, a land of wine! This festival is the proof of that, with producers’ stands, tastings of regional (and international) wines, as well as musical entertainment. Entry is free.
“La Rioule” folk gathering
22–23 August
Saint-Gervais
This traditional gathering will immerse you in the customs of the Savoie region, with traditional costumes and regional dance performances. This folk experience will take place at the Marie Paradis esplanade, and entry is free.
Megève Mont Blanc Cycling
23 August
Megève
A day dedicated to cycling that will delight both beginners and experts. Three distances are available (80, 105, and 140 km), with one unique feature: riders choose the distance they want to complete during the race rather than before the event.
Carriage festival
23 August
Val d’Arly
The horses of the Val d’Arly are the stars of this traditional and friendly festival. The programme includes a parade of horse-drawn carriages, driving demonstrations and activities for children.
La Haute Route cycling race
23–29 August
Megève
This prestigious cycling race links Nice to Thonon-les-Bains over seven days and no fewer than 14 mountain passes, with an explosive time trial. Described by Cyclist magazine as “the ultimate physical challenge that will change your life”, it passes through Megève every year.
UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
24–30 August
Chamonix
One of the largest trail running competitions in the world, this iconic 170km race with 10,000m of elevation gain crosses three countries. Only for experienced runners, the UTMB has become a global event with qualifying races in 28 countries.
Alpine meadows in the spotlight
27 August
Megève
This free discovery walk of around 3.5km celebrates life at altitude and the region’s pastoral traditions. Families will share unique moments with farmers and discover the secrets of local products.
Trail Marathon: La Grande Bambée
30 August
La Giettaz
Come and enjoy the most beautiful trails of La Giettaz in a friendly atmosphere, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop. There are four mountain routes on offer: 10km, 16km, 28km, and 44km.
Les loups du volant soapbox race
30 August
Combloux
Get ready for a day filled with laughter, with a soapbox car race on the slopes of Combloux. Children and adults are invited to take part. Registration takes place on site, with activities and an awards ceremony at the end of the day.
SEPTEMBER
The Gourmet Hike
13 September
Combloux
This innovative event takes you along a 10.25km route (449 m of elevation gain), during which you will discover the beauty of the villages and Alpine landscapes, as well as the gastronomy of the Combloux region and the richness of its cultural heritage.
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Events and activities throughout the season
Market days in Évasion Mont-Blanc
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.
- Saint-Gervais: Thursday, 8am to 1pm
- Combloux: Wednesday, 8am to noon
- Megève: Friday, 9am to 1pm
- La Giettaz: Thursday, 8am to 1pm
- Chamonix: Saturday, 7am to 1pm
Farm visits
There are plenty of opportunities to visit local farms in most of the Évasion Mont-Blanc resorts. It is the perfect chance to discover Alpine traditions, meet the farm animals, and taste local products.
Ferme de la Gardette, La Giettaz
Every day from 5pm
For more information, click here
Visit a goat farm, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
Every Tuesday at 5.30pm
For more information, click here
Ferme des roches fleuries, Saint-Gervais
Monday to Saturday
For more information, click here
Educational farm visit, Chamonix
Tuesday to Saturday
For more information, click here
Regular activities
Children’s Wednesday
Every Wednesday throughout July
Saint-Gervais
These outdoor recreational days offer a wide range of fun activities and shows for young audiences, all of which are completely free.
Discover rock climbing
Every Tuesday, from 7 July to 25 August
Megève
Come and discover the joys of climbing safely and learn the basic techniques, paired with a professional guide. Registration with the Tourist Office is required.
Flumet Festival
Every Wednesday, from 8 July to 19 August
Flumet
The village centre comes alive every Wednesday evening with open-air concerts, activities and a craft market. It is an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Storytelling Hour
Every Wednesday, from 8 July to 26 August
Megève
A passionate storyteller will lead this literary event at the village library, taking young children into a magical world filled with wonderful tales and Alpine legends.
Festi’Val d’Arly
Every day, from 12 July to 16 August
Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle
Local and national artists will offer classical music concerts in several churches in the towns of the Val d’Arly. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
Combloux’s Great Show
Every Thursday, from 16 July to 13 August
Combloux
Light shows and dozens of actors will create a grand historical and artistic spectacle that will light up Combloux. Spectators will travel through time to discover the legends of the region.
Le Fayet Night Relays
Every Thursday, from 23 July to 13 August
Saint-Gervais
Teams of two will wear headlamps to run in this competition on an urban course. Team registration fees will support local sports associations.
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 websites of the tourist offices to find out about the other concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours taking place during your stay:
Transport
By car: from the A40 motorway (Autoroute Blanche), take exit 20 (Sallanches) and follow the N212 national road up towards Combloux and Megève. For Saint-Gervais and Les Contamines, take exit 21 (Passy / Saint-Gervais).
By train: Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet is the main railway station, served by TGV trains from several cities in France and by the Léman Express network from Geneva. From Le Fayet station, regular bus routes (such as the Y82 or Y83 network) or local Facilibus buses provide connections up to Megève, Combloux and Les Contamines in 20 to 40 minutes.
By air: the nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), only 85km away (around 1 hour 15 minutes by road). Regular shuttles (such as Altibus) provide direct connections from the airport to the Évasion Mont-Blanc resorts.
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With the hustle and bustle of winter left behind, summer highlights the authenticity and gentle way of life of the Évasion Mont-Blanc area. The villages take on a festive atmosphere where traditions, culture, and outdoor activities come together. Megève, Combloux, Saint-Gervais, and La Giettaz offer the perfect setting to fully enjoy the finest events of the season.
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