That's La Plagne
Fete de l'Alpage
Dou Du Praz
What to expect from the Fete de l'Alpage
I went to the Fête de l'Alpage this weekend with my kids. Check out our review!
Lot's of animals
Cows, goats, horses, chickens... rabbits?!
Great Music
Traditional Savoyarde music and singing
Local Crafts
Lots to taste and buy
Delicious Food
But it's expensive, big meals and no snacks
Kids games & fun
Pony rides, jeep trips, axe-throwing!
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About the Fete de l'Alpage
The Fete de l'Alpage is set up on the Dou Du Praz, which is a beautiful area, up above Plagne Centre, and Plagne Village.
To get there, take the bus up to Plagne Village and then take the walking path past the Fromagerie (cheese factory) to the event. If you drive up, there is parking further along the walking path, just near the Fromargerie. I'd definitely recommend stopping at the cheese factory to see how La Plagne's Beaufort is really made! Read this article for more information about the La Plagne fromagerie.
The walk is easy, but will take about 20 mins at a slow pace, with kids for example.
Summer 21 and 22 saw the event hosted in the rain BUT we still had a great time – both years. And the sun was glorious and out in force for the summer 2023 Fete de l'Alpage. Remember, there is no ‘bad' weather, just the wrong clothing!
The event is open from 8h – 21h, but food is only served 12 – 16h. The drinks tent is open the whole day.
You can find the full La Plagne summer events calendar here.
The Full Insider Guide to the La Plagne Fete de l'Alpage
You'll find lots of marquees, with a large food tent and bar. Then there are lots of pens of farm animals, which are super attractive to kids (and adults!). We really enjoyed the goats, who are super lively and playful with each other.
It amazes me how excited the kids are by the animals – which we see daily living in the mountains! But the excitement of the festival and being able to get really up close to the animals is too much for them to resist!
The food was delicious, but my issue with it is that there is only a large meal option available but no smaller or snack options. So you can buy Beef Bourguignon, Crozettes (Savoyarde pasta), Beaufort cheese, and blueberry tarte for 16€ / 12€ for kids under 12. Which, for me, with a 5 and 4 year old, is just not something they will enjoy. So take food and snacks with you.
My husband particularly enjoyed the Beaufort cheese making area. There was a HUGE cauldron of cheese being made by hand. Although I think the main reason he enjoyed this area was for how warm it was next to the fires!
I loved the Savoyarde music. Think accordions and male voice choir. It was so atmospheric at the top of the mountain and their energy was catching!
There was also of course the large horns on stage which is always fun for the kids.
Other activities included chainsaw sculpting, pony rides, wooden tree-house building, axe-throwing plus lots of local artisans selling their crafts – ceramics, wooden bowls, baskets, honey producers, genera plants (we bought one🌱) Savoyarde books and music.
Finally, for the religious Christian's there was an open-air mass from 10h – 1230h with Father Olivier Mòme. Which although I am not religious, was very atmospheric.
That's La Plagne @ the Fete de l'Alpage
The fête is great and really well organised. Our whole family enjoy it every year. Even though the last 2 years have been cold and raining, we've wrapped up warm and had a blast. Having said that, fingers crossed for some summer sun in August 2023!
TOP TIPS:
- Take food/snacks for the kids
- Wear sensible shoes – it's quite a walk from the bus or parking to the Dou Du Praz location.
- Stop at the Fromagerie before hearing to the event to see how Beaufort is really made in La Plagne – you can even pick up fresh milk for free every day! Just take your own bottle and pop by at 1715 – 18h.
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