Local events in the Aravis region

9th Hot Air Balloon Festival - GrandBornand

3rd - 5th July 2009

A huge collection of international hot air balloon pilots fly their hot air balloons at the beginning and end of every day. A stunning sight as hundreds of hot air balloons take off with the majestic Aravis mountains behind them.

Tour de France stage finish - Grand Bornand

22nd July 2009

This year the Tour de France finishes it's 7th high mountain stage, the 17th stage in all, in Grand Bornand. An event to be appreciated not just for the cycling but also for the carnival beforehand and the amazing atmosphere. As Lance Armstrong makes his comeback after several years away, this will be an exciting race that will be attended by the whole of the cycling world.

Moonlight Walk - La Clusaz

25th July 2009

A peaceful evening stroll through the village of La Clusaz, lit only by moonlight and candles. Artists and local produce suppliers will have stalls for you to browse, whilst being serenaded by music and magicians as you go. A magical and enchanting alpine experience for adults and kids alike.

Reblochon Festival- la Clusaz

9th August 2009

Fete de Reblochon celebrating farming in days gone by One of the special alpine holiday weekends in the area. A parade of floats re-enact scenes through the ages including daily activities like spinning, bread making, and folk dances...a day to celebrate the local craftsmen and farmers and famous Reblochon cheese, made late in the afternoon in a huge copper cauldron and eaten freshly moulded.

Over 2000 spectators come every year to the green pastures of La Clusaz to recapture some of the spirit of the olden days, walk among the farm animals and taste many Savoyard specialities.

The Bonheur des Momes festival - Grand Bornand

23rd - 28th August 2009

The largest kids festival in the area, this is definitely not to be missed by families with children of all ages. Everything from circus workshops to fantastic street theatre shows with the usual facepaint, fairground rides, street games and candyfloss.

La Croix Fair - La Clusaz

13th September 2009

This is the first of the mountain autumn fairs, bringing together the best "Abondance" cows in the area competing to win 'best livestock' prizes. It also hosts the best Reblochon cheese contest. Mountain farmers, shepherds and goat herders all get together to celebrate the end of summer and the return of the herds and flocks from the mountains to the village. Enjoy the parade of animals, the contests and an evening with the farmers.