La Démontagnée Gourmande
The great festival of the descent from the alpine pastures and gastronomy of Tarentaise
About Démontagnée Gourmande
Every autumn, Bourg-Saint-Maurice celebrates the return of the alpine herds with La Démontagnée Gourmande, a festive and popular event that perpetuates the age-old tradition of the 'désalpe' (descent from the pastures) in Haute-Tarentaise. More than 4,000 people gather to witness the spectacular parade of Tarine and Abondance cows, goats, sheep, and horses through the town streets, accompanied by Alpine horns, musical groups, and cowbells. A village of local producers offers the gastronomic specialties of the valley — alpine cheeses, cured meats, honeys, and Savoy wines — while the fodder competition rewards the best hay in the valley.
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La Démontagnée Gourmande: The Festival of the Alpine Pastures in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
La Démontagnée Gourmande is the emblematic autumn event in Bourg-Saint-Maurice in Haute-Tarentaise. Every year in October, this great popular festival celebrates the 'désalpe', the ancestral moment when herds descend from high mountain pastures to return to valley stables before winter. More than 4,000 people gather in the town streets to experience this moment of communion between farmers, their animals, and the public.
The Herd Parade, Heart of the Tradition
The highlight of the day is the grand herd parade starting at 10:30 AM. Tarine and Abondance breed cows, adorned with their finest bells and cowbells, parade through the streets of Bourg-Saint-Maurice accompanied by their farmers in traditional attire. Goats, sheep, and horses complete this pastoral procession, escorted by musical groups: the local Harmonie, the Alpine Horns, the Rallye des trompes de Poisy, and the Chapladiots. The deep sound of the Alpine horns echoes through the valley, creating a solemn and moving atmosphere.
A Gourmet Village with the Flavors of Tarentaise
From 10 AM, an exhibitor village is set up in the bus station parking lot, offering a panorama of the valley's local products. Visitors discover and taste alpine cheeses — Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, Reblochon — artisanal cured meats, mountain honeys, jams, Savoy wines and liqueurs, and many other local specialties. Producers, proud of their know-how, passionately share the story of their products and their craft.
The Fodder Competition
A unique event of its kind, the fodder competition is a highlight of La Démontagnée. Hay samples collected throughout the valley are gathered, analyzed, and judged by a panel of experts to award the best fodder of the year. This competition highlights the essential work of mountain farmers and the exceptional quality of the alpine meadows of Tarentaise.
The Démontagnée Ball
The day continues into the evening with the traditional Bal de la Démontagnée, organized by young farmers starting at 8:30 PM in the bus station parking lot. This popular ball concludes the festival in a friendly and festive atmosphere, bringing together locals and visitors to dance to the sound of traditional and modern music.
Démontagnée Gourmande — edition 2026
La Démontagnée Gourmande returns to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in October 2026 to once again celebrate the descent from the alpine pastures. The grand herd parade will cross the town center, accompanied by the local producers' village, the fodder competition, and the traditional Démontagnée ball in the evening.
La Démontagnée Gourmande 2026
La Démontagnée Gourmande returns to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on Saturday, October 17th, 2026 for a new edition of this great popular festival celebrating the descent from the alpine pastures in Haute-Tarentaise.
The program will follow the now well-established tradition: opening of the exhibitor village and gastronomic stands from 10 AM, followed by the grand herd parade at 10:30 AM. Tarine and Abondance breed cows, goats, sheep, and horses will parade through the town streets, escorted by farmers in traditional attire and musical groups — Alpine Horns, local Harmonie, and Chapladiots.
The gourmet village will offer the best local products of the valley: alpine cheeses (Beaufort, Tomme, Reblochon), artisanal cured meats, mountain honeys, and Savoy wines. The fodder competition will award the best hay of the year. The day will conclude with the Démontagnée Ball organized by young farmers starting at 8:30 PM.
Highlights Démontagnée Gourmande 2026
- Grand herd parade through the streets of Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Village of local producers and regional tastings
- Fodder competition of the Tarentaise valley
- Démontagnée Ball in the evening
- Free event open to all
Prices Démontagnée Gourmande 2026
Practical information — Démontagnée Gourmande
Access to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
By Train
The Bourg-Saint-Maurice SNCF station is served by direct TGV trains from Paris and Lyon. The exhibitor village and the starting point of the parade are a few minutes' walk from the station.
By Car
From Albertville, take the N90 towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice (approximately 60 km). Parking is available in the town center, but it is recommended to arrive early due to the crowds.
Day's Program
- 10:00 AM: Opening of the exhibitor village and gastronomic stands
- 10:30 AM: Grand herd parade through the town streets
- All Day: Entertainment, tastings, fodder competition
- 8:30 PM: Démontagnée Ball organized by young farmers
Prices
Access to La Démontagnée Gourmande is completely free. Tastings and product purchases are made directly from the producers.
Contact
Bourg-Saint-Maurice / Les Arcs Tourist Office
Phone: +33 (0)4 79 07 12 57
Website: www.lesarcs.com
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Where does it take place — Démontagnée Gourmande
Centre-ville de Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Centre-ville et parking de la gare routière, 73700 Bourg-Saint-Maurice