Annecy Venetian Carnival
Edition 2026 Heritage Folk Traditions Outdoor

Annecy Venetian Carnival

When Venice visits the shores of Lake Annecy

Annecy — Haute-Savoie (74) Since 1996
Dates 27 Feb — 01 Mar 2026
Location Annecy (74)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Venetian Carnival

The Annecy Venetian Carnival is one of the most beautiful Venetian carnivals outside of Italy. Every year in February-March, the medieval streets of the old town, the lake shores, and the Jardins de l'Europe are adorned with sumptuous costumes and refined masks for a magical weekend. This free event, born in 1996, attracts thousands of visitors and transforms Annecy into an alpine Venice for three enchanting days.

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The Annecy Venetian Carnival: A Flamboyant Alpine Tradition

Since 1996, the Annecy Venetian Carnival has become one of the most magical events on the Annecy calendar. Born from the desire to create a winter event that showcases the exceptional heritage of the old town, this carnival has established itself over the years as one of the most beautiful Venetian carnivals outside of Italy, alongside those of Remiremont, Castres, and Rosheim.

The idea is as simple as it is spectacular: invite hundreds of Venetian costume wearers — passionate amateurs and professionals — to stroll freely through the natural settings of Annecy. The cobbled streets of old Annecy, the canals of the Thiou, the Palais de l'Île, the lake quays, and the Jardins de l'Europe provide an idyllic backdrop for these majestic promenades, creating photographic scenes of rare beauty.

Three Days of Magic Between Lake and Mountains

The Venetian Carnival takes place over a three-day weekend, usually at the end of February or the beginning of March. The program is structured around carefully orchestrated highlights:

Friday Evening: Nocturnal Promenade

The carnival opens with a nocturnal promenade starting at 5:30 PM in the streets of the old town. The dim light of the streetlamps lends the costumes a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of the evenings in La Serenissima.

Saturday and Sunday: Daytime Parades

From 10 AM to 6 PM, costume wearers take over the Pâquier, parks, and pedestrian streets for free strolls. At 2 PM, an organized parade crosses the old town to the sound-equipped stage set up in the Jardins de l'Europe, where the most remarkable costumes are presented to the public.

A Free and Popular Event

The Annecy Venetian Carnival is entirely free and open to all. Everyone can admire the costumes, photograph the masks, and participate in the festive atmosphere. Some visitors even come in costume, adding to the magic of the event. Hundreds of amateur and professional photographers converge on Annecy to capture these unique scenes where Venetian splendor meets Alpine beauty.

The event is organized by local enthusiast associations with the support of the City of Annecy and the Lake Annecy Tourist Office. It contributes to the city's winter tourism dynamism and generates significant economic benefits for the shops and hotels in the old town.

Venetian Carnival — edition 2026

The Annecy Venetian Carnival 2026 will be held from Friday, February 27th to Sunday, March 1st, with three days of costumed promenades and parades in the old town and Jardins de l'Europe.

2026 Edition — February 27th to March 1st

The Annecy Venetian Carnival returns from February 27th to March 1st, 2026. The Friday evening promenade will start at 5:30 PM, followed by two days of free promenades on Saturday (10 AM-6 PM) and Sunday (10 AM-5 PM), with the traditional parade in the old town at 2 PM on Saturday.

Prices Venetian Carnival 2026

Entirely free event with open access.

Practical information — Venetian Carnival

Practical Information

Access

By Car: Underground parking in the old town (Bonlieu parking, Hôtel de Ville parking). Normal traffic in Annecy.

By Train: Annecy station, then a 10-minute walk to the old town.

Prices

Entirely free event with open access.

Schedules

  • Friday: Nocturnal promenade from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: Free promenade from 10 AM to 6 PM, parade in the old town at 2 PM
  • Sunday: Free promenade from 10 AM to 5 PM

Locations

Le Pâquier, Jardins de l'Europe, old town, quays of the Thiou, Palais de l'Île.

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Where does it take place — Venetian Carnival

Vieille ville d'Annecy et Jardins de l'Europe

Jardins de l'Europe, 74000 Annecy

Contact Venetian Carnival

Venetian Carnival in brief

Heritage Folk Traditions Outdoor Free Participatory Haute-Savoie

History of Venetian Carnival