1st edition of Échecs et Lac: Thonon's unique festival

On May 16th and 17th, 2025, dive into the heart of Échecs & Lac!

The chess and board games festival!

Dive into the fascinating world of strategy games during a weekend by the lake. Whether you’re an experienced player or simply curious, this event is a unique opportunity to discover, learn, and have fun with strategy and board games. Chess shows, commentary sessions, introductions, and masterclasses will shape these days.

Meet exceptional players like Marc Llari, Christian Bauer, Glenn and Christine Flear, as well as Sébastien Joie and Alexandre Merenciano, who will share their expertise throughout the weekend.

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VIP evening

📅 16 may 2025 | 🕘 6pm – 9pm | 📍 Visitation – Forum | 🎯 Paying

Immerse yourself in an elegant and convivial atmosphere during a chic evening dedicated to the world of chess.

A VIP experience combining cocktails, meetings, chess games and music, to celebrate the opening of the Chess & Lake festival in a festive and refined way.

The perfect opportunity to share a privileged moment with enthusiasts, the curious and renowned guests, in a spirit that’s both relaxed and elegant.

I REGISTER!

My first steps!

📅 May 17, 2025 | 🕘 9 AM – 12 PM | 📍 Visitation – Forum | 🎯 Beginner

Chess comes to the Pôle Culturel de la Visitation, offering a space for both curious beginners and enthusiasts who wish to take their first steps on the chessboard. Whether you’re discovering chess for the first time or looking to improve, this morning session is for you!

Program:

Public Workshop: Tips and tricks to improve focus
Introduction: Learn the rules and first moves
Advanced: Strengthen your foundations and go further

Masterclass with a Grandmaster

📅 May 17, 2025 | 🕘 10 AM – 12 PM | 📍 Visitation – Auditorium | 🎯 Amateurs

A rare opportunity to learn alongside an International Grandmaster and refine your understanding of the game! Whether you’re a regular or advanced player, dive into the secrets of high-level chess with expert advice.

Program:

10:15 AM to 11:00 AM: With Christian Bauer
11:15 AM to 12:00 PM: With Glenn Flear”**

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We play at the Belvedere

📅 May 17, 2025 | 🕘 12 PM – 9 PM | 📍 Belvédère | 🎯 All public

The Belvedere transforms into a true playground for both young and old! Throughout the day, enjoy a friendly and festive atmosphere where chess meets a variety of fun activities.

In addition to major events like the giant simultaneous game and chess shows, you’ll find puzzle game stands, family activities, accessible chess tables, and even a few surprises along the way.

Shows échiquéens

📅 May 17, 2025 | 🕘 13 PM – 17 PM | 📍 Belvédère | 🎯 All public

Champions no longer just play… they put on a show! Chess becomes a live spectacle: technique, tension, strategy… and guaranteed atmosphere.

Program:

2:00 PM to 2:30 PM: Blindfold duel between two champions
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Majority games, vote to decide the next move!
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM:
- Live commentary face-to-face on a giant chessboard
- Challenge champions in blitz”

Simultanée géante

📅 May 17, 2025 | 5h30 PM – 8h30 PM | 📍 Belvédère | 🎯 Joueurs

What if you were to take on the masters? Take part in France’s biggest simultaneous chess competition! 6 champions, 200 amateur players, an unprecedented free challenge.

You don’t have to be a chess ace: the only condition for taking part is to know the rules of the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player (up to 1999 Elo), this unique game is for you!

This extraordinary game will bring together major figures: grandmasters Christian Bauer and Glenn Flear, champion Christine Flear, and Haute-Savoie masters Sébastien Joie and Alexandre Merenciano.

Inscris-toi vite pour vivre cet évènement exceptionnel !

I PARTICIPATE!