WHAT'S NEW FOR SPRING-SUMMER 2026

Re-opening & extension of the Tramway du Mont Blanc: Sustainable access to the high mountains

Following three years of construction, France's highest cog railway will re-open with a new extension taking passengers to the Nid d'Aigle refuge at 2,394m — the traditional starting point for ascents of Mont Blanc. As well as offering one of the most scenic journeys in the Alps, the Tramway plays an increasingly important role in promoting sustainable mobility and preserving Alpine rail heritage.

Reopening of the Mont-Blanc Museum in Chamonix

Following a complete refurbishment, the Mont-Blanc Museum in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (previously known as the Musée Alpin) will reopen in July 2026. Dedicated to the relationship between people and the mountains, the museum will feature immersive exhibitions exploring mountaineering, Alpine history and landscape heritage.

Western-style ranch riding in the Aravis

Flo Little Ranch in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt offers visitors the chance to experience the spirit of the American West in the French Alps. Founded by barrel racing champion Florence Pessey, the ranch offers trail rides and Western-style riding lessons for all abilities.

Haut-Giffre embraces dog-friendly tourism

Awarded the French “Toutourisme” label in 2026, the Haut-Giffre valley is expanding its dog-friendly tourism offer with experiences including doga (yoga with dogs) and cani-balades alongside Nordic dogs.

TWO NEW MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS IN HAUTE-SAVOIE

A growing constellation of Michelin-starred chefs

With 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, Haute-Savoie continues to establish itself as one of France's leading gastronomic destinations. In 2026, two new restaurants join the prestigious list: La Table d'Armante in Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, led by Chef Thomas Vonderscher, and Chalet Flachaire in Abondance, headed by Chef Thomas Flachaire.

Auberge du Père Bise unveils a new look

On the shores of Lake Annecy, the iconic Auberge du Père Bise has completed an extensive redesign led by architect Antoine Ricardou. Ten years after taking over the property, Jean and Magali Sulpice have transformed the reception areas, dining rooms and bar into a contemporary lakeside retreat inspired by the spirit of a traditional inn.

OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY ACCOMMODATION ON THE RISE

Haute-Savoie is seeing a growing trend towards luxury nature-based accommodation, combining sustainability, wellbeing and immersive experiences.

Micro Palaces and Mountain Cabins

Among the latest openings, the Micro Palaces at the Secret Gardens in Vaulx offer elevated eco-designed accommodation with premium comfort. Nearby, the Cabanes du Salève in Collonges-sous-Salève combine mountain cabin living with private outdoor spas overlooking pristine natural surroundings.

Le Tremplin reborn in Morzine

Le Tremplin, an iconic hotel at the foot of the Pléney slopes in Morzine, is entering a new era under the ownership of the British Timpson family. Following the reopening of its restaurant, bar and terrace, the property will unveil 12 new independent suites for summer 2026.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR ACTIVE TRAVELLERS

Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc is one of Europe's great outdoor playgrounds, offering world-class cycling, hiking and trail running in spectacular surroundings.

Pas du Roc hiking route near Annecy

Located in the Fillière valley near Annecy, the Pas du Roc trail is one of the region's most dramatic hiking routes, with stairways carved directly into the rock face and panoramic views over cliffs and valleys. Popular with experienced hikers, it offers an unforgettable immersion into Alpine nature.

ViaRhôna cycling route expands

The ViaRhôna cycling route continues to develop across Haute-Savoie, offering leisurely rides along the Rhône and Lake Geneva. New greenway sections between Sciez and Excenevex, alongside redesigned cycling routes around the Monts du Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains, make exploring the region by bike easier than ever.

Samoëns becomes a cycling hotspot

The inaugural Baroudeurs des Alpes event, taking place from 5–7 June 2026, will transform Samoëns into a cycling hub, featuring both mountain-bike challenges and Gran Fondo road cycling events across legendary Alpine routes.

Tour de France 2026

Haute-Savoie will take centre stage during the Tour de France from 19–21 July 2026, hosting two major stages and a rest day. Highlights include a decisive mountain stage finishing on the Solaison Plateau and an individual time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains along the shores of Lake Geneva.

ANNUAL WORLD CLASS SPORTS EVENTS 

Spartan Ultra World Championships returns to Morzine

From 2 to 5 July 2026, Morzine will host the Spartan Ultra World Championships, bringing together the world's elite obstacle course racers. Combinging extreme endurance, strength and mental resilience, the event promises an intense spectacle. 

Morillon welcomes back the UCI Enduro World Cup 

For the second consecutive year, Morillon will host the UCI Enduro World Cup from 15 to 16 August 2026. Riders will tackle the technical and demanding trails of the Griffe Valley in a competition where precision, commitment and endurance are pushed to the limit. 

Lets Gets UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 

For 21-23 August 2026, Les Gets will host a round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, welcoming the sport's top international riders. The event further cements the resort's reputation as one of the world's leading mountain biking destinations. 

UTMB: the world's trail-running elite descend on Chamonix

From 24-28 August, the UTMB brings together the world's best trail runners. Recognised as one of the most prestigious endurance events on the global sporting calendar, the competition attracts elite athletes and passionate spectators from across the world. 

HIGHLIGHTS FOR CULTURE LOVERS

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

From 21–27 June 2026, Annecy once again welcomes the world's animation industry for its globally renowned Animation Film Festival. This year also marks the opening of the Cité Internationale du Cinéma d'Animation, reinforcing Annecy's position as the international capital of animation.

Rencontres Musicales d'Évian

Running from 24 June to 5 July 2026, the Rencontres Musicales d'Évian remains one of Europe's premier classical music festivals, bringing internationally acclaimed artists to La Grange au Lac on the shores of Lake Geneva. For summer 2026 there is a new concert venue in Évian-les-Bains dedicated to chamber music. The venue's shell inspired architecture has been conceived to deliver exceptional acoustics. 

Cosmojazz Festival in Chamonix

Hosted from 20–25 July 2026, the Cosmojazz Festival combines music and mountains in spectacular fashion. Concerts staged in extraordinary natural locations around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc create a unique high-altitude cultural experience curated by André Manoukian.

For more information visit https://hautesavoiemontblanc-tourisme.com/en/  

The Summer 2026 Haute Savoie Mont Blanc Press Kit is now live and can be downloaded HERE.
A wide selection of images from Haute Savoie Mont Blanc is also available HERE. 

Ends 

For more information, please contact Haute Savoie Mont Blanc UK PR representative Betony Garner - +44 7779 801 691 / betony@betonygarner.co.uk

About

Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc is the official tourism organisation for the Haute-Savoie region, located in the heart of the French Alps, bordering Switzerland and Italy and well served by Geneva International Airport, a few TGV Railway stations and a main Highways. Renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes, the area is home to iconic  Mont-Blanc summit (4 806 m) and international  destinations including Pays du Mont-Blanc,Chamonix and Saint-Gervais , Annecy Lake and Mountains, and Évian-les-Bains.  

The region offers a year-round array of outdoor and cultural experiences, from world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, cycling, lake activities, and festivals during the summer months. With its blend of traditional alpine villages, culinary excellence, wellness retreats, and breathtaking scenery, Haute-Savoie is a prime destination for families, adventure seekers, and those in search of relaxation. Committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, Haute-Savoie works to preserve the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.