The Annecy Cow Festival is one of my favorite cultural events from around the world. Held on the second Saturday of October, it celebrates the return of the cows from their summer pastures. The cattle make their ascent in June and graze happily all summer. Then in autumn, back down the mountain they come. This annual ritual is known as le Retour des Alpages, or the Descent from the Alpine Pastures.
A street fair is set up in the medieval town, with stalls selling regional foods and handicrafts. Savoy specialties include fresh cheeses and cured sausages, honey and jams, pottery, and table linens. Be on the lookout for large cauldrons full of tartiflette. This hearty dish of potatoes, onions, and lardons is a great way to taste reblochon cheese, which is made from the local dairy cows.
Annecy Cow Parade
This fun festival culminates with the cow parade, when the shepherds lead their herds through Annecy on the way back to their home farms. The cows are adorned in bells and flowers for the occasion, and are joined by sheep, goats, donkeys, and mountain dogs. According to official reports, there are around 600 animals in the parade. It is quite a spectacle! (And I imagine quite a mess to clean up afterwards haha.)
In addition to animals, the parade includes farmers and folk groups decked out in traditional costumes. It’s a slow-moving procession, giving them plenty of time to dance and play musical instruments for the delighted crowds. (There will be throngs of people enjoying the parade, so line up early for a good view.)
I stumbled upon the festival by accident while visiting Annecy on a day-trip from Geneva, Switzerland, and it was such a pleasant surprise! But the town is worth the trip, even if you miss the festivities. It’s nestled in the southwest corner of France, between the French Alps and Lake Annecy. Canals wind through the picturesque old town, with its stone bridges and candy-colored houses.
There’s a museum inside the the 14th century fortress perched in the middle of the main canal, though I got so distracted by the festival that I forgot to go inside. Ditto for the 13th century Château d’Annecy, which I didn’t even get a photo of. Guess I’ll just have to go back!
I’ve read that Annecy hosts a Christmas market in November and December. If it’s anywhere near as charming as those in Strasbourg and Colmar, it’s definitely worth adding to the wish list.
Would you like to attend the Annecy Cow Festival?
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What a neat thing to stumble across. I wouldn’t want to have to clean up the mess!! Love the pictures. Love these old towns!!
They put down tons of hay before the parade so hopefully that made clean up easier!