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Fête-du-lac-annecy
Fête-du-lac-annecy

Annecy Lake Festival: a Colorful 2026 Edition

Every summer, the Lake Festival transforms Annecy into a spectacular open-air stage, attracting visitors from all over Europe. This event is Europe’s largest fireworks display.

Annecy Lake Festival makes its grand return on Saturday, August 1, 2026 and will enchant both young and old! Want to know more about this colorful event? Then read on and prepare for one of the most memorable editions!

  • Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
  • Time: From 7 PM to 11 PM (fireworks usually start around 9:45 PM)
  • Ticket office opens: From Tuesday 2 June to 20 June, from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, at Les Nouvelles Galeries.
Table of Content

What is the Annecy Lake Festival? A Historic Tradition

Every year, on the first Saturday of August, Annecy lights up for its famous Lake Festival, a dazzling spectacle that gathers over 200,000 spectators on the shores of the lake.

This event originated in 1860, during the visit of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. To mark their passage and celebrate their presence, a Venetian festival was organized, with fireworks launched over the lake at the end of the evening.

It wasn’t until August 10, 1924, that the event took on a new dimension: the Annecy Tourist Office then organized a show combining illuminations, fireworks, and boat competitions.

Due to public enthusiasm for this event, the Lake Festival became an annual event from the following year, continuing to this day and becoming a truly magical fireworks display.

fetes annecy lac feux artifices

Date, Location, and Program for the 2026 Edition

The Annecy Lake Festival is set for August 1, and some new features could very well be reserved, directly inspired by residents’ expectations. They want to keep this event, dear to their hearts, by the lake, but wish for a more accessible, friendly, and lively festival. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the Annecy Lake Festival was one of the points raised by residents during the consultation conducted by the City.

It is to address this last issue that the event is evolving towards a more eco-responsible format, with a show lasting a maximum of 70 minutes and an increased presence of luminous drones, while paying particular attention to the water and light effects that are the very essence of the show.

In addition, improvements are also planned to improve waste management and facilitate “access to public transport, thereby reducing the” impact of the festival on the “environment. As for the show itself, this year’s edition features the artistic project ‘L’Âme du Monde’, developed by the French company Arteventia. It is divided into 9 acts. The programme includes a musical journey through classical masterpieces, film scores, orchestral works and popular songs. A spectacular evening by the lake, designed to captivate a wide audience.

Let yourself be carried away by Maïk Darah’s spellbinding and unique voice. The renowned actress and iconic French voice will guide the audience on a poetic journey, suspended between time and emotion.

Where to Admire the Show?

Le Pâquier (Central Zone - Paid Access)

The heart of the show takes place here. For the occasion, Le Pâquier becomes a huge open-air performance hall. You can choose to be seated on the lawn or in the stands, for an immersive experience with sound and optimal view. These seats are paid and highly sought after.

Free Zones and Alternative Viewpoints

Even without a ticket, many spots around the lake allow you to attend the show for free. Here are the best locations:

  • Le Pâquier (peripheral zones): Although part of it is paid, some areas remain freely accessible. Arrive early, from early afternoon.
  • Jardins de l’Europe to Plage des Marquisats: A privileged view in a pleasant setting.
  • Plage d’Albigny: Lateral but clear view, and more space to settle in.
  • Annecy-le-Vieux (heights): A more distant, but impressive panoramic view.
  • Sevrier, Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard: These quieter towns offer spectacular reflections on the water, in a romantic and calm atmosphere.
  • Col de la Forclaz: At 1,157 m altitude, it is a majestic viewpoint over the entire lake. Ideal for admiring the sunset before the fireworks. The view is distant, but the atmosphere remains romantic.
affiche fête du lac annecy 2026

The Fireworks: the Show and its Cost

The Lake Festival fireworks are, in addition to being unique, exceptional and custom-made by the master pyrotechnician Édouard Grégoire; the program includes 9 distinct acts. Through “L’Âme du Monde”, our aim is to explore music as a vehicle for connection and universality. Both poetic and accessible, this production is part of our commitment to offering an immersive artistic experience that resonates emotionally and holds meaning for audiences of all backgrounds.

As for ticket prices, there was a range of options last year: €6.50 to settle down on the surrounding lawns, and €45 for adults seeking comfort and a prime seat in the stands overlooking Lake Annecy. A prime seat for an unforgettable event! Please note that this year, special rates will be available for residents of Annecy. Find out more.

Practical Information: Ticketing, Access, and Transport

To participate in the Annecy Lake Festival and enjoy all it has to offer, you must purchase a ticket online or physically. These opened on Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 10am, so don’t delay and book your ticket now!

Furthermore, to attract young people, 200 spots on the Pâquier lawn are offered to young people from Annecy aged 13 to 25, at a preferential rate of €5. To do this, young people must go to the Info Jeunes (Bonlieu center) to pick up a coupon with a promo code (one coupon per person).

Please note, however, that the area reserved for people with reduced mobility (PMR) is full for this year.

Our latest tips:

  • Choose your atmosphere:
    • Optimal view = stands or Pâquier lawn, but high attendance.
    • Quieter view = lake shores or heights, fewer crowds but a more distant show.
  • Arrive early: Several hours in advance, especially in the city center.
  • Bring a picnic, a blanket, a flashlight, and warm clothes.
  • Be patient after the fireworks: Roads are very often congested.
    ➜ Wait 1 to 2 hours after the end to leave calmly.
  • Book your accommodation now:
    Up to 200,000 people attend the event. Accommodations fill up quickly.
Cosy spirit 5*,Maison au Calme avec vue
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A look back in pictures - 2025

spectacle pyrotechnique annecy
feux artifices annecy
fête du lac annecy

The Annecy Lake Festival: an Event not to be Missed in August!

If you wish to spend a stay in Annecy in August, you absolutely must book your ticket and participate in the Annecy Lake Festival! Besides its fireworks, its magical lights and colors, it is a local festival whose charm and authenticity will delight you!

So, convinced? Don’t hesitate any longer and get ahead with your booking by choosing Location Lac Annecy! Our teams will make it easy for you and help you find the accommodation that best suits you, whether you come alone, with friends, or with family!

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