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Aravis / Culture & Events

What’s on in the Aravis: Summer 2023

Want to know what’s on during your stay in the Aravis? 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.

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.


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)
  • Chinaillon – Sunday mornings
  • La Clusaz – Monday mornings
  • Manigod – Tuesday mornings
  • Le Grand Bornand – Wednesday mornings
A woman samples food at a French market
Visiting a local market is a great way to sample the regional produce – © OT La Clusaz / Clément Hudry

Book your stay this summer in the Aravis

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A musician playing the cello in front of an alpine chalet at the childrens music festival, Musique a beauregard

Calendar of events

Jump to your chosen month…

Click on the following links to jump to a specific month…

June

Throughout the summer season, you’ll find all sorts of activities and entertainment taking place in our resorts. Here are some of the highlights…

Le Gypaète Trail Run

Date: June 3rd
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 2023?

© Tilby Vattard/Aravis

Le Bélier VTT

Date: June 10th – 11th
Location: La Clusaz

If you love mountain biking then why not take part in the 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.

Annecy Festival of Film Animation

Date: June 11th – 17th
Location: Annecy

This annual festival brings film-makers and animators from around the world to select the year’s best-animated films in a variety of categories. Enjoy world premieres as well as free open-air showings on the Paquier.

La Grand Bo Cycle Race

Date: June 24th and 25th
Location: Le Grand Bornand

Tackle some of the mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France in this cycle race organised by the Vélo-Club Du Grand Bornand. It’s open to cyclists aged 18 and over, and this year there’s a choice between a road or a gravel format.

Guided nature walks –  Natura 2000

Date: June 28th
Location: Aravis

Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. The walk today takes place from 9 am to noon and reveals the beautiful scenery of areas such as Manigod and La Clusaz.

July

Moonlight walk

Date: July 1st
Location: La Clusaz

Enjoy a beautiful walk around the village of La Clusaz by candlelight – all the artificial lights are switched off and you’ll be entertained by musicians and street performers. A magical experience! Find out more here.

Discover Reblochon Cheese Making

Date: 1 July – 31 August
Location: Le Grand Bornand

Discover farm life and learn about the history and making of the famous Reblochon cheese. This event takes place daily – book your place at the Grand Bornand tourist office.

Annecy Paysages

Date: 2 July – 25 September
Location: Across Annecy

The beautiful mediaeval town of Annecy and its lake are further enhanced by a wide variety of exhibits in this exhibition. Follow the trail in and around the town to discover the artistic and landscape installations. Find out more here.

Summer Market

Date: July 2nd – August 27th
Location: Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon

Taking place from 8h – 12h30 every Sunday in the summer, this charming market in Chinaillon is a great place to find local cheeses, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade gifts and more.

Yoga Festival

Date: July 6th – 9th
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.

A group of people join arms in a joint yoga class
Discover a new hobby or strengthen your practice at the yoga festival in La Clusaz © OT La Clusaz / Julie Desnoulez

Jeep Festival

Date: July 8th and 9th
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 are also available.

Fête de la 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. Find out more!

Enjoy an Alpine dinner with a view in Le Grand Bornand © C. Hudry/Aravis

Guided nature walks –  Natura 2000

Date: July 15th, 22nd, 26th & 29th
Location: Across the Aravis

Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. Taking place from 9 am to noon, you can explore sites such as Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard.

Le Champ des Platines

Date: July 21st
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.

A man and woman deliver a DJ set in the mountains
Come and enjoy the atmosphere at Le Champ des Platines this summer! © C. Hudry/Aravis

Music at Beauregard

Date: TBC
Various locations across La Clusaz, Manigod, Le Grand Bornand and Thônes

Born as a classical music 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.

The Eagle Trail

Date: July 23rd
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 23rd
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 plenty to enjoy.

A man wearing traditional clothing does a craft demo
Learn about the local Savoyarde culture with the whole family! © C.Hudry – Le Grand-Bornand Tourisme

Savoyard Party

Date: July 26th
Location: La Clusaz

Enjoy a typical Savoyard meal followed by folk dancing from the Lou Socali folk group. 

Find out more about the event by clicking here.

Night Market

Date: July 27th
Location: Manigod

Local craftspeople from around the area come to Manigod for this fascinating night market, from 4.30-9.30 pm. Mountain knives, origami, sewing, candle-making, engraving, jewellery, wines and chocolates are among the delights awaiting you…

August

Summer Market

Date: July 2nd – 27th August
Location: Le Grand bornand Chinaillon

Taking place from 8 am – 12.30 pm every Sunday in the summer, this charming market in Chinaillon is a great place to find local cheeses, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade gifts and more.

A mother and baby sample cheese at a market
Explore the market in Le Grand Bornand this summer! © Aravis/Tilby Vattard

Summer Market

Date: July 4th – August 29th
Location: Manigod

Head to this lovely small market in Manigod, which takes place every Tuesday morning from 8h30 to 12 during the summer months. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious local cheeses and more.

Village festival

Date: August 5th-6th
Location: Manigod

A weekend of fun, games and entertainment for children at the village school, followed by a traditional dance that goes on late into the evening. Find out more here.

Guided nature walks –  Natura 2000

Date: August 5th & 19th
Location: La Clusaz

Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. It takes place from 9 am to noon and explores sites such as Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard.

Fête du Lac

Date: August 5th
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! Discover more on the website.

Reblochon festival

Date: August 13th
Location: La Clusaz

A festival celebrating the production of this famous cheese and the history of local farming. See how the cheese is made and taste it too. There’s also folk dancing, bread-making and a grand parade.

A group of people lead a herd of sheep through the streets
Embrace the traditional Savoyarde culture at the Reblochon festival this summer! © OT La Clusaz / Julie Desnoulez

Sous l’Aiguille village festival

Date: August 13th
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

Au Bonheur des Mômes Children’s Festival

Date: August 20th – 24th
Various locations in Le Grand Bornand

The 31st edition of this fantastic family festival is packed with fun, especially for children. You’ll find a wealth of shows, entertainers, musicians, magic and workshops to enjoy. Check the website for programme details and to book tickets. 

Performers act in front of an audience of children in the mountains
Your kids will love Au Bonheur des Mômes Children’s Festival in Le Grand Bornand – © G.Piel/Aravis

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.

Le Bélier Trail

Date: August 25-27th
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. 

Alpine music festival

Date: August 25-27th
Location: Manigod, La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, St Jean de Sixt, Thônes

This three-day festival celebrates the music of the mountains, with concerts and demonstrations of the Alpine horn, harmonica, accordion, violin and other instruments. There are workshops too, where you can try them yourselves! 

September

Guided nature walks –  Natura 2000

Date: September 2nd
Location: La Clusaz

Discover the natural environment of the mountains on one of these walks with local guides. Taking place from 9 am to noon, explore sites such as Les Confins and the Plateau de Beauregard.

Manigod Trail Challenge

Date: September 9th and 10th
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 Croix

Date: September 17th
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. 

A young girl sits on her father's shoulders at a concert
The DJ sets at Le Champ des Platines are not to be missed! © C. Hudry/Aravis

Foire de la Saint-Maurice

Date: September 23rd
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, and there’s a grand cow parade, a funfair and a farmers’ dinner, plus a dance in the evening. Local food is on sale throughout the day.

Come and experience the local agriculture at the Foire de la Saint-Maurice © B. Delerue/Aravis

Tourist Offices

You can find out about other events, tours and concerts on the individual tourist office websites:

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