Village des Alpes

The Village des Alpes (Alps Village) is one of the most distinctive stops within Annecy's beloved Noël des Alpes Christmas celebration, bringing the charm of a traditional Savoyard mountain village to life right in the heart of the city at Place François-de-Menthon. What sets this market apart is its innovative circular layout of wooden chalets, designed to recreate the intimate feel of an authentic Alpine village, complete with a central stage and a traditional Savoie bar that keeps the festive energy flowing from afternoon into the evening. The centerpiece attraction is a 430 m² open-air ice-skating rink — a rare feature for a French Christmas market — with a dedicated 30 m² section reserved for young children, making it a genuinely family-friendly destination. Skaters glide beneath twinkling lights while the surrounding chalets offer a rich spread of Savoyard gastronomy, including fondue, raclette, diots (traditional Savoyard sausages), and oysters. The Village des Alpes is part of the broader Noël des Alpes event, which draws over 500,000 visitors each season and spreads more than 160 chalets across multiple neighborhoods from the Lac district to the Jardins de l'Europe. Evening entertainment elevates the atmosphere further, with live concerts, tribute nights, and guinguette-style music performances creating a lively social hub that appeals to couples, families, and groups of friends alike. The market runs from late November through early January, with free admission throughout. For the best experience, visit on a weekday evening when the illuminations are at their most magical and the rink is less crowded.