Animal Parade
Crowds cheer as beautifully adorned herds and shepherds in costume march through the streets, accompanied by traditional music.
Return of the Alpine Pastures
Retour des Alpages
Annecy, France
Oct 10, 2026Expected
Each second Saturday of October, the city of Annecy welcomes the herds down from the high pastures with Le Retour des Alpages. Cattle, costume, and folk tradition fill the lakeside streets, in a celebration of the rural Alpine and Savoyard heritage of the region.
Key moments
Where it happens
Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
Annecy, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Be prepared for crowds; wear comfortable shoes
Read the local rhythm
Keep distance from animals; follow guides' directions if entering parade areas
Keep the visit respectful
Do not surround or disturb the animals; stay behind barriers
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL SEASONAL CALENDAR
Return of the Alpine Pastures
Retour des Alpages
Annecy, France
Each second Saturday of October, the city of Annecy welcomes the herds down from the high pastures with Le Retour des Alpages. Cattle, costume, and folk tradition fill the lakeside streets, in a celebration of the rural Alpine and Savoyard heritage of the region.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Oct 10, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
This event highlights Annecy’s rural Alpine heritage. Organized by the local Annecy Traditions association, it revives medieval transhumance practices and Savoie folk culture each year. It embodies community values of sharing and authenticity in an urban setting, reinforcing regional identity through parade and celebration.
Key moments to know
Animal Parade
Crowds cheer as beautifully adorned herds and shepherds in costume march through the streets, accompanied by traditional music.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Be prepared for crowds; wear comfortable shoes
Read the local rhythm
Keep distance from animals; follow guides' directions if entering parade areas
Keep the visit respectful
Do not surround or disturb the animals; stay behind barriers
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Oct 10, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Annecy
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Haute-Savoie)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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