Désalpes and wine harvest festivals 2026 as a family: our September outings in French-speaking Switzerland
In late September, the herds come down from the alpine pastures and the vines are harvested: it is the season of the désalpes and the wine harvest festivals. Three big events fall on the same weekend in 2026. Here is which ones, with practical advice for going with children.
Michael Ambass
5 min read
Three big events on the same weekend in 2026: the désalpe in Saint-Cergue and the one in Charmey on Saturday 26 September, and the Fête des Vendanges in Neuchâtel from 25 to 27 September.
It is probably the best weekend of the whole autumn in French-speaking Switzerland. Animals, music, costumes, crowds and a village festival atmosphere: children love it, provided you plan two or three things. Here they are.
What exactly is a désalpe?
At the end of summer, the herds that have spent the season on the alpine pastures come back down to the valley. That descent has turned into a celebration: the cows are decorated with flowers and wear their biggest bells, the herdsmen are in traditional dress, and the procession crosses the village to the sound of cowbells and brass bands.
For a child, it is a very concrete spectacle: animals at eye level, noise, colours, and often a craft market with things to taste. No explanation is needed beforehand — it works from age 2 to 3.
Désalpe in Saint-Cergue — Saturday 26 September 2026
This is the largest désalpe in the Lake Geneva region, and it will celebrate its 38th edition in 2026. On the programme: the procession of herds through the village, entertainment, concerts and a craft market.
Its big advantage with children: you can get there by train. The NStCM line climbs from Nyon to Saint-Cergue in about twenty minutes, which settles the parking question on a day when the village is saturated. And the journey itself, climbing into the Jura vaudois, is already part of the outing.
To extend the day, or to come back outside the event, see our activities in Saint-Cergue and the Jura vaudois and all the activities in Saint-Cergue.
Times, prices and the detailed programme: check the désalpe’s official website before setting off.
Désalpe in Charmey — Saturday 26 September 2026
The best known in the canton of Fribourg, in the heart of La Gruyère. The same spirit: a procession of decorated herds, a local produce market and entertainment in the village.
It falls on the same Saturday as Saint-Cergue: if you are torn, choose by distance. From the Lake Geneva area, Saint-Cergue is closer; from Fribourg, Bulle or the Broye, Charmey makes more sense.
In the region, the day extends easily with a visit to a castle or a farm open to children. See also all the activities in the canton of Fribourg.
Fête des Vendanges in Neuchâtel — 25 to 27 September 2026
This is one of the biggest popular festivals in French-speaking Switzerland, over three days. The family programme is packed: a flower procession, a confetti battle, a funfair, fireworks over the lake, and a winegrowers’ village with around twenty chalets.
Two practical points you absolutely need to know:
- Payment is by FDV wristband. At the stands, neither cash nor cards are accepted — only the fairground rides are exempt. Wristbands can be bought before the festival at transN ticket offices, or on site at many stands. Plan for it: it is the number one cause of unpleasant surprises on the day.
- The hours are late: Friday from 6pm to 4am, Saturday from 11am to 4am, Sunday from 11am to midnight. With young children, aim for Saturday or Sunday during the day, not the evening.
To round off the weekend: our family activities in Neuchâtel and our Lake Neuchâtel beaches, still pleasant at this time of year.
Other désalpes and wine harvest festivals
French-speaking Switzerland has plenty of other events: more désalpes in La Gruyère and the Veveyse, poyas in the Fribourg valleys, and wine harvest festivals on both the Geneva and Vaud sides, in the wine villages of La Côte and Lavaux.
These dates are set year by year, sometimes only a few weeks in advance and depending on the weather or the state of the herds. We do not publish them until they are confirmed: check with the tourist office for the region or the commune concerned.
Our tips for going with children
These are very successful outings, but they have their pitfalls. Six reflexes:
- Bring ear protection for the youngest. This is the most often forgotten piece of advice: between the herd bells and the brass bands, the noise level is high and takes under-3s by surprise.
- Arrive early. Villages get saturated and the best spots along the procession go quickly. Arriving an hour ahead changes everything.
- Leave the stroller behind if you can. In the crowd along a procession, a baby carrier is far more practical — and children see better.
- Come by public transport. In Saint-Cergue, the NStCM train from Nyon is the obvious solution. Elsewhere, car parks are far away and full early.
- Dress warmly, in layers. In late September at altitude, it is chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon.
- Agree a meeting point with older children as soon as you arrive: in the crowd along a procession, you lose sight of each other quickly.
And if you miss the date?
The atmosphere of a désalpe can’t be recreated, but contact with animals can. Our farms and animal parks to visit with children are open all year, and autumn is a lovely season to go.
For the rest of the month, see also our Jeûne genevois and Jeûne fédéral outings and, for what comes next, the autumn holiday dates canton by canton.
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