Not-to-be-missed events around Annecy in 2025

Annecy, nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", is a dynamic city offering a multitude of events throughout the year. Whether you're a fan of culture, sport or local traditions, Annecy offers a host of not-to-be-missed events that punctuate every season. Here's an overview of the major events to mark in your diary for 2025.

Events from January to March 2025

Trail Blanc du Semnoz (January 25, 2025)

The Trail Blanc du Semnoz is a unique race that takes place on the snow-covered trails of the Semnoz massif. With its 11.5 km of semi-nightly running, this event offers a magical experience combining sporting effort and the beauty of the Alpine landscape. Participants race in a winter setting, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the lights of the valley.

Things to remember:

• Location: Semnoz.
• Date: January 25, 2025.
• Description: 11.5 km semi-night race on snow-covered trails with views of the Alps.

La Grande Odyssée VVF (January 11 to 23, 2025)

This spectacular event brings together the best mushers and their athlete dogs for a 400 km sled dog race. Crossing several alpine resorts, this competition highlights the teamwork and complicity between mushers and their dogs. Spectators can admire the crews against a backdrop of immaculate snow, while enjoying a variety of activities organized along the way.

Things to remember:

• Location: Departure from Megève, passing through several Alpine resorts.
• Dates: January 11 to 23, 2025.
• Description: 400 km sled dog race with 65 mushers and 600 dogs.

Exhibition: "L'heure bleue" by Alice Brygo (until February 15, 2025)

The immersive exhibition "L'heure bleue" combines photography, cinema, documentary and artistic installation. Located at Point Commun in Cran-Gevrier, it explores contemporary themes through striking works. Visitors are invited to reflect on modern issues through captivating installations.

Things to remember:

• Venue: Le Point Commun, Cran-Gevrier.
• Dates: Until February 15, 2025.
• Description: An exhibition combining photography and cinema to explore modern themes.

Annecy Venetian Carnival (March 7 to 9, 2025)

Annecy's Venetian Carnival transforms the city into a veritable open-air theater. Inspired by Venetian traditions, this event features dozens of people dressed in sumptuous costumes and wearing mysterious masks. Street parades and performances in the town's historic squares immerse spectators in a magical atmosphere.

Things to remember:

• Location: Annecy.
• Dates: March 7 to 9, 2025.
• Description: Parades and performances inspired by the Venice carnival.

Glisse en Coeur (March 21 to 23, 2025)

Glisse en Coeur is a charity ski race organized in Le Grand-Bornand. For 24 hours, teams of skiers take it in turns to rack up kilometers, with each participant contributing to a children's cause. The atmosphere is festive, with concerts and entertainment punctuating the event. A great opportunity to combine sport, solidarity and conviviality.

Things to remember:

• Location: Le Grand-Bornand.
• Dates: March 21 to 23, 2025.
• Description: 24-hour relay charity ski race for children.

NuméricA 2025 (Exact dates to be confirmed)

The NuméricA festival returns to the Polyèdre in Seynod for its 4th edition. This event celebrates digital innovations with meetings, workshops and interactive exhibitions. Whether you're a fan of new technologies or just curious, NuméricA is the perfect opportunity to discover how digital technology is transforming our lives.

Things to remember:

• Venue: Le Polyèdre, Seynod.
• Dates: Exact dates to be confirmed (previous edition in March).
• Description: Digital festival, combining workshops and technological discoveries.

Events in spring 2025

Lake Annecy International Marathon (April 26 & 27, 2025)

An emblematic event, the Marathon International du Lac d'Annecy attracts runners from all over the world every year. The course skirts the lake, offering spectacular views of the water and mountains. With different distances (marathon, half-marathon, children's races), this event is suitable for all levels.

Things to remember:

• Location: Annecy.
• Dates: April 26 and 27, 2025.
• Description: Annual marathon around the lake with distances for everyone.

Museum Night (May 17, 2025)

Nuit des Musées is an evening when the Musée-Château d'Annecy opens its doors free of charge and offers cultural entertainment. For the 2025 edition, the local conservatory is collaborating with the museum to offer dance and music performances. An original way to rediscover this emblematic site.

Things to remember:

• Location: Musée-Château d'Annecy.
• Date: May 17, 2025.
• Description: Free evening with dance and music at the museum.

European Archaeology Days (May 17, 2025)

To mark the European Archaeology Days, the Musée-Château d'Annecy is offering free activities based on history and animated film. It's a unique opportunity to plunge into the past while discovering interactive animations and exhibitions.

Things to remember:

• Location: Musée-Château d'Annecy.
• Date: May 17, 2025.
• Description: Free day on archaeology and animated film.

Summer events

Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 9 to 14, 2025)

A veritable institution, this festival attracts animation professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world. With its open-air screenings, exclusive previews and conferences, it's a must-attend event for discovering the industry's latest creations.

Things to remember:

• Location: Annecy.
• Dates: June 9 to 14, 2025.
• Description: Worldwide festival dedicated to animated films.

Lake Annecy Festival (August 2, 2025)

The Fête du Lac is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer. This pyrotechnic and musical show illuminates the bay of Albigny, creating a magical atmosphere. With over an hour of fireworks synchronized to a soundtrack, this festival is a must for locals and visitors alike.

Things to remember:

• Location: Baie d'Albigny, Annecy.
• Date: August 2, 2025.
• Description: A spectacular pyrotechnic and musical show.

Lake Annecy crossing (Mid-August 2025, date to be confirmed)

An open-water swimming event, the Traversée du Lac d'Annecy brings together hundreds of participants of all levels. Whether you're a competitor or an amateur, this unique experience in the clear waters of the lake is a real sporting challenge.

Things to remember:

• Location: Lake Annecy.
• Date: Mid-August 2025 (exact date to be confirmed).

Ancilevienne (Exact date to be confirmed)

The Ancilevienne is a popular competition bringing together rowers from all over France. This sporting event showcases the beauty of Lake Annecy through a race around the lake. Spectators appreciate the friendly, festive atmosphere that accompanies the competition.

Things to remember:

• Location: Lake Annecy.
• Date: Exact date to be confirmed (previous edition in September).
• Description: Rowing competition around Lake Annecy.

Autumn events

Fête du Vieux Seynod (First weekend in September 2025)

The Fête du Vieux Seynod is a not-to-be-missed event celebrating local traditions. This convivial festival brings locals and visitors together to enjoy craft activities, folk shows and tastings of regional specialities. Children's entertainment and craft stalls make it an ideal family event.

Things to remember:

• Location: Seynod.
• Dates: First weekend in September 2025.
• Description: Traditional festival with crafts, shows and local tastings.

Return from the Alps (October 11, 2025)

Le Retour des Alpages is a folk festival celebrating rural traditions. The streets of the Old Town come alive with herd parades, demonstrations of old trades and tastings of local produce. An authentic immersion in Savoyard heritage.

Things to remember:

• Location: Old Town of Annecy.
• Date: October 11, 2025.
• Description: Traditional festival with parades and local crafts.

Ancileviennerie (October 8, 2025)

This autumn festival celebrates local crafts and gastronomy. With over 100 exhibitors, the Ancileviennerie is an opportunity to discover regional products and meet passionate craftsmen in a convivial atmosphere.

Things to remember:

• Location: Quartier d'Albigny, Annecy-le-Vieux.
• Date: October 8, 2025.
• Description: Craft and gastronomy festival with over 100 exhibitors.

Conclusion

Annecy and the surrounding area offer a rich and varied program of events in 2025, combining culture, sport and tradition. Whether you're a film buff, a lover of the great outdoors or curious about local festivities, there's always an event not to be missed. Prepare your diaries and enjoy unforgettable experiences in the heart of the French Alps.

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