Top Annual Events In Annecy....
- Bernie
- Feb 11
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 7
While I don't want to overly emphasise how incredible Annecy is, given its breathtaking landscapes and abundant cultural and sporting activities, there's a reason why certain events in Annecy draw tens of thousands of visitors annually. Whether you're new to Annecy or a long-time resident eager to discover more of the local scene, this article highlights the must-see events happening throughout the year. However, not everyone is pleased with the event-filled schedule. Locals are raising concerns about the ecological impact of these events, which have had significant consequences. Read on to learn more.
Local Concerns About Top Annual Events in Annecy
The French have a reputation for voicing their frustrations and Annecy is no exception. I've befriended several of my neighbours and my day wouldn’t feel complete without a five- or ten-minute update on the latest local gripes. It was during one such conversation that I realised just how many residents disapprove of the wear and tear that these popular annual events inflict on the Pâquier.
With that in mind, it’s disappointing to hear that the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival won’t be returning to Annecy. The event, it seems, no longer aligns with local expectations or environmental considerations. The town hall’s decision was based on a 2024 survey in which 3,000 residents expressed concerns about the festival’s impact. ‘The feedback we received raised questions about the length of time the Pâquier would be occupied (due to setting up and dismantling the grandstand), damage to the pitch, and overall nuisance,’ Annecy mayor François Astorg told France Bleu Pays de Savoie.
I empathise with these concerns and frustrations because I too have experienced Annecy when it's overrun with cars and people, it's almost overwhelming. Parking in front of your home is near impossible and finding a parking space becomes a serious and bothersome past-time. Nevertheless, I believe the Fourcade Festival will be missed by many. Balancing ecological and financial sustainability with quality of life is undeniably challenging!
Putting all of this to one side, Annecy still has many other popular annual events on offer. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan. (The dates in brackets are for the current year, 2025).
January
Le Trail Blanc du Semnoz (January 25)
This semi-nocturnal trail running event is a great challenge for snow-loving athletes. Covering 11.5km with a vertical drop of 462m, it starts at sunset, offering spectacular views of the Alps. Snow, fog or freezing temperatures can make it extra tricky but that’s part of the fun! In 2024, 850 runners took part; this year’s cap was 900.
Normally held in January, this wacky paddle boarding event on the lake is cancelled until 2026 due to significant organisational challenges. Let’s hope it makes a comeback!
February
From mid-February to mid-March, this children’s film festival brings family-friendly movies to cinemas across Annecy and its suburbs. It’s perfect for kids aged 2-10, with an eclectic mix of films that delight young audiences.
March
Venetian Carnival (March 7-9)
This event takes place every year on the second weekend after Mardi Gras.
Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy’s ties to Venetian culture shine through during this colourful event. Around 500 participants don elaborate, self-made Venetian costumes and parade through the streets. It’s quite a spectacle!
April
Annecy Marathon (April 26-27)
Sports enthusiasts will find that the Annecy Marathon deserves a spot on their calendar. This popular event typically occurs in April and attracts over 10,000 runners from around the world. The weekend features a full marathon, a half-marathon and a children’s race for ages 7-15. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want to enjoy the beautiful lakeside views, this event is a must for running enthusiasts!
May
Maxi Race (May 30 - June 1)
This is when those mad trail runners descend on Annecy to run around the lake via mountain paths. This iconic event offers courses ranging from 16km to 100km and includes a mini race for kids aged 3-10, junior races for U14, U16, and U18 and for adults, there are two formats; ‘Race’ and ‘eXperience’. To enter the competitive ‘Race’ format, entrants are required to have a minimum level of fitness to take part, whilst the more relaxed ‘eXperience’ format offers a personal challenge for entrants, there is no elite field, no medals or bibs. If you’re tempted, take a look but I think you might find that all of the races are already booked out!
June
Annecy Animation Festival (June 10-13)
For two weeks, Annecy transforms into the animation capital of the world. This festival is one of the most prestigious animation festivals globally, drawing international directors, animation artists and film buffs to Annecy to see the latest films, catch screenings of cutting-edge animation and if the weather holds, enjoy free open-air movies on the Pâquier.
During the festival, you can enjoy a diverse range of animated films, from short features to full-length works by both emerging talents and well-known directors. Attending panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with directors and filmmakers offer unique opportunities to enrich your experience and expand your understanding of animation. Whether you're a filmmaker or just curious about animation, the unique electric atmosphere unites hundreds of passionate individuals eager to share ideas and experiences. It’s a fun event, oozing with multi-cultural creativity!
Triathlon (June 28-29)
This event has been a staple for over three decades. It includes a children’s race (ages 6-15) alongside the full triathlon. For me it marks the start of summer!
July
Annecy Paysages (early July-mid September)
Part art exhibit, part treasure hunt, this isn’t a festival in the traditional sense but it’s a celebration of art with sculptures and installations scattered around Annecy and sometimes even on the lake. Use a QR code to locate each piece and learn about the artist, then stroll at your own pace to complete the ‘tour’. Some pieces are permanent whilst others are temporary, so it changes each year. It’s also a great way to explore the town.
Bastille Day (July 14)
Bastille Day is a day when the French commemorate the storming of La Bastille in 1789. It symbolises the end of absolute rule by the monarchy and a move towards a democratic republic with an expansion of rights and freedom for all. Annecy celebrates this national holiday with music, activities for kids and a firework display over the lake. The program changes each year but there is always something organised in the Jardin de l’Europe, on the Pâquier and in each of the suburbs; Cran Gevrier, Seynod, Meythet, Annecy-Le-Vieux, Novel, Pringy etc. If you are coming into Annecy, arrive early and maybe consider cycling or taking public transport to avoid parking headaches.
August
La Fête du Lac (August 2)
This is probably the most well attended event with over 150 000 people coming into town! With a different theme each year, the hour-long show combines lights, music and pyrotechnics. It takes place at sunset and people gather throughout the day to get a good spot along the water’s edge. For the best view, get in early or buy a ticket for a seat in the stands on the Pâquier or along the Bay of Albigny. Alternatively, you can climb to higher ground or if you have a boat, paddle out onto the lake and watch it from there.
N.B. Parking can be tricky and even if you find a parking space, give yourself plenty of time to get back out because the roads can be totally gridlocked. It might be better to get the bus or if you can, cycle into town.
N.B. Did you know that this event traces its origins back to 31 August 1860 when Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie were invited to Annecy to celebrate Savoie's reunion with France. To honour this occasion, the town organised a grand lakeside party which then became La Fête du Lac that we know today.
October
Le Retour des Alpages (October 11)
This is another popular event and one steeped in local tradition. Early on in June, cattle make their way onto high pastures to graze on fresh, juicy mountainous grass for about 5 months of the year, resulting in the local wonder of Reblochon cheese. In October, the farmers bring the cows back down to their farms so that the animals spend the winter in the warmer cowsheds – hence ‘Le Retour des Alpages’ or ‘Descente des Alpages’
The event starts in the early afternoon in the centre of the old town with a parade of more than 600 farm animals winding their way through the cobbled streets accompanied by their owners dressed in authentic attire. Once the parade has ended, the old town is a hive of activity with demonstrations of traditional trades such as apple pressing or weaving and of course, the opportunity to eat regional dishes such as diot au vin blanc, tartiflette or fondue.
I enjoy this event as it highlights the essence of Annecy as not just a renowned tourist destination but first and foremost a farming community. These farmers have most likely been in agriculture their entire lives, as were their forefathers. May this tradition endure for many more years. It also serves as a subtle reminder that autumn is on it's way!
December
Saint André’s Fair (first Tuesday in December)
This is a day when all the shops in the old town put out stalls to sell their goods. It might sound like one big open market but did you know that this is another event steeped in history with its roots going back to the middle ages! Fairs have always been an essential part of life for people living in mountainous or isolated areas as it would offer them the opportunity to sell their produce and stock up on food and other essential items before the winter sets in.
In modern day Annecy, it’s a time to do some early Christmas shopping or to visit the funfair set up for 2 weeks in the Romains car park. The stalls line the pedestrianised streets between the train station and the old town and along the back of the Bonlieu theatre. It starts at 9am and finishes at 7pm. Apparently, around 80,000 come into Annecy for this event so it’s probably best to come on foot, by bike or public transport as parking can be difficult.
Noël des Alpes (end of November - early January)
Annecy’s Christmas market is another popular event. The set-up has changed over the years. We used to have a children’s ice rink opposite the Courier shopping centre but for ecological reasons it has been moved to the Château of Menthon. Instead, a temporary structure is built to house a selection of pop-up bars and eateries. Small wooden chalets decorate the old town where you can buy handmade gifts and still get your vin chaud and local dishes such as tartiflette and fondue.
Most of Annecy's suburbs and villages around the lake have some kind of Christmas event going on. For children, le Château de Menthon is the place to be with a small ice rink, Santa’s living room, kitchen and bedroom inside the chateau. You can visit Santa himself at certain times and post your letter. It’s a very busy time of year for Santa but he will usually make an appearance at any of the markets in and around Annecy and I believe he also visits the Courier shopping centre where you can also post your letter.
Final Thoughts
The above are just some of the highlights in Annecy’s event calendar. From vibrant fireworks to inspiring films or live music, these annual events offer unique experiences for everyone. Each celebration captures a piece of the city’s cultural fabric, inviting newcomers and longtime residents to connect with each other.
With over 150 sports and leisure clubs in town, there’s always something happening! New events may appear and the concept of existing ones may change; nothing stays the same for very long.
If you have a favourite event which you’d like to add, feel free to share it with me.
That's all for now, until next time
À bientôt......
Tel: 06 28 13 82 60
Email: info@simplyannecy.com
Comments