The essential meeting for comedy in cinema
Created in 1997, the Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival is the only French film festival entirely dedicated to comedy. Every January, the resort in the Isère region, at an altitude of 1,800 m, hosts around ten feature films and short films in competition, screened in national preview. Free and open to all, it is renowned for its significant discoveries like 'Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis'. Actors, directors, and spectators gather there in a festive atmosphere in the heart of the Alps.
Since 1997, the Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival has established itself as the only film festival in France entirely dedicated to the comedy genre. Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Alpe d'Huez ski resort, in the Grandes Rousses massif in Isère, this annual January event brings together the best of French and international comedy in an exceptional alpine setting, at an altitude of 1,800 meters.
The festival's roots lie in the Chamrousse Humor Film Festival, created in 1976 in the neighboring resort and active for twenty years. In 1997, the event was relocated to Alpe d'Huez, where it took on a new dimension under the name International Comedy Film Festival. Since then, the festival has continued to grow, becoming a must-attend event for comedy film professionals and a recognized springboard for new talents.
The festival is distinguished by a rare feature in the world of film festivals: all screenings are free and open to the public, subject to available seating. For a week, the Palais des Sports et des Congrès of Alpe d'Huez (AgorAlp) transforms into a true cinema complex, offering screenings from morning to evening in its various rooms.
The official selection includes around ten feature films in competition, presented in national preview, as well as a short film competition. Screenings outside the competition, special sessions, and masterclasses complete a rich and varied program.
The festival has built a reputation for discovering talents and successful films. Among the works revealed or awarded at Alpe d'Huez are comedies that have become cult classics: Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis by Dany Boon (2008), Intouchables by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano (2011), Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu ? by Philippe de Chauveron (2014), and Le Sens de la fête (2017). These films, awarded at the festival before their national release, went on to achieve colossal box office success, confirming the keen eye of the jury and the Alpe d'Huez audience.
Each edition brings together a jury of cinema and humor personalities, chaired by an iconic figure. The awards include the Grand Prix, the Special Jury Prize, the Best Actress and Actor Awards, the Best Short Film Award, the Audience Award, the Canal+ Jury Prize, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region Audience Favorite Award. The Audience Award, in particular, has proven over the years to be a reliable indicator of the commercial success of the awarded films.
The alliance of the seventh art and winter sports gives the festival an incomparable atmosphere. Festival-goers can alternate between screenings and skiing on the slopes, while film crews take over the resort for informal meetings and moments of sharing with the public. Evenings, debates, and events punctuate a week dedicated to laughter, conviviality, and cinematic discovery.
The 29th edition of the Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival was held from January 19 to 25, 2026. Chaired by Audrey Lamy, the jury awarded the Grand Prix to 'C'est quoi l'amour ?' by Fabien Gorgeart. 'De la Comédie-Française' by Bertrand Usclat and Martin Darondeau triumphed with four awards including the Audience Award, the Canal+ Prize, and the Special Jury Prize.
The 29th edition of the Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival took place from January 19 to 25, 2026, once again welcoming comedy enthusiasts in the majestic setting of the Isère resort. The feature film jury was chaired by actress Audrey Lamy, surrounded by Mélanie Doutey, Alison Wheeler, William Lebghil, and Baptiste Lecaplain.
The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to 'C'est quoi l'amour ?' by Fabien Gorgeart, a comedy praised for the accuracy of its message and the quality of its performances. Laure Calamy received the Best Actress Award for her role in the same film, while Laurent Lafitte was honored with the Best Actor Award for his performance in 'Alter Ego' by Nicolas and Bruno.
But the great sensation of this edition was 'De la Comédie-Française' by Bertrand Usclat and Martin Darondeau, which achieved a clean sweep by winning four awards: the Special Jury Prize, the Audience Award, the Canal+ Jury Prize, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region Ski Instructor Jury Audience Favorite Prize. This hilarious docu-fiction delving into the behind-the-scenes of the prestigious theater institution captivated both professional jurors and festival-goers.
In the short film category, the award went to 'Comme un homme' by Guillaume Clerice, once again confirming the festival's role as a springboard for young creators.
This 29th edition confirmed the festival's vitality and its ability to highlight original comedies, blending laughter and emotion, while remaining a popular and accessible event in the heart of the Alps.
President: Audrey Lamy. Members: Mélanie Doutey, Alison Wheeler, William Lebghil, Baptiste Lecaplain.
Screenings take place in the rooms of the Palais des Sports et des Congrès (AgorAlp), located in the heart of the Alpe d'Huez resort. This 20,000 m² complex spread over 5 levels has several rooms suitable for film screenings.
Address: 70 avenue de Brandes, 38750 Huez (Alpe d'Huez)
All screenings are free, with open access subject to availability. It is strongly advised to arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before the screening time to ensure a seat. The films in the official selection, shown in national preview, attract a large audience and rooms can fill up quickly.
By car: From Grenoble (63 km), take the RD1091 towards Briançon then follow the signs for Alpe d'Huez via the famous 21 hairpin bends road. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Parking is available in the resort (covered and outdoor parking).
By bus: Regular shuttle buses connect Grenoble to Alpe d'Huez via the TransIsère line. During the festival, additional services may be available.
By train then shuttle: Grenoble SNCF train station, then shuttle or bus to Alpe d'Huez. Grenoble station is served by TGV from Paris (approx. 3 hours).
By plane: The nearest airport is Alpe d'Huez Airport Henri Giraud (private flights). Grenoble-Isère Airport and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport are the closest commercial alternatives.
Alpe d'Huez offers a wide choice of accommodation: hotels, tourist residences, apartments, chalets. As the festival takes place during the peak ski season, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation several months in advance. The Alpe d'Huez Tourist Office offers an online booking service.
The detailed screening program is published on the official festival website a few weeks before the opening. The times and venues for each screening are specified daily. The festival's mobile application allows you to consult the program in real-time and receive notifications.
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Palais des Sports et des Congrès - AgorAlp
70 avenue de Brandes, 38750 Huez