A picture-postcard town much sought-after by tourists from all over the world, Annecy is nonetheless a city that honors its folklore and traditions.
During the autumn season, several events, some of which date back centuries, perpetuate the culture of the Savoyarn region.
The "Retour des Alpages" on Saturday 14 October
Return from the mountain pastures is a custom dating back to the Middle Ages celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Nearly 100,000 visitors come to admire the parade of animals in full regalia. The bells and bells of the herds coming down from their summer pastures echo through the streets of Annecy to the amazement of children and adults alike.
Numerous stalls display local handicrafts or bring old trades back to life for a day. The scent of potato fritters, bugnes and rissoles fills the streets, to the rhythm of music and dance performed by folk groups in period costume, or the sound of alphorn players... all the traditions of Savoy are on display at this traditional, festive family festival.
A not-to-be-missed event with a flavour of yesteryear!
The "Ancileviennerie" on Sunday 22 October
Annecy-le-Vieux (town next to Annecy) celebrates autumn for its 42nd edition.
Artisans and producers from the region come to showcase their skills in the Albigny district, just a stone's throw from the Impérial Palace hotel: leatherwork, cheese-making, market gardening... Local associations are also present with their own stands, and numerous activities are offered to the public throughout the day for a convivial, family-friendly experience.
The "Fête du Caïon" on Saturday 11 November
"Caïon" means pig in Savoyan dialect. Every 2nd Saturday in November, Annecy's Rue Filaterie and Place Notre Dame celebrate this essential farm animal. You may see a few animals or an apple press, but it's above all the pig-based specialities that you can buy and taste: boudin, bacon and ham, sausage, pig on the spit, not forgetting the emblematic diots and pormoniers (sausage with herbs and vegetables). The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the hilarious imitation pig squealing contest, for which the winner takes home a gift basket. Caïon means pig in Savoyard dialect. Every 2nd Saturday in November, Annecy's Rue Filaterie and Place Notre Dame celebrate this essential farm animal. You may see a few animals or an apple press, but it's above all the pig-based specialities that you can buy and taste: boudin, bacon and ham, sausage, pig on the spit, not forgetting the emblematic diots and pormoniers (sausage with herbs and vegetables). The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the hilarious imitation pig squealing contest, for which the winner takes home a gift basket. All proceeds go to charity.
The "Foire de la Saint André" on Tuesday 5 December
In existence for 500 years, this fair used to enable the inhabitants of the countryside and mountain villages to sell their produce while stocking up before winter on products, clothing and various utensils that they couldn't find in their region for the rest of the year.
Today, on the 1st Tuesday of December, more than 1,000 merchants take over Annecy's city center for this not-to-be-missed event.
They sell clothes, books, toys, kitchen utensils and household equipment, as well as sweets, chocolates and gourmet products. No fewer than 50,000 visitors flock to the more than 5 km of street occupied by the stalls to make bargains, listen to demonstrations by the hawkers and sample local specialities, sometimes as early as the early hours of the morning, in a festive atmosphere.
Other autumn festivals are also held locally... don't hesitate to contact the tourist offices of nearby towns.
Photo's credit: Gilles Piel / Yan-Gaetan Olivo Pro