Every year, at the end of August, Le Grand-Bornand puts children first with the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival. The festival, which began in 1992, is now a must-see event and is even recognised internationally.
The Au Bonheur des Mômes Festival
Au Bonheur des Mômes is a festival for young audiences held every year in Le Grand-Bornand at the end of August. Founded in 1992, it celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022 and now attracts over 90,000 festival-goers every year. A true benchmark in Europe, the event offers children the chance to discover the performing arts.
In figures, Au Bonheur des Mômes represents:
- 588 performances
- 280 volunteers
- 300 programme curators
- 26 performance venues
A festive atmosphere in Le Grand-Bornand
During Au Bonheur des Mômes, the whole village of Le Grand-Bornand is transformed. The village is fully decorated and closed to traffic. For a whole week, the atmosphere is one of celebration. With a mix of unique productions from well-established companies and a platform for emerging talent, children never have a chance to get bored. And neither do their parents!
The festival programme includes shows, nature and arts and crafts workshops, story times and fun activities. All suitable for children of all ages.
Practical information about the event
If you’re heading to the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival, some of the practical information listed below will certainly come in handy.
Getting to Au Bonheur des Mômes
There are several ways to get to the festival, which takes place in Le Grand-Bornand. Firstly, you can drive. There are four free car parks near the village and the event venues. Please note that the centre is pedestrianised throughout the six days of the festival. And for those who still have space in their car, do feel free to visit the car-sharing website for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, movici.com.
However, we recommend using public transport to avoid any potential traffic jams. From Annecy, you can take bus routes 62 and 63. To make your journey easier, you can book your ticket directly on the Grand-Bornand Tourist Office website. Shuttle buses are also running between Le Grand-Bornand and Le Chinaillon.
Once there
Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy the festival to the full. For families with young children, please note that pushchair parking areas have been provided to ensure festival-goers can relax. Catering areas will also be set up in the Grand-Bornand resort, in addition to the establishments already open all year round.
Finally, please note that people with disabilities will be able to attend the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival. A free festival pass is available upon presentation of valid proof. You can also contact the organisers to help plan your visit as smoothly as possible on 04 50 77 82 82.
The 2026 edition
Au Bonheur des Mômes returns to Le Grand-Bornand for its 34th edition from 23 to 27 August 2026. Whilst the detailed programme has not yet been unveiled, the festival is expected to remain true to its spirit, featuring the activities and highlights that make it such a success every year.
Tickets will go on sale online on 6 July 2026.
Previous editions
The 2025 edition
From 24 to 28 August 2025, Au Bonheur des Mômes brought Le Grand-Bornand to life for its 33rd edition, themed around animals. The festival brought together 73 companies, including 19 from abroad representing 11 countries, with 91 shows and 465 performances, including 8 French premieres. The 2025 edition was rich and inventive, marked in particular by 23 new works inspired by the animal kingdom.
The 2024 edition
‘Au Bonheur des Mômes’ once again transformed Le Grand-Bornand into a vast playground of entertainment for families. The 2024 edition, held from 25 to 29 August, featured nearly 97 shows and 600 performances over five days. Featuring 84 companies from all corners of the globe, the festival offered a programme combining concerts, theatre, dance, circus, juggling, magic and more…
The 2023 edition
Accommodation for Au Bonheur des Mômes
There is a wide range of tourist accommodation in Le Grand-Bornand. Whether you’re staying for one night or several days, you’re sure to find the accommodation that suits you:
All accommodation in Le Grand-Bornand
We’ve put together a selection of hotels for you to discover in the Aravis resort. They’ll allow you to get about as you please in Le Grand-Bornand, whilst cars are banned from the village during the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival:
Les Fermes de Pierre & Anna
Les Fermes de Pierre & Anna is a place to stay located in the Plans area. It offers direct access to the cross-country ski trails, as well as to the Grand-Bornand golf course. The hotel combines chalet-style and contemporary design.
Les Saytels
Chalet les Saytels is situated at 33 Route de la Vallée du Bouchet, 350 metres from the ski lifts. The hotel offers guests an indoor swimming pool, open all year round.
Le Vermont
Le Vermont is a hotel situated at 607 Route de la Vallée du Bouchet, less than 100 metres from the village centre and the ski lifts. A gym and a ski storage room are available to guests.
La Pointe Percée
The La Pointe Percée hotel is situated in the town centre. Its Savoyard-style décor and rooms with views of the Aravis mountains are particularly popular.
