What's on in the Aravis : Summer Activities

July

Fête des Champions - 3 July

La Guingette, Plateforme du Bossonet, La Clusaz

Meet and celebrate with La Clusaz’s past and present sporting champions, in a party to mark the 60th anniversary of La Clusaz skier Guy Perillat’s Olympic medal. Taking place from 18h - 22h.

Tour de France (Stage 8) - Oyonnaz to Le Grand Bornand - 3 July

Col de la Colombiere - Grand Bornand village

Le Grand Bornand, a town known for its cycling culture, is the finish for Stage 8 of this year’s Tour de France. The arrival of the cyclists is always the highlight, but the caravan - a 45-minute string of publicity vehicles which precedes the peloton throwing out free gifts, is a great spectacle too. 

Annecy Paysages - 3 July - 6 September

Various locations, Annecy

The beautiful medieval town of Annecy and its lake are further enhanced by a wide variety of exhibits in this two-month exhibition. Follow the 4km trail in and around the town to discover the artistic and landscape installations.  

Jeep festival - 3-4 July

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 will be available.

Carnets d’Alpage mountain sketching - 10-14 July

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. The five days culminate in an exhibition of works produced.

The Eagle trail - 18 July

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. 

Heritage and chapels hike - 20 July

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. 

Gildas the Clown - 20 July 

La Grenette, Le Grand Bornand

Children aged three and above will love the antics of Gildas the clown, who combines juggling, acrobatics, unicycling and fire-eating in this free show that takes place at 18h30.

Kinematos Acrobatics Show - 30 July

La Grenette, Le Grand Bornand

There’s more fun for younger visitors when this acrobatic duo perform their tricks at a height of 6m. Takes place at 18h.

La Clusaz Yoga Festival - 16-18 July 

Salle des Fêtes, La Clusaz

Discover the benefits of yoga or deepen your knowledge at La Clusaz’s first Satiam Yoga Festival. Book your tickets online, then join as many classes as you like - there’s something for all ages and abilities. 

Le Champ des Platines - 21 July

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.

Music at Beauregard - 22-31 July

Various locations across La Clusaz, Manigod, Le Grand Bornand and Thones

Born as a classical musical festival in 2017, this year’s festival celebrates music, dance and poetry all in stunning natural settings. OVO Network is also proud to be a sponsor of this year’s event. 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.

LCZ Freestyle session - 30 July 

Champ Giguet, La Clusaz

Watch France’s future skiing stars compete on one of Europe’s biggest airbags. As well as the competition, there will be entertainment, a luge battle and a live DJ at this free event. Takes place from 16h-19h.

X-FRY Downhill Cup - 31 July-1 August

Col de la Croix Fry, Manigod

Some of the region’s best MTB riders will race the clock on this challenging downhill trail from the top of the Tête de Cabeau. If you want to get a closer look at the action, the Labellemontagne lifts are free for spectators. 

SEPTEMBER

The Alpine Derby - 4-5 September

Le Domaine VTT, La Clusaz

This huge mountain bike race is inspired by the traditional practice of farmers who, at the end of every summer, bring their cows down the mountain to more sheltered fields in the valley.  In this spectacular race, 200 cyclists (the cows) are chased down the mountain by five shepherds - professional mountain bikers such as Kilian Bron. It’s their job to overtake the herd before the finish line. If you think you can handle it, registration opens in mid-July!

Aravis Sky Pursuit - 11-12 September

Col de Merdassier, Manigod

Perhaps the ultimate challenge for trail runners, participants in this race against the clock face a vertical kilometer - a gain of 1,000m in a route of less than 3km. Runners with time to look around will be rewarded with some stunning views of Mont Charvin, Etale, the Beauregard Plateau and the Manigod Valley. The other part of the event is the Skyrun - a 20km route around this amazing landscape. Participants can sign up for both events, or just one of them.

Foire de la Croix - 12 September 

La Clusaz

Alpine farmers, shepherds and goat herds get together at this traditional fair, which celebrates the ‘transhumance’ - 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 - 18 September 

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. 

Foire de la Saint-Maurice - 19 September

Place de l'église, 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.

Choose your Accommodation

If you've found some interesting events, why not take a look at our range of gorgeous hand-picked chalets in the Aravis.

We have a wide variety of options from large group chalets to luxury chalets with pools and more. We're sure you'll find something perfect for your next visit.