Important Dates

Les Noctibules:
At the end of July each year, the streets of the old town are taken over by groups of street artists - musicians, jugglers, magicians, dancers - the programme is different each year.  Four nights of free entertainment which add a special atmosphere to the centre of town.

Bastille Day celebrations:
July  14th is of course one of, if not the most important day in the French calendar.
The town of Annecy rounds off this national holiday with a spectacular free firework display.

The Tour de France:  www.letour.fr
Certainly the best known cycle race in the world, the Tour dominates French news for three weeks of July.  Although taking a different route each year, it always has one or two stages close to Annecy because of the magnificent choice of mountain cycling terrain.  Whether or not a devotee of cycling, watching a stage of the Tour, with all the entourage associated with the event, makes for a very special day out!

The Fête du Lac:
Europe's biggest and probably most spectacular annual fireworks display! A truly breathtaking evening of sound and light orchestrated to a different theme on the first Saturday of August each year.  Booking your seat(s) is essential on www.lac-annecy.com



The "Retour des alpages":
This annual event, the centrepiece of which is a grand procession, takes place on the 14th October in 2006.  It marks the traditional end of the summer season and symbolises the return of the herds of cows from the alpine slopes where they graze and live throughout the warmer months, to their winter homes in the valleys.
The whole town centre is alive with sounds of folk music, singing and dancing.  Stalls selling local produce, arts and crafts add to the ambiance of a day which is a particular favourite for children.

More information:
www.lac-annecy.com