Every summer, Savoie celebrates its rural traditions and its land. In the heart of the Alps, in the land of the Sybelles, the traditional festivals multiply in the valley. Breeders, farmers and producers share their ancestral knowledge of the mountains and their know-how with you, with fun, original and free activities for the whole family.
The Hay Festival (July)
In July, shortly after the harvest, Saint-Jean-d'Arves revives its traditional hay festival. The event marks the beginning of the summer festivities in the Arvan valley. Head for the hamlet of La Chal, just a short distance from your holiday rental in Savoie. On the programme: initiation to old-fashioned mowing, tedding with horses, hay collection, donkey threshing and making hay bars, traditional mountain games, craft market (cheese, charcuterie, Arves honey, crozets, Savoy wines, beer...). The day ends in beauty with the traditional torchlight procession, a delicious Savoyard barbecue and a beautiful fireworks display.
The Sheep Festival (July)
In Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, experience the transhumance in a festive and friendly atmosphere! In July, the sheep festival is one of the highlights of the tourist season in the Maurienne valley. Between Savoie and Isère, the Col de la Croix de Fer sees a flock of nearly 2,000 sheep, accompanied by their shepherds. For tourists, it is an opportunity to get close to the flock, to observe the work of the shepherds' dogs, to discuss with the breeders and to share a barbecue at altitude. As a bonus, an incredible view of the Aiguilles d'Arves!
Milking in the mountain pastures (August)
In the heart of the Maurienne mountains, get up close and personal with a mountain farmer and his herd, and let your children discover milking in the mountain pastures. During the summer, several farms open their doors to the curious. The departure is in the morning with the shepherd. On arrival at the mountain pasture, you can learn how to milk the cows, discover the cheese-making techniques, share a Savoyard aperitif with the farmers, and of course buy cheese directly from the producer. A moment of tradition and conviviality appreciated by all!
An event not to be missed: every year in August, Saint-Sorlin and Saint-Jean-d'Arves organise "Alpage en fête". A privileged moment of sharing, exchange and festivities with the breeders to discover all the facets of pastoralism and life in the mountain pastures.
The cattle fair (end of August)
In Savoie, the cattle fair is a very old tradition that has been going on for 800 years. Cows, oxen, donkeys, horses, sheep and goats are honoured on the fairground. A highlight at the end of the summer, the Saint-Jean-d'Arves fair attracts several thousand visitors each year, inhabitants of the valley, holidaymakers, breeders and local craftsmen. The day begins with the traditional agricultural competition for the most beautiful animals and continues with numerous activities. On the programme: introduction to manual milking, demonstration of Beaufort cheese and butter making with a churn, herding by sheepdogs, Savoyard meal, traditional games, folk dancing... An event not to be missed in the valley before the start of the school year!
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