Explore the Aravis and discover the activities for all ages on offer
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.
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.
Annecy - Tuesdays (food market), Fridays and Sundays. Last Saturday of the month - brocante
Chinaillon - Sunday mornings
La Clusaz - Monday mornings
Manigod - Tuesday mornings
Le Grand Bornand - Wednesday mornings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tourist office, 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.
Tourist office, Chinaillon
Twenty potters from across the country will be showing their work at this day-long market (9h - 19h). It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or a gift to take home.
Place Sous l’Aiguille, Manigod
Demonstrations of traditional mountain crafts, such as farming and logging, and an outdoor mass are at the heart of this traditional village festival. Entry is free, but attendance is limited to 1,000 people this year, so get there early.
Eglise Sainte Foy, La Clusaz
Flautist Guy Angelloz plays pieces by Bach, Bizet, Vivaldi or Andersen at this free concert, taking place from 17h-18.30.
Place de l'église, 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.
Eglise Sainte Foy, La Clusaz
Singer Patricia Ponselle, of the Paris Opera, is joined by pianist Sébastien Torchet and actress Valentine Venezia for this free concert from 21h - 22.30.
La Grenette, Le Grand Bornand
Craftspeople and breeders are represented at this market devoted to the production and use of yarns.
Eglise Sainte Foy, La Clusaz
This talented duo violin and harp will play from their repertoire, which includes works by Astor Piazzolla. From 21h-22.30.
Around the Aravis mountains
Runners and walkers of all ages (eight and above) and 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.
Various locations, Le Grand Bornand
Five days packed with fun, especially for children, at the annual festival in Le Grand Bornand. This year’s theme is puppets - from simple glove puppets and shadow puppets to fairground giants. Due to Covid regulations, this year’s festival is somewhat smaller, with a limit of 5,000 guests, but there will be no limits on the fun to be had. Check the website for programme details and to book tickets. Festival passes are €5 for the day, €20 for the week and free for those aged four and under.
Eglise Sainte Foy, La Clusaz
Dutch virtuoso Fred Snoek invites you to a free piano recital.
Various locations
Yodelling, Alpine horn, harmonica and accordion are the stars of this celebration of mountain music, but guests will also learn about the history, culture and landscape of the beautiful La Clusaz area.
Champ du Bossonet, La Clusaz
You can’t get more cheesy than this - two whole days devoted to the wonderful cheeses of Haute Savoie. Producers and processors of these wonderful cheeses will come together for two days of entertainment, tasting and cooking.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.