Fête d'Arêches
The biggest folk festival in Beaufortain, with its floats and Savoyard traditions
About Fête d'Arêches
A popular festival born in 1960
The Fête d'Arêches was born in 1960 on the initiative of the prefect of Savoie, to commemorate the centenary of Savoy's attachment to France. The mayor of Arêches at the time, Joseph Blanc-Gonnet, organized the first edition with a parade and a recreation of life in the village in the past. The event was so successful that a Festival Committee was formally created in 1963 by Joseph Vibert to perpetuate this essential tradition.
The grand parade of floats
The heart of the Fête d'Arêches is its spectacular parade of floats. More than 10 floats made by the villagers parade through the streets of Arêches, meticulous recreations of scenes from mountain life in the past: farm work, cheese making, haymaking, fireside evenings. Participants wear traditional Savoyard costumes, perpetuating a clothing heritage passed down from generation to generation.
Living folklore and traditions
The festival is more than just a parade. Folk groups such as the Clickaine, the Citharins, the Berres, or the Pastourelle du Val d'Arly liven up the day with traditional dances and songs. The confetti battle adds a touch of popular gaiety, while the evening ball at 10 PM extends the celebration under the stars. A fireworks display punctuates this festive day.
Polenta with diots: the Savoyard feast
Gastronomy plays a central role in the Fête d'Arêches. The famous polenta with diots, cooked over a wood fire by volunteers, is the emblematic dish of the event. During the 2022 edition, no less than 850 portions were served, accompanied by 250 portions of tartiflette and 150 kg of fries. The traditional tombola, with nearly 4,000 tickets sold, completes the village festival atmosphere.
A mobilized village
The Fête d'Arêches is the result of remarkable collective commitment. More than 200 volunteers mobilize each year to prepare the floats, make the costumes, cook, and ensure the entertainment. As one resident says: "It's like Obelix, I fell into it when I was little." This popular roots, passed down from generation to generation, makes this festival the living expression of the Beaufortain identity.
Fête d'Arêches — edition 2026
The 61st Arêches Folk Festival will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 11 AM to midnight, at Place du Capitaine Bulle in Arêches-Beaufort (Savoie, 1,080 m). A free and friendly day that perpetuates the traditions of the Beaufortain region with its parade of floats, folk groups, lumberjack's polenta, and fireworks display.
61st Arêches Folk Festival — Sunday, August 9, 2026
For its 61st edition, the Arêches Folk Festival takes over the village and Place du Capitaine Bulle on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 11 AM to midnight. Organized by the Arêches Festival Committee, this emblematic Beaufortain village festival brings together residents and holidaymakers around traditions and crafts of yesteryear.
The day opens with an aperitif with a brass band in the village square, followed by the grand parade of floats — each year on a different theme related to local produce and heritage. Folk groups in their Savoyard costumes animate Place du Capitaine Bulle, punctuated by the raffle draw (Savoyard attic, Beaufort cheese wheel, local ham…).
On the gastronomic side, the traditional lumberjack's polenta, accompanied by Savoie diots and Beaufort cheese, highlights local products. The evening continues with fireworks and a grand ball at the Salle de la Chaudanne.
Programme Fête d'Arêches 2026
Sunday, August 9, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Festival opening, aperitif with a brass band in the village square
- Parade of floats on a theme related to local produce
- Folk groups and Savoyard costumes, Place du Capitaine Bulle
- Raffle draw (Savoyard attic, Beaufort cheese wheel, local ham…)
- Lumberjack's polenta with Savoie diots and Beaufort cheese
- In the evening — Fireworks followed by a grand ball at the Salle de la Chaudanne
- Until midnight — End of festivities
Highlights Fête d'Arêches 2026
- Parade of floats with a renewed theme each year
- Folk groups and Savoyard costumes from Beaufortain
- Lumberjack's polenta, Savoie diots and Beaufort cheese
- Fireworks and grand ball at the Salle de la Chaudanne
Prices Fête d'Arêches 2026
Practical information — Fête d'Arêches
Access
By car
Arêches is accessible from Albertville (25 km) via the D925. The resort is 80 km from Chambéry and 60 km from Annecy.
Typical Program
- Morning: musical aperitif in the village square
- Noon: polenta with diots meal
- Afternoon: grand parade of floats and folk groups, tombola
- 9 PM: pre-ball and fireworks display
- 10 PM: grand ball
Prices
Free access to the parade and entertainment. Food and drinks available on site at modest prices.
Contact
Comité des Fêtes d'Arêches
73270 Arêches-Beaufort
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Fête d'Arêches
Place du Capitaine Bulle, Arêches