À Valloire, In Savoie, the 2026 summer season is shaping up to be busy and eventful. From June to the end of August, the resort will host a series of sporting events, festivals, and cultural happenings. With the opening of the Galibier, the Tour de France passing through, an altitude trail race, concerts, and art installations, the village is relying on a continuous programme to attract both holidaymakers and regulars.
Le Galibier opens the cycling season
On 6 and 7 June, the Galibier Challenge marks the start of summer. The Galibier pass, still bordered by walls of snow, reopens to cyclists in rare conditions. The road is closed to cars. Two routes are on offer, including a direct climb of 35 km with a 2,100-metre ascent.
The event attracts amateurs and seasoned cyclists every year. The average gradient exceeds 6 %, with sections reaching 12 %. The finish is at 2,642 metres. A way to kick off the season with a demanding event, on a legendary Tour de France route.
Giant sculptures and open-air museum
From 30 June to 5 July, the Verneys plateau will be transformed. Valloire is hosting the 15th edition of the international straw and hay sculpture competition. Twelve teams from different countries will work for five days to create works up to six metres high.
On-site, the public can follow the live construction. The sculptures then remain visible throughout the summer, installed along the Route des Grandes Alpes. Access is free.
At the end of July, Valloire enters the scene
On 25 July, the Tour de France will pass through the resort. The passage of the peloton attracts a large crowd every year on the hairpin bends of the Galibier. The nearby stage finish enhances the lively atmosphere in the village.
At the same time, the Valloire Baroque festival takes place from 25 to 31 July. The 2026 edition will highlight female voices with a dedicated programme. Concerts in the church, cinema screenings and outdoor events will punctuate the week. Works by Hildegarde de Bingen and Vivaldi will be performed by specialist ensembles. The Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal de Versailles will close the festival.
In early August, music arrives in the village
From August 1st to 9th, the Pic Sonne festival takes over Valloire. The concerts take place outdoors, on the terraces and at the foot of the Brive cable car. Access is free.
The programme mixes local bands and guest artists, in pop, rock or folk genres. Two main evenings are organised on the main stage. The rest of the time, musicians play in the streets, as close as possible to the public.
Late August, it's time for high-altitude trail running
On 22 and 23 August, the Galibier Thabor Trail marks the end of the sporting season. Twelve formats are on offer, from children's races to long-distance courses of up to 67 km.
The routes pass through forests, alpine meadows and ridges around the Galibier. More than 1,500 participants are expected. The event attracts both experienced runners and amateurs who come to discover mountain trail running.
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