What to Do Around Morzine During Halloween and the French October Holidays
October in Morzine is a vibrant blend of spooky Halloween fun, peaceful reflection on All Saints’ Day, and activities to enjoy the French autumn holidays (vacances de la Toussaint). Whether you’re a local or a holidaymaker, there’s plenty to do for all ages. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:
31st October: Halloween in Morzine 👻
Haunted Walks and Trick-or-Treating Get your costumes ready! Halloween in Morzine is all about family-friendly spooky fun. Trick-or-treating is organised through the village, with local businesses and residents offering sweets to kids dressed up as their favourite spooky characters. Shops and cafés join in on the fun, decorating their windows and doors with Halloween-themed displays.
For the more adventurous, Haunted Walks take place in the early evening. Children and families can join guided walks through the village’s cobblestone streets, where they will encounter spooky surprises along the way. The walks typically start around 5:00 PM, giving everyone time to enjoy the evening’s festivities. Be sure to check the local event schedules at the tourist office closer to the date for precise timings and routes. Pumpkin Carving Workshops Earlier in the day, you can participate in pumpkin carving workshops. These workshops are perfect for families looking to get creative. Kids can carve out their spooky designs, and the carved pumpkins are often displayed around the village. These workshops usually run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, offering plenty of time for a fun-filled afternoon.
1st November: All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) 🕯️
All Saints’ Day is an important date in France, where families traditionally visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones. In Morzine, the Cimetière de la Côte offers a tranquil setting to reflect and remember. However, if you’re looking for something more light-hearted after a reflective morning, Morzine’s stunning autumn scenery is ideal for a peaceful walk or a bike ride through the nearby trails. Many restaurants also offer seasonal dishes, like hearty stews and pumpkin-flavoured treats, to mark the occasion.
French October Holidays Activities (Vacances de la Toussaint) 🍂
The French school holidays in October are a perfect time for families to explore the region with activities that go beyond Halloween and Toussaint. Here are some ideas for what you can do:
Nature Hikes and Foliage Walks: Autumn in Morzine brings vibrant colours to the landscape. You can enjoy hikes around Lac de Montriond or take a stroll along the Dranse River to take in the natural beauty of the area. Guided walks are available for those who want to learn more about the region’s flora and fauna.
Mountain Biking: The bike parks may be closed for the season, but the rolling hills around Morzine are still accessible for mountain biking. With cooler weather and quieter trails, it’s an ideal time to explore the area on two wheels.
Local Markets and Seasonal Cuisine: Be sure to visit Morzine’s weekly market, where you can find local produce and handmade goods. Autumn in Morzine brings hearty alpine dishes to many restaurants, and special All Saints’ menus often include seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, chestnuts, and game.
Cultural Workshops: The local community centre often runs craft workshops for children during the French school holidays. These activities allow kids to make souvenirs, from pottery to painted wooden toys, giving them a memorable holiday experience.
Morzine is a fantastic place to spend the Halloween period and the French October holidays, with a mix of family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re joining in the Halloween fun, reflecting on All Saints’ Day, or simply enjoying the autumnal charm of the village, there’s something for everyone!