Summer Events in the French Alps 2011

The French Alps in summer hosts many events from famous year after year style to smaller village affairs. Throughout the summer months each resort and village in the French Alps has a series of events on its programme each week celebrating dance, music, history, pastimes, youth, seasons etc.

Below are some of the more recognised and famous events in the French Alps as well as some larger resort festivals. For further information on smaller events unique to each resort see the resort news section on each resort page.

French Alps (2nd July – 24th July 2011)

Tour de France

It started in 1903, and is the world's biggest cycling race. It is a 23-day, 21-stage road race that is usually run over more than 3,600 km. It will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,471 kilometres (2517 miles). These 21 stages have the following profiles: 10 flat stages, 6 mountain stages and 4 summit finishes, 3 medium mountain stage, 1 individual time-trial stage (41 km). For more information about Tour de France and which resorts it passes close to please see here.

Annecy (6th – 11th June 2011)

International Festival of Animated Films

Every year since 1960 at the beginning of June Annecy is the meeting-place for the world of Animated Films Presentation and showing of films in competition in various theatres in the town, homages, retrospectives, exhibitions
Giant-screen showings every evening on the Paquier. Entry free.

Projections from 10.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. in 8 sites spread around the town and late night open-air shows on a giant screen by the lakeside. View other events in Annecy.

Samoens (8^th - 10^th July 2011)

Samoens American Festival

2 day family festival with country ‘n western concerts, riding demonstrations, line dancing lessons etc. View other events

Les Gets (10^th - 23^rd July 2011)

Lounge Music Festival Les Gets

For one week the resorts terraces, bars and restaurants will come alive to the music of acoustic groups (jazz, folk etc).

View for other Les Gets events

Tignes le Lac (middle August – dates tbc)

Fete du Vin de France

Every summer Tignes hosts this 5 day event. The main street in Tignes le Lac will be populated with wine tasting tents from vineyards all over France.

Saint Sorlin d’Arves (29^th - 31^st July 2011)

Country Festival

Concerts, dance, western animations for all the family.

View here for other Saint Sorlin events

SerreChevalier (2^nd and 3^rd July 2011)

SerreChevalier Sky Race Chemin du Roy

The new trail race in Serre Chevalier. With its 800 meters vertical drop, at the foot of the pinnacle of Lauzet this race for lovers of nature trail version.

Throughout the day: Stands of local produce, entertainment for children

NEW FOR SUMMER 2011 – 10km night race!
View here for other Serre Che events

Les Gets (18^th – 19^th June 2011)

Enduro Series

Enduro racing is a renowned though little developed sport in the world of mountain biking.  The goal is simple: during an entire weekend, competitors record their best individual times down a predetermined number of downhill courses. Indeed, there is little to no direct confrontation between the riders! This year, the Enduro Series will start in Les Gets.

Les Houches (26 August – 28 August 2011)

The North Face Ultra Trail Mont Blanc

8900 meters of difference of and 163 km: the race! 163 km around the Mont Blanc on the French, Italian and Swiss paths, in 46 hours maximum. A real adventure for the runners, a real show for the public!  Passage in Les Houches for runners about 7 pm, concert and animations in the centre of the village.

Les 2 Alpes (15^th July – 17^th July 2011)

Mountain of Hell – 11th edition

Free ride mountain bike race. Stats on snow! 25 Km mountain biking marathon over a vertical drop of 4000 metres on all types of terrain (single track, snow and rock). View other Les 2 Alpes events

Valloire (1st– 2nd July 2011)

The famous La Marmotte bicycle race
Famous amateur race joining Le Bourg d'Oisans to l'Alpe d'Huez crossing the most famous alpine passes.
2 choices are now possible: The half marmot and the marmot in two days.

Valloire (3rd July - 30th July 2011)

Peak Sounds Festival (Pic Sonne Festival)

Valloire will live at the rhythm of the Blues during one week: the association "Route 902" presents the third edition of this festival. Blues rock concerts in Bonnenuit and in the heart of the town. View other Valloire events

Please call 0844 576 0170 to book

Opening times Mon-Fri 9am – 6pm (7pm Sept-Mar), Sat 10am – 4pm. Closed bank holidays and Sundays.