Annecy Mountains Enjoy Spring
From the lakeside villages beyond Annecy town, to the mountains and alpine villages of the Aravis, the Annecy Mountains region offers an incredible range of new and exciting experiences and openings for 2025.
New Experiences In Annecy Mountains:
Flyboat: A Unique Experience with Wild Geese Sources du Lac d’Annecy
A new and unique adventure is coming to the Sources du lac d’Annecy. Known for its paragliding, ULM flights, and breathtaking journeys alongside migratory birds, Delta Évasion introduces the Flyboat. This year, wild geese take to the water, accompanying passengers on an extraordinary boat trip. A rare and magical moment, in perfect harmony with nature and these majestic birds. https://www.deltaevasion.com/
New Pumptrack in Le Grand-Bornand
The new closed circuit pumptrack on the banks of the Borne, offers alternating mounds and across three tracks classified green, blue and red. 1350m2 accessible to all non-motorized or electric machines: MTB, BMX, rollers, scooters, skateboards. From the age of 4 / 5 yrs this equipment is intended as a new place for living, learning and intergenerational encounters in the heart of Le Grand Bornand.
Swimming in an idyllic setting Manigod
The Merdassier swimming pool in Manigod offers a unique experience in the midst of exceptional mountain scenery. With a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, it's the ideal place to relax in the heart of nature. Open from June to early September, the swimming pool is a haven of peace for mountain lovers and swimmers alike. https://en.manigod.com/outdoor-swimming-pool-to-the-col-de-merdassier/manigod.html
Montées à l'Alpage: sharing in a time-honoured tradition
Join a local farmer as they transport their cattle to the mountain pastures – learn about the challenges facing the farming world and the natural, cultural and culinary heritage of the Aravis and its Reblochon cheese. Various dates and levels of hiking available. www.saveurs-des-aravis.fr May and June Adults: €10, children aged 6-12: €6 and free for under-6s.
La Ferme des Vônezins: Rural Renovated Chalet Thônes Cœur des Vallées
Philippe Carteron, a native of the region and owner of the farmhouse, welcomes his guests in a warm and welcoming atmosphere to this completely renovated chalet, which dates back to 1787 and is typical of the Haute-Savoie region. The restaurant, spa and suites are set in serene, authentic surroundings, offering a subtle blend of rustic charm and modern comforts. www.lafermedesvonezins.com
3 bedrooms and 1 2-bedroom flat (sleeps 8). Double room with breakfast: from €345.
A new era for “Le Hameau de mon Père”: cuisine by Elise Veyrat Manigod
The gastronomic restaurant “Le Hameau de mon Père” offers a unique culinary experience, combining tradition and creativity. Set in enchanting surroundings, this exceptional venue invites gourmets on a sensory voyage where each dish is a work of art, using local and seasonal produce. Daughter of her father, renowned chef Marc Veyrat, Elise continues the family savoir-faire while infusing it with her own gastronomic vision. https://www.lehameaudemonpere.com/
Le Café de la Poste in Nâves-Parmelan - Gourmet at the summit! Lac d’Annecy
Located at 640 meters, the small village of Nâves-Parmelan,10 km from Annecy, is dominated by the Parmelan mountain. Maxime Chevardé, nature lover and sports enthusiast, has taken over Le Café de la Poste, with a new menu. Maxime offers inspired cuisine, with 39 seats, in this lively space with its antique decor. Hike the legendary Parmelan Mountain and head to the Café de la Poste for a well-deserved gourmet break. Nâves Parmelan. lunch menu: €24.Lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday, and lunch on Sunday and Monday. https://www.facebook.com/p/Cafe-de-la-poste-100063707462300/
Events:
Radio Meuh Circus Festival 3-6th April La Clusaz
The must-attend event at the end of winter in La Clusaz is back this year from April 3 to 6. The Radio Meuh Circus Festival is a contemporary music festival held in a warm and relaxed atmosphere at the foot of the mountains. Four days of concerts under a big top, in the village center, plus DJ sets on the slopes. A carefully curated musical lineup, selected by Radio Meuh, the local web radio.
https://circus.radiomeuh.com/
La Trace: ski touring film festival 11-13th April Thônes Cœur des Vallées
After a successful first edition, the unique La Trace festival is back with the promise of an experience rich in emotion, beauty and inspiration for mountain enthusiasts and those curious to discover new horizons. 16 ski touring films have been selected and 3 awards will be presented. After each screening, the public will be able to chat with the film-makers. New for 2025: a 300 m² brand exhibition (free admission) to discover the latest innovations and talk to passionate experts. www.latracefestival.fr/
Caricature, Press Drawing, and Humor Festival 19-20 April Saint Jean de Sixt
Caricature, Press Drawing, and Humor Festival in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, will be held from on 19th and 20th April. This year's event will focus on “Law Enforcement” through exhibitions, workshops and meetings with renowned cartoonists. Bringing together artists and enthusiasts in a friendly, creative atmosphere.
https://www.saintjeandesixt.com/temps-fort/festival-de-la-caricature/
Trail Event :The Ultimate Man, 10th May Manigod
May 10, 2025, the Ultimate Man [not just for men !] in Manigod is back - an exceptional trail event. The race starts at 9:00 from the Col de la Croix Fry, with a 6.7 km loop and a positive vertical drop of 220 m (D+). A max. of 200 participants will be accepted where everyone will be able to run at their own pace thanks to the “No Limit” concept, with no lap limit. A variety of refreshments and a friendly atmosphere. Registration fee: €89 incl. welcome gift
Annecy Paysages: July 5th -September 28th Lac d’Annecy
A tour of artistic installations in the Annecy landscape :expanding from 18 to 22 works presented during the summer. After strolling through the Pâquier and the narrow streets of the city center, guests are invited to explore Annecy—where urban and natural spaces intersect—a journey off the beaten track.
New Venues:
The Moxy arrives in Annecy : NEW 3-star Hotel Lac d’Annecy
NEW The Moxy*** Annecy offers 156 rooms (including 6 family rooms and 18 triple rooms) and is now the largest hotel in Annecy and the second largest in Haute Savoie. An average of 17m2 for the rooms at the Moxy Annecy, it has an industrial, trendy atmosphere with a touch of mountain spirit. Adjacent to the hotel, the restaurant is open 5 evening days a week, with seasonal cuisine using fresh, local products. The reception area adjoins the bar which opens onto the library zone, a quieter co-working area open to all. The Moxy will host exhibitions, concerts, and workshops throughout the year. From €90 without breakfast (18€) https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gvacx-moxy-annecy/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0
Maison Perreau – Bakery and Pâtisserie - Saint Jean de Sixt
La Maison Perreau, a new bakery and patisserie in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, has opened its doors to offer customers quality artisanal products, prepared with passion. Whether you're looking for a gourmet breakfast or a sweet break, you'll find a selection to delight even the most discerning gourmets.
A New Showcase for Local Craftsmanship in Faverges - Sources du Lac d’Annecy
Since March, a new boutique has been highlighting local craftsmanship. This space brings together a curated selection of authentic handmade products, including stationery, soaps, macarons, textiles, candles, and pottery. A must-visit spot to discover and support talented local artisans. Wednesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM / 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM Faverges-Seythenex
“L’ Artisan” - the gastro / bistro new restaurant around Lake Annecy Lac d’Annecy
Damien Decelle from Lyon, has opened his new restaurant L’Artisan reflecting ‘an artisan’, working with original products with short supply chains. At the table or from the counter, the world of Damien and his team will delight the taste buds. 32 Rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy https://restaurantlartisan.fr/ 3-course €44 - 4-course €54 - evenings Tues – Sat, + Fri &Sat lunch
