Annecy is a dynamic city, reflecting the image of the Haute-Savoie department. Cultural events are numerous throughout the year. Some are even part of the tradition, such as the Venetian Carnival or the Descent of the Pastures. A look back at the highlights of the Venice of the Alps.
A rich and varied cultural agenda
Annecy is a city that has a varied and high-quality cultural program throughout the year. The different events are very diverse and serve as a means to attract a wide range of audiences.
From Bonlieu Scène Nationale to the Arcadium, passing through the streets of Annecy and the Saint-François square in Menthon, many places lend themselves to cultural events in the city. You can, for example, attend traditional festivals like the Return of the Pastures, the Venetian Carnival, or the Christmas of the Alps, as well as thematic festivals like the International Animation Film Festival or Annecy Paysages. Major shows also take place in Annecy, such as the Fête du Lac.
The major cultural events of Annecy
Throughout the year, cultural events follow one another in Annecy. We invite you to discover the main and most emblematic ones of the lakeside city.
The International Animation Film Festival
The International Animation Film Festival takes place every year in June. For one week, Annecy becomes the world capital of animated film. For the occasion, many films are screened in preview.
The festival was created in 1960 and welcomes film enthusiasts from around the world. Open to the general public, it allows for meetings with directors and other professionals in animated imagery. Each year, it is possible to volunteer at the festival. A unique opportunity to learn more about this world.
Learn more: the International Animation Film Festival
The Italian Cinema Festival
Another must-see event for film lovers in Annecy is the Italian Cinema Festival. Created in 1983, it offers all kinds of films, screened in their original version. It is therefore a good opportunity to work on your Italian.
Every year, prestigious guests travel to Annecy to present their films, both actors and directors. Special screenings are also dedicated to younger audiences and are classified ACI Giovani.
Screenings take place in several locations in the city, such as Bonlieu or Nemours.
Learn more: the Italian Cinema Festival
The Venetian Carnival
The Venetian Carnival takes place in March each year in the streets of Annecy. The event is particularly suited to the city, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps due to the presence of canals in the Old Town.
Hundreds of people dress in their finest costumes for the occasion. And the masks are not to be missed.
The Venetian Carnival is free, especially because it takes place outdoors.
Learn more: the Venetian Carnival
Meetings at the heart of traditions in Annecy
Some cultural events have become traditions in Annecy. The people of Annecy and more generally the Haute-Savoyards would not miss them for anything. Here are a few of them.
The Descent of the Pastures
The Descent of the Pastures is certainly the event that attracts the most people in one day in Annecy. Indeed, between 80,000 and 100,000 people are expected at each edition.
The Descent of the Pastures took place for the first time in 1973. It marks the end of summer and the return of herds to the valley as autumn approaches. A parade is organized in the city center of Annecy, featuring folk groups, local harmonies, and breeders.
Learn more: the Descent of the Pastures
The Fête du Lac
The Fête du Lac needs no introduction in Annecy. Over 200,000 spectators are expected every year for this flagship event of the lakeside city. And while it is possible to buy tickets to attend the fireworks, you can also enjoy it for free from various locations in Annecy and the surrounding area.
The Fête du Lac was born in 1860, on the occasion of the visit of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie to Annecy. Since then, this nighttime event has been held every year on the first Saturday of August.
More information: the Fête du Lac
The Christmas of the Alps
The Christmas of the Alps takes place every year in Annecy. It is the city’s Christmas market, which starts in mid-November and ends in early January.
In addition to the traditional chalets, illuminations are installed in the streets of the city. The iconic buildings also host light shows every evening.
A cultural program also allows the people of Annecy to enjoy good times leading up to the holidays.
More information: the Christmas of the Alps in Annecy
Haute-Savoie, a land of cultural events
Like Annecy, many cultural events are organized in Haute-Savoie. While some are more established than others in the territory, the choice remains vast. We invite you to discover three of them.
The Medieval Festival of Andilly
The Medieval Festival of Andilly takes place every year during Ascension and Pentecost. These two extended weekends are synonymous with a return to the Middle Ages, with jousts and knight battles.
Various activities are offered in Andilly on this occasion, which delights the youngest. You can discover what daily life was like in the Middle Ages.
Given the enthusiasm for the Medieval Festival, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance.
More information: the Great Medieval Festival of Andilly
The Guides’ Festival of Chamonix
The Guides’ Festival of Chamonix was established in 1924. The mountain professionals decided to pay tribute to colleagues who were swept away by an avalanche during their ascent of Mont Blanc.
Today, it is a must-see event in the Chamonix valley. The guides parade through the resort, and many activities are offered.
The goal is also to raise funds that are then donated to the Relief Fund.
More information: mountaineering in Haute-Savoie
Au Bonheur des Mômes in Grand Bornand
Au Bonheur des Mômes is an event for children that takes place every year at the end of August, in Grand Bornand.
Every year, more than 90,000 people attend the festival to enjoy the activities and shows offered.
A literary prize is also awarded each year to a children’s novel, selected from 5 works. The winner is chosen by the children, who must send in a ballot before the festival begins.
More information: Grand Bornand ski resort
Significant cultural events in Chambéry
The city of Chambéry, located not far from Annecy, also hosts various large-scale cultural events. We have selected two that take place at the Manège, in the city center.
The International Comic Festival, Chambéry
Every year, spanning September and October, the International Comic Festival takes place at the Manège. About sixty authors are present. They come from all over Europe and sometimes further afield to present their works.
Each year, thousands of visitors attend the festival to meet the authors and make new discoveries in the field of comics.
Activities are also organized at the Espace Malraux and the Carré Curial.
The World Tour at the Manège, Chambéry
The World Tour at the Manège is an event that takes place every year in Chambéry. Foreign students from the Savoie Mont Blanc University (USMB) are invited to present their culture and traditions to the people of Chambéry.
5,000 participants gather each year for this festive weekend. Access to the World Tour at the Manège is completely free, and there is no need to register in advance.
