National Geographic Traveller (UK)
FESTIVAL FINDER
Time your trip to the Alps to coincide with one of its word-class festivals, and you’ll find there’s a celebration to suit all, be it jazz aficionados, cheese lovers, rally driving fans or those seeking authentic Alpine culture. Words: Sarah Barrell
MAY-JUNE
Bohinj International Flower Festival
This festival promises ‘a bouquet of botanical tours, events and culinary experiences dedicated to wild plants’. It’s set in the 24 Slovenian villages within beautiful, mountainand lake-dotted Bohinj (including spring flower-carpeted Triglav National Park). The region is home to more than 1,000 plant species, including 40 species of orchid.
19 May to 14 June. bohinj.si
JUNE
The Radelier rafters
The Durance was once a river used to transport timber from the southern French Alps 160 miles to the Mediterranean. For two days each year, locals recreate the whitewater feat, complete with wooden rafts and traditional 19th-century costumes. Best viewing spots: Vague du Rabioux in Châteauroux-les-Alpes and Pont-neuf in Embrun. Dates TBC. serreponcon.com
JULY
Montreux Jazz Festival
The mega music festival at the foot of the Swiss Alps is now in its 57th year and continues to attract emerging artists from countries worldwide representing a wildly eclectic range of genres. 30 June-15 July
AUGUST
Verbier E-Bike Festival
If you’re in Switzerland for the costumed, countrywide celebration that is National Day (1 August), hang around to head up into the hills of Verbier where the fun continues. Explore the mountains on gourmet trails, test out e-bikes, or even take part in the E-Tour du Mont-Blanc race. 10-15 August. verbierebikefestival.com
Fête du Reblochon
Head to La Clusaz for a celebration of all things reblochon, the pungent, soft-washed rind cheese made from the milk of cows that graze the lush pastures of France’s HauteSavoie. Clusaz is a leading producer, a great place for tastings, against a pretty Savoyard town backdrop.
Dates TBC. laclusaz.com
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER Sounds of the Dolomites
A free al fresco festival set in and around the elegant Italian city of Trento. From musician-accompanied dawn choruses to lakeside lunchtime concerts and myriad gigs, DJ sets and unplugged sessions under the stars, it’s all about escaping into Trentino’s backcountry to hear music echoing through the mountains. Dates TBC. @isuonidelledolomiti