Not sure where to go in the autumn holidays? Are you putting off booking your autumn holidays because you haven’t found the perfect destination? We’ve got the answer: come to the Alps!
The Alps are always popular in winter and summer, but there’s plenty to do all year round. In autumn, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with milder weather, while still enjoying the many activities and events that keep these mountains alive.
Take a look at our articles to find out more about the many reasons to visit the Alps in autumn, whether you’re on holiday or just looking for a weekend break.
And read on to find out about the best autumn events in the mountain resorts.
The top local events in the Alps this autumn
In autumn, the Alps are just as lively as they always are! There’s a huge range of activities on offer, and many different events too.
It’s the season for a host of festivals, fairs, shows, trails and other events across the Alps. If you like adventure, gastronomy, cultural discoveries or music, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Here are the main events in six popular destinations in the Alps, along with suggestions for accommodation to help you enjoy the wonders of autumn in the mountains in the best possible way.
Châtel – Autumn Fair and the International Abondance Breed and Cheese Show
A weekend-long fair in the village dedicated to Abondance cows and cheese, with exhibitors, entertainment and local produce.
Date: The weekend of 5-6 October 2024
Location: Abondance
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Free
The Autumn Fair and the International Abondance Breed and Cheese Exhibition is a family event celebrating local folklore, cows and cheese.
You’ll be able to get up close to the animals and the cheese, but that’s not all: you’ll also find local produce, craftspeople, exhibitors, traditional and craft markets, local cuisine … everyone who takes part in the fair puts in their time and effort to make sure you have an unforgettable time!
A variety of activities will take place throughout the weekend: competitions and contests, live music from groups and brass bands, themed evenings (including a giant fondue), exhibitions and workshops for all ages, demonstrations of farming in Abondance … the list goes on and on, and the fair is just waiting for you!
Accommodation – La Grange au Merle
If you’re visiting Châtel, come and stay at La Grange au Merle, a magnificent traditional chalet offering all the comforts of home, and much more besides. Situated on the outskirts of Châtel, it’s easy to get into the centre of the village. And it’s just 15 minutes from Abondance, so you’ll be able to enjoy the fair at your leisure and return to the peace and privacy of your OVO Network property whenever you like.
You’ll also be able to relax in La Grange au Merle’s sauna or hot tub or get together for a film in the home cinema after enjoying the region’s events.
Other autumn events in Châtel
The French Gravel Championships:
Championship divided into five categories over the weekend.
Date: 21-22 September, 2024
Location: Châtel
Perfect for: Groups of friends
Cost: Free for spectators; Competitors pay €70-100
Charity mountain bike rally with events for all ages. Entertainment includes demonstrations, concerts, etc.
Date : 7-8 September 2024
Location: Châtel
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Participation costs between €5 and €79
Combloux – Toquicimes
The seventh edition of Toquicimes, the mountain food festival.
Date: Friday, 18 September 2024 to Sunday 20 October 2024
Location: Megève
Perfect for: Everyone
Cost: Free
Come and take part in this culinary event – the theme for the seventh edition is the Five Senses! The Toquicimes mountain food festival brings together Michelin-starred chefs, up-and-coming talents, local producers and craftspeople, the best workers in France and many others to help you discover the pleasures of Savoyard cuisine.
On the menu: tastings, meetings, workshops for children and adults, local producers’ markets, competitions for chefs and novices, an auction of chef’s whites, demonstrations, conferences, book signings… plenty to treat your eyes and your tastebuds!
Accommodation – Chalet Fanfoua
Located in Combloux, a charming village known as “the pearl of Mont Blanc”, Chalet Fanfoua is the ideal place to spend your holidays. Just 4km from Megève, where the festival takes place, you can enjoy the local entertainment as well as a quiet break. If you’re feeling energetic, you could even cycle to the festival!
And when you get back to the chalet at the end of the day, you can put what you’ve learnt into practice by preparing a delicious meal in the chalet’s modern kitchen, while enjoying the view of Mont Blanc!
Other events in Combloux in autumn
A 10km walk to explore Combloux and the surrounding area, stopping along the way to sample local produce and discover the area’s rich culture.
Date: Sunday, 15 September, 2024
Location: Combloux
Perfect for: Families and groups for friends
Cost: €18 for adults, €13 for children under the age of 12
La Clusaz – Foire de la Croix
A gathering of farmers to mark the return of the herds from the mountain pastures and the end of summer.
Date: Sunday, 15 September, 2024
Location: La Clusaz
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Free
La Foire de la Croix is a fun event for families! There are various competitions with prizes (Abondance cows, Reblochon cheese and horses), parades, concerts and local produce markets.
While you’re sampling the local food at this autumn fair, your children can go and have fun in the leisure centre. After a ride on the summer toboggan or mountain bike, the whole family can enjoy a demonstration of herding dogs or old-fashioned sawing: great holiday memories for everyone!
Accommodation – Loft Monte Clusio
To make the most of your autumn holiday in La Clusaz, we recommend staying at the Loft Monte Clusio, just 3km from this dynamic and modern village.
For the sporty, many hiking trails can be reached on foot from the property. This bright, open-plan property will allow you to make the most of the pure mountain air and completely cut yourself off from everyday life for a peaceful, soothing break.
Manigod – Savoyard evenings
Discover the pleasures of the past at this traditional, lively Savoyard meal.
Date: Every Wednesday
Location: Manigod
Perfect for: Couples, families and groups of friends
Cost: The cost of the food / Booking required
Every Wednesday, Les Sapins restaurant invites you to enjoy an immersive Savoyard evening: come and try local specialities and enjoy some mountain folklore.
The family-friendly entertainment will transport you back to another era. Thanks to the costumes, songs, traditional instruments and friendly atmosphere, you’ll get a real flavour of Savoyard traditions!
Accommodation – Chalet Sivara
The superb Chalet Sivara is just 2km from the authentic family resort of Manigod, at the start of the hiking and cycling trails. Shops and buses are nearby, making for a relaxing holiday.
With plenty of outdoor space and magnificent mountain views, your stay in the Alps will leave you feeling totally relaxed and at peace. For even more relaxation, book yourself into the Manigod spa, which is just across the road.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a lively, relaxing holiday!
Other autumn events in the mountains in Manigod
Visit the Paccard cheese farm:
A demonstration of cheese production followed by tastings.
Date: All year round
Location: Manigod
Perfect for: Couples, groups of friends
Cost: Between €5 and €8 per person / Booking required
Mountain trail run. Three main trails (from 10 to 27km), a vertical trail and a children’s trail.
Date: 7-8 September 2024
Location: Manigod
Perfect for: Groups of friends, couples, families
Cost: Free for spectators, participants pay from €18-55 (register by 1 September 2024).
The Aravis Pass Natura 2000 guided nature trail
A 3 to 5km hike accompanied by mountain professionals to discover biodiversity.
Date: Wednesday 13 October 2024
Location: Manigod
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Free / Booking required
Le Grand-Bornand – Saint-Maurice Agricultural Fair
Agricultural fair with cattle competition.
Date: Saturday, 21 September 2024
Location: Le Grand-Bornand
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Free – meals available, booking required
The Foire de la Saint-Maurice is Grand-Bornand’s last agricultural event before the herds return to the mountain pastures.
As well as the famous cattle show, you can enjoy a traditional Savoyard meal and stock up on local produce to take home with you.
Accommodation – Chalet Argali
Relax in a haven of peace and privacy at Chalet Argali. This beautiful chalet, just 10 minutes from the charming resort of Le Grand-Bornand, is deal for a relaxing and memorable holiday.
Sleeping up to 14 guests, this vast chalet has plenty of rooms to suit every taste. Wake up in the peace and quiet of the mountains, set off on a hike from the chalet, and return to enjoy the sauna and its breathtaking views. Guests will also appreciate the hot tub and the games room.
Other events in Le Grand-Bornand in autumn
Cultural event with activities, guided tours, exhibitions and workshops.
Date: Saturday, 21 September 2024
Location: Le Grand-Bornand
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Free
The Cow Art trail:
A treasure hunt and art trail celebrating the cow.
Date: All year round
Location: Le Grand-Bornand
Perfect for: Families
Cost: Free
Annecy – Return from the pastures
The annual return of the animals from the pastures around Annecy.
Date: Saturday, 12 October 2024
Place: Annecy
Perfect for: Families, groups of friends
Cost: Free
One of the highlights of autumn in the Alps is the return of the animals from the mountain pastures around Annecy. This historic folk festival has been taking place for centuries and has been celebrated in Annecy since 1973. It marks the return of the herds to their barns so that they can spend the winter in the warm.
The parade traditionally takes place on the second Saturday in October, when animals and volunteers bring traditional folklore alive. You’ll be transported back to the past with folk songs and dances, as well as costumes and instruments from the time.
Craftspeople and exhibitors will also be at the fair, demonstrating old trades and crafts. You can also sample local produce, accompanied by music from local groups and brass bands.
Accommodation – Villa Trois Lauriers
Located in the village of Talloires on the shores of Lake Annecy, Villa Trois Lauriers is the perfect base for an autumn holiday in the mountains. The medieval town of Annecy, with its rich culture, dynamic lifestyle and canalside restaurants, is just 20 minutes from the villa.
This beautiful villa is safe for children, so you can all enjoy a relaxing family holiday. Modern and practical, the property has plenty of charm, and guests can enjoy its outdoor swimming pool until mid-October.
Other events in Annecy in autumn
Annecy is packed with activities and events throughout the year. As well as restaurants and markets, visits to the castle, prisons and museums, there are plenty of events to choose from.
Here is a list of just some of the events in Annecy in autumn that you can enjoy on your trip to the Alps at this time of year:
– Sailling regatta a skippers’ competition on Lake Annecy: Sunday, 29 September, 2024
– “Tulipe the red donkey”a history-themed treasure hunt at the Annecy Ecomusée: from 1 to 30 September, 2024
– Dragon boat racing on Lake Annecy: 5-6 October, 2024
– High five festival an event celebrating mountain sports with films, competitions, conferences and various activities: from 27-29 September, 2024
– LirÔlac a local book festival: 5-6 October, 2024
– Science fair on the theme of “The Ocean of Knowledge”: from 4-14 October, 2024
– Heritage festivals:
o Bidoyon festival: Wednesday, 13 October, 2024
o Apple and honey festival: Saturday, 2 November, 2024
o Caïon festival: Saturday, 9 November, 2024
o Wine and local produce fair: November 2024
Other autumn events in the Alps
A festival celebrating cycling and music. A flagship event with the “Alpine Gravel Challenge”, three routes from 30-100km. Races, demonstrations, cycling events, food and refreshments, concert and DJ evenings, children’s entertainment.
Date: 6-8 September, 2024
Location: Champéry
Perfect for: Families and groups of friends
Cost: Free
76th edition of the Mont Blanc motorsport rally.
Date: 5-7 September, 2024
Location: Morzine
Perfect for: Groups of friends
Cost: Free
There are plenty of other events on offer in autumn all over the Alps.
To make the most of them, remember to book your accommodation nearby. OVO Network offers a wide range of top-of-the-range accommodation with all the facilities you need for an unforgettable holiday: jacuzzi, sauna, home cinema, modern kitchens, libraries and games room. Choose the ideal accommodation for you and your group.
Find your perfect chalet in the Alps
The Alps play host to a variety of events in autumn. The key events listed above are sure to be memorable, but there are plenty of other options at this time of year. To discover other destinations to visit in autumn, check out our articles on the subject: here or here.
There’s no shortage of things to do at this time of year either: make the most of your holiday by hiking, paragliding, mushroom-picking, walking, photography, cultural visits… There’s something for everyone.
Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter, so that you can be the first to receive all the information and exclusive offers you need to organise your next holiday in the Alps.
