Foire de la Saint-Maurice

The Foire de la Saint-Maurice: over 700 years of history in Thônes

The Foire de la Saint-Maurice is the flagship event of Thônes, a small town in Haute-Savoie nestled in the heart of the Aravis massif, between Lake Annecy and La Clusaz. With over seven centuries of existence, it is one of the oldest fairs in the region, inscribed in the living heritage of Savoyard traditions.

The Désalpe: The Return of the Herds

The Foire Saint-Maurice is held every last Saturday of September, a date that traditionally corresponds to the désalpe, the time when herds descend from the high mountain pastures after summer grazing. This return of cows, goats, and sheep to the valley marks the end of the alpine pasture season and the beginning of mountain autumn. The fair celebrates this key moment in the Savoyard agricultural calendar.

Livestock and Cheese Competitions

The heart of the Foire Saint-Maurice remains deeply agricultural. Livestock competitions highlight the emblematic breeds of the region: the Abondance cow, the quintessential Alpine dairy breed, the Thônes et Marthod ewe, a local endangered sheep breed subject to a conservation program, and the goats producing the famous Chevrotin. Competitions for Reblochon, the iconic AOP cheese of the Thônes valley, Chevrotin, and mountain honey reward the know-how of local producers.

Woodcutting and Entertainment

The Foire Saint-Maurice features spectacular demonstrations of sport woodcutting, a traditional mountain discipline where competitors face off in cutting and sawing events. Street entertainment, a funfair, a flea market, and motorcycle trial demonstrations complete the program, offering a festive day for all audiences.

Producers' and Artisans' Market

Numerous stalls of local producers and artisans fill the streets of downtown Thônes: alpine cheeses, Savoyard cured meats, handmade jewelry, clothing, local creations, and culinary specialties. The village restaurants offer special menus featuring traditional Savoyard dishes, while the Cœur des Vallées space serves its famous pot-au-feu.

A Popular Event Rooted in the Region

The Foire de la Saint-Maurice is much more than just a market: it is a time for reunion for the inhabitants of the Thônes valley and the Aravis, a time to celebrate mountain traditions and the bond between people and their land. Admission is free, and free shuttles connect peripheral parking lots to the town center.