Between lush green mountains, sparkling lakes and charming villages, the Grand Massif offers a delightful setting for enjoying summer in Haute-Savoie. The season is filled with a variety of cultural, sporting, and festive events that bring locals and visitors together. To help you plan your stay, have a look at these events in Les Carroz, Samoëns, Morillon, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
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 Grand Massif
Here are the events personally recommended by the OVO Network team…
Music O Jardin
Mid-July to mid-August
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Set in the magnificent gardens of the abbey of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, this music festival perfectly reflects the spirit of the Grand Massif: idyllic, uplifting, and rejuvenating.
The Criou Vertical Kilometer
16 August
Samoëns
If you’re ready to take on a real sporting challenge, this is one of the most demanding competitions of the summer, combined with the wonderful hospitality of the Savoie region.
UCI Enduro World Cup
14–16 August
Morillon
Whether or not you are a mountain biking enthusiast, we highly recommend coming to enjoy this top-level spectacle. It’s the most prestigious event of its kind, and it’s free!
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Calendar of events in the Grand Massif this summer
JUNE
Haut-Giffre Ultra Trail (UTHG)
19–21 June
Samoëns, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
The UTHG offers runners a choice of seven mountain trail races, providing challenges suitable for all levels. Races start from Place du Gros Tilleul. A free concert is planned for Saturday evening.
Samoëns American festival
25–28 June
Samoëns
The annual Samoëns American Festival celebrates the culture of the United States with concerts, country dance lessons and a Wild West village. Entry is free, but there’s a charge for dance lessons, and registration is required.
Morillon 4×4 Trial
27–28 June
Morillon
All-terrain vehicles will tackle a natural obstacle course during this thrilling competition. The event will take place at the Esserts car park, offering an impressive spectacle for those who like adrenalin-filled experiences.
JULY
Swim & Fun
4 July
Morillon
Swim and Fun is a day full of aquatic and fun activities at Lac Bleu in Morillon. From 10:30am to 3pm, the whole family can enjoy entertainment, an inflatable obstacle course and a running race. Entry is free.
JPP Neuf de Coeur hill climb challenge
5 July
Les Carroz
Le Neuf de Coeur is a charity event that will bring together nearly a thousand cycling enthusiasts. Participants will set off to conquer the most beautiful Alpine mountain passes, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to an organisation supporting sick children.
Peak adventure piano festival: “A piano under the stars”
10–25 July
Samoëns
The Peak Adventure Piano Festival offers outdoor jazz, classical and contemporary music concerts at Lac de Gers, in an exceptional natural environment. It is possible to eat and/or stay overnight at the refuge or camp on the mountain pasture.
Bastille Day
13 July
Morillon – Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
The National Day will be celebrated in style in the Haut-Giffre, with activities, concerts, and fireworks. And everyone is welcome!
Music O Jardin
Mid-July to mid–August
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
This open-air music festival will offer a variety of free concerts in the charming setting of the Abbey gardens. The village associations will run a refreshment bar and small food stalls.
Giffre opera festival
17–25 July
Several villages
The villages of the Giffre Valley invite you to a week celebrating opera music. This poetic art form will be shared with you through masterclasses and concerts, featuring both solo singers and orchestras.
Adopte 1 Col
20 July
Verchaix
The “Adopte 1 Col” initiative aims to promote mountain cycling. The Joux Plane pass will be closed to traffic from 8:30–11:30am so that cyclists can enjoy this legendary route, made famous by the Tour de France and the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Flute concert
31 July
Samoëns
This concert will feature the virtuoso Guy Angelloz, flautist with the Republican Guard Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by several musicians. Together, they will enchant the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption from 9pm with some of the greatest works of classical music.
AUGUST
Soirée guinguette – an evening of dancing
1 August
Les Carroz
A magical retro atmosphere will fill Place de l’Ambiance from 7pm to midnight, beneath colourful lanterns and strings of lights for this evening of dance. Get dressed up to dance the waltz and musette to the sounds of accordionist Philippe Jaccoud during the meal, followed by a DJ set until 11:30pm.
Festival of guides
2 August
Samoëns
Get ready for a festive day dedicated to mountain professions. The programme includes a mass, a guides’ reception and activities such as slacklining and climbing. The event will take place in the village church in the morning, then at the Gorges des Tines in the afternoon.
Happy Familli
9 August
Les Carroz
The whole village will become a creative playground for this family festival. Children aged 3 and over can have fun with free, open-access giant games across several unusual worlds. A big musical celebration will bring this enchanting day to a close in the heart of the amphitheatre.
Dahu Festival
14 August
Les Carroz
The Dahu Festival will set up its stages in the heart of nature at the Molliets 1500 site. Two evenings will be filled with eclectic concerts, as well as circus performances and a welcoming big top tent. Visitors can take shuttle buses to the site, where food trucks will be available.
BBQ Party
14–15 August
Flaine
The barbecues will be lit and waiting for you at Flaine Forum, right opposite the Tourist Office. You’ll just need to bring your own food to grill and enjoy this sociable evening. The barbecue will be followed by a concert and a spectacular fireworks display.
UCI Enduro World Cup
14–16 August
Morillon
The best enduro riders will compete on technical courses at the Bike Park, as well as on routes through the villages of Samoëns and La Rivière-Enverse. Visitors will be able to enjoy this top-level spectacle for free, the most prestigious event of its kind.
Rando’Piano musical walk
19 August
Les Carroz
This idyllic excursion combines a pleasant hike with the gentle sounds of an open-air piano concert. Walkers can take the time to breathe, enjoy the music and admire the magnificent alpine pasture landscapes. This melodic interlude is a unique opportunity to recharge in the heart of nature.
La folle furieuse obstacle race
19 August
Les Carroz
Challenge yourself, with family or friends, in this completely wild obstacle race. Runners will tackle numerous obstacles at an altitude of 1,150 metres, surrounded by forest and mountain streams. There will be no timing or rankings – it’s all just for fun.
Wake Up The Mountains
29 August
Morillon
Wake Up The Mountains will rock the summits from the shores of Lac Bleu in Morillon. This free metal music festival will start at 4pm. The friendly atmosphere and powerful sound levels promise an unforgettable experience.
SEPTEMBER
Run & Fun
12–13 September
Samoëns – Morillon
Run & Fun du Giffre offers races for all ages and abilities, from a 5km run to a marathon. You can enjoy music and entertainment along the course, as well as an evening concert and barbecue. A prize will be awarded for the best costume!
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Events and activities throughout the season
Market days in the Grand Massif
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.
- Samoëns: Wednesday, from 7am to 1pm
- Morillon: Sunday, from 8am to 1pm
- Flaine: Sunday, from 8am to 1pm
- Les Carroz: Tuesday, from 8:30am to 1pm
- Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: Monday, from 3pm to 7pm
Farm visits
There are plenty of opportunities to visit local farms in most of the Grand Massif resorts. It is the perfect chance to discover Alpine traditions, meet the farm animals, and taste local products.
Ferme des Pachords, Morillon
Every day
For more information, click here
Ferme de Ballancy, Les Carroz
Every day, except Tuesdays and Sundays
For more information, click here
Ferme des Cimes, Samoëns
Every day
For more information, click here
Ferme des Tines, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Every day from 5pm
For more information, click here
Regular activities
Treasure hunt “From the village to the alpine pasture”
Every day, from 5 June to 31 August
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Use your skills to solve riddles along a fun exploration trail that will help you to understand the local agricultural and pastoral history. Game booklets will be available so you can follow the trail in your own time.
Nordic walking introduction
Every Tuesday, from 4 July to 28 August
Flaine
Nordic walking tones the muscles and strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. During a circular walk from Flaine Forum, you will learn how to use the poles correctly in order to improve your posture.
Discovering mountain wildlife
Every Tuesday, from 6 July to 30 August
Les Carroz
Get out in the heart of nature, where you will be able to scan the mountain ridges using a high-precision spotting scope, allowing you to discover and learn more about Alpine animals.
Discover trail running
Every Tuesday, from 6 July to 30 August
Les Carroz
Come and learn the techniques of trail running in a mountain environment. Runners will take on a moderately to highly challenging 8km course with 500 metres of elevation gain. Open to runners aged 14 and over.
Astronomy evening
Every Monday, from 27 July to 17 August
Les Carroz
Aspiring astronomers can learn to identify constellations with the naked eye before observing distant celestial objects through a large-diameter telescope.
Night-time rail tobogganing
Every Wednesday, from 15 July to 19 August
Les Carroz
The rail toboggan at the Kédeuze gondola will be open every Wednesday evening for a memorable night-time ride through the fir trees. Open to adults and children aged 4 and over, at a cost of €8 per ride.
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 19 (Cluses Centre) to reach Les Carroz (15 minutes) and Flaine (35 minutes). Take exit 18 (Scionzier) towards Morillon (15 minutes), Samoëns (20 minutes), and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (25 minutes).
By train: the nearest station is in Cluses, at the crossroads of the main road access routes to the area. From the station, the regional bus network runs daily services to Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, and Morillon.
By plane: the nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), just 70km away (around a 1-hour drive). Regular shuttle services (such as Altibus or Go Massif) provide direct connections from the airport to the Évasion Mont-Blanc resorts.
Book your holiday in the Grand Massif
When the temperatures become milder, the Grand Massif reveals the full richness of its region. The landscapes invite you to escape, while the summer events create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. With local discoveries, time with friends and family, and the season’s major highlights, your stay in the villages of the Grand Massif promises a summer full of unforgettable memories.
Book your chalet in the Grand Massif
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