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The Haute Savoie has a rich and varied cultural life. It
ranges from the rustic in the mountain villages to the sophisticated in
the cities and it goes on all year round.
Annecy has an extensive musical programme that includes recitals from classical to jazz by artists from all over the world. The Festival du Lac is one of the most spectacular festivals held in early August. It is a display of music and dance set on floating stages in the lake starting at sunset. The evening is finished of with a stupendous display of fireworks. A few days later the Talloires music festival, just around the lake, holds a similar festival, though on a smaller scale. With the backdrop of the mountains and the shimmering waters of the lake this is a ‘son et lumiere’ you will not want to miss.
Within an hour of Annecy is the Swiss city of Geneva which hosts major exhibitions like the Geneva motor show in March where many new cars are launched by manufacturers from all over the world. August is the international music festival held in the stylish theatres and concert halls in the city. In December the Genevois celebrate the defeat of the Savoyards who had attacked the city but were repulsed by the citizens and ensured that the city stayed Swiss. Within the French villages there are often celebrations of local culture and crafts. These are held almost every week with exhibitions of traditional crafts like pottery and woodwork. Traditional music and dancing are alive and well in the Rhone Alps region. In summer the high mountain pastures is home to cattle, sheep and goats. All produce milk for locally made cheese and each week the local markets are full of farmers selling their wares. One of the best places to stay is Chalet Largo in Le Grand Bornand which is a large chalet owned by Jean and Liliane Dooms. Here you can enjoy the local village life on your doorstep and yet be within an easy cars drive to sophisticated entertainment. |