Unlike many ski resorts, which seem to fade away at the end of the winter season, Megève is a dynamic and lively town all year round! From spring to winter, major events are organised throughout the year. From sports tournaments to music festivals and the magic of Christmas in the mountains, there's something for all tastes and all ages!
So before you plan your stay in Megève, don't forget to check the calendar of events for the year on the Tourist Office website. These events are very popular and attract a lot of people. To meet the high demand at these times, accommodation prices are likely to rise. It's also advisable to make your reservation as early as possible, to make the most of these colourful events!
La commune de Megève
If Megève had to be a music, it would undoubtedly be jazz. Every year, summer and winter, the sound of this music straight from the United States can be heard in the streets of the village.
Over two summer weekends (one in July and one in August), Megève takes on a New Orleans flavour at the "Summer Jazz" open-air music festival. The town centre becomes a giant dance floor, where locals and tourists alike flock to sway to the rhythm of trumpets and other musical instruments.
Are you more of a gourmet? In Megève, gastronomy is an integral part of the local culture. So it was a no-brainer for the municipality to organise events around the culinary arts!
Every summer in July, the Cuisine Mon Village event combines conviviality, encounters and gastronomy. Large wooden tables are set up in the heart of the town centre, where everyone is invited to sample the specialities cooked by local producers and restaurateurs. Demonstrations and workshops are also on offer for all ages, allowing the curious to find out more about Savoyard gastronomy.
In autumn, the Toquicimes festival attracts the crème de la crème of the culinary world. The programme includes tastings and meetings with the region's top chefs, as well as unusual cooking competitions. If there's only one event you need to remember as a food enthusiast, this is it!
Megève
Alongside sled dogs and reindeer, horses also hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Megève. So it's no surprise to see a number of events being held in the commune, showcasing these graceful animals.
For over 150 years, the Foal Show has been held every year in early summer. The most beautiful foals in the region are presented to a panel of judges to elect the most beautiful specimen of the year. It's also an opportunity to cross-breed with a number of Megève horses, the town's emblematic breed.
White horse on the Megève mountains, facing Mont Blanc.
- © Radka Jilkova / ShutterstockOn a much sportier note, the Jumping International de Megève attracts jumping enthusiasts. Created in 2010, this event attracts thousands of spectators every year, who come to applaud over 350 top riders. This summer event (usually held in July) is free, so everyone can discover the sport.
After the horses, it's time for the cows! Less slender, but just as popular, the cows from the region's mountain pastures are being celebrated in style in Megève! For over a century, the town has been organising the famous Abondance competition, to choose the animal that best represents the breed. Young and old alike flock to the town centre to discover these imposing specimens, emblematic of the Savoie region, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A not-to-be-missed event if you're travelling with children.
In Megève, cows take center stage at the Abondance breed show.
- © ventdusud / ShutterstockSummer and winter alike, the Mont d'Arbois estate plays host to many prestigious golf tournaments. The 18-hole course, very popular with professional golfers, comes alive for top-level competitions. To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Mont d'Arbois golf course.
Professional golfer Gregory Havret in Megève during the 2006 "Green Velvet" tournament.
- © Isogood_patrick / ShutterstockMegève in winter means skiing! Unsurprisingly, this Savoyard ski resort also attracts a number of winter sports events. One of these is the Edelweiss Megève Ski, which welcomes ski touring enthusiasts every year. Depending on your level, you can take part in this exceptional race (3 possible distances), which takes place entirely at night.
Another competition just as unusual, the Back to Back Freeski Invitational lets you discover bump skiing, base jumping and speedriding: freestyle disciplines with guaranteed thrills! More information on the Facebook page.
When the snow is scarce in Megève, the skis are put away and the mountains can be explored on foot or by bike. The most motivated sports enthusiasts will be delighted to take part in one of Megève's two emblematic races: the Mégevanne, which is 100% for women, or the Megève Nature Trail.
Cycling fans are not left out with the MB Race, the mountain bike race considered to be the most difficult in the world. You probably won't have the courage to take it on, but watching the cyclists rise to the challenge is well worth the trip. Megève has also hosted several stages of the Tour de France, in 2016 and 2022.
Le sapin de Noël à Megève
- © Commune de Megève / Marie BougaultIt's impossible to talk about events in Megève without mentioning the magic of Christmas in the heart of the mountains. Every year in December, the resort is lit up and decked out in magical decorations. A majestic fir tree is erected in the central square to make the eyes of children (and adults) shine. The illuminations ceremony is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December, and is an experience not to be missed. Until Christmas Eve, a number of workshops and events are organised in the town centre; visit the Tourist Office website for the full programme.
