From August 12 to 15, 2026, the Chamonix valley will come alive to the rhythm of the Fête des Guides, one of the most emblematic summer events in Haute-Savoie. Created over a century ago, this event pays tribute to the women and men who have shaped the history of mountaineering while offering numerous activities for the whole family.
Every summer, at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Fête des Guides brings together locals, mountain enthusiasts, and visitors eager to discover the traditions of the world’s oldest guides company. Far more than just a festival, this event is a true symbol of solidarity, transmission, and attachment to Alpine culture. The 102nd edition will take place from Wednesday, August 12 to Saturday, August 15, 2026, with activities spread across several villages in the valley.
A tradition born over 100 years ago
Created in 1924, the Fête des Guides originally aimed to fund the relief fund of the Chamonix Guides Company. Even today, the proceeds from the event are donated to this solidarity fund designed to support guides and their families in case of accidents. This spirit of mutual aid remains the essence of the event, which mobilizes numerous volunteers, mountain professionals, and local partners every year.
The event also highlights a profession deeply rooted in Chamonix’s history, while passing on mountain values to new generations.
Four days of activities throughout the valley
As every year, the Fête des Guides is not limited to Chamonix center. Festivities take place in several valley municipalities, with a program mixing traditions, sports activities, and friendly moments.
Visitors will be able to enjoy in particular:
- free activities for children;
- introduction to climbing and zip lines;
- open-air concerts and shows;
- a bread festival at Lavancher;
- markets and meetings with mountain professionals;
- activities around local heritage and know-how.
August 15, a highlight of the Fête des Guides
The most anticipated moment remains the day of August 15, the true climax of the event.
From 8:30 AM, the forecourt of the Chamonix church will host the traditional ceremony in the presence of elected officials, the Guides Company, and locals. This celebration is marked by the speech of the Company president, the induction of new guides, as well as the award of medals to loyal clients who have shared many ascents with their guides.
This ceremony also pays tribute to all those who lost their lives in the mountains and recalls the values of solidarity that have united mountaineering professionals for over a century.
The Gaillands become an adventure playground
In the afternoon, the festivities will continue at the famous Gaillands site, a major climbing spot in Chamonix.
The public will be able to watch climbing demonstrations, participate in various sports activities, discover adventure trails, and enjoy a festive atmosphere in an exceptional setting facing the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. This site has traditionally hosted the Fête des Guides demonstrations for many decades.
An immersion in mountain culture
Beyond the activities, the Fête des Guides is an opportunity to discover the full richness of Chamonix heritage.
Visitors will be able to interact with high mountain guides, better understand their profession, discover mountaineering techniques, or share the stories of those who traverse glaciers and major routes of the massif all year round.
In a valley where mountaineering is part of the local identity, this event offers an authentic immersion into the world of high mountains.
Practical information
- Dates: from August 12 to 15, 2026
- Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Les Houches, Le Lavancher, Servoz and several villages in the valley.
- Access: activities spread across various sites with parking and public transport allowing easy access to the main event locations.
- Price: most activities are free. Some activities may be paid or require prior reservation.
Detailed program
- Wednesday, August 12 – Le Lavancher : BREAD FESTIVAL
- Location: bread oven and surroundings
- 10 AM – 7 PM: bread making and sales around the Lavancher bread oven. Refreshment and merchandising stands
- 7 PM – 10 PM: rustic dinner (paying with reservation), musical entertainment with accordionist Elodie Genoud and raffle
- Thursday, August 13 – Rafting on the Arve : BOAT PROCESSION ON THE ARVE
- Location: from the Chamonix rafting base to Les Bossons
- 9:30 PM: the “eau vive” base invites you to admire a procession of illuminated boats departing from the Chamonix base and planned arrival at Les Bossons. To be viewed only from the riverbanks and bridges. A brief but magical moment… Be ready at the right spot!
- Friday, August 14 – Argentière : FREE DAYTIME ACTIVITIES FOLLOWED BY THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
- Location: forecourt of Saint Pierre Church and village house parking lot
- 10 AM – 4 PM: free activities including climbing wall, zip line, slackline, laser rifle shooting. Refreshment and merchandising stands
- 4:30 PM: reception of delegations and friendship drink
- 5 PM – 6 PM: traditional ceremony with the call of the guides, cemetery walk, speech, Guides’ Horns
- Friday, August 14 – Les Gaillands : DAYTIME ACTIVITIES – “GUIDES’ GAMES” MEETING – CONCERTS
- Location: Les Gaillands
- The Fête des Guides at Les Gaillands: a new edition, a new spirit! Activities, guides’ games, and free concerts – Free and open access (excluding Steel Race course & refreshment stands)
- 10 AM – 5 PM: free activities including climbing, inflatable wall, workshops. SteelRace course (paying): sports sessions to try to attract children and adults. Partner stands! Refreshment, snacks (hot dogs, crepes…) and merchandising stands
- 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM : DJ Duo Kritikalat to “liven you up”! “La Poêle Géante” catering: pre-booking recommended from July 27! (Limited meals)
- 8:30 PM – 10 PM: “Guides’ Games” meeting, two teams will compete in 4 contests, a clever mix of traditional Intervilles games and the iconic “Squid Game” series. Spectators can warmly cheer their favorites.
- 10 PM – 1 AM: concert evening with Chamonix music groups. The band Bérénice, with its unforgettable brass, and punchy singer. This lively dance sequence will be followed by the famous group DeFuzz with Manu Eveno (Tryo) & Guests.
- Refreshment and catering stands allow everyone to get refreshments…
- Saturday, August 15 – Chamonix : PARADE & TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
- Location: Church Forecourt
- 8:30 AM: parade and wreath laying at the cemetery
- 9:15 AM: speech by the Guides Company President and traditional ceremony, call of the guides, speech, medal awarding
- 10:30 AM: Blessing of the “Men, ice axes and ropes”, followed by mass at Saint Michael’s Church
- Location: Place du Triangle
- 9 AM – 2 PM: artisan stands, musical entertainment with guitarist and singer Pascal Popelier. Refreshment, snacks and merchandising stands
- Saturday, August 15 – Servoz : CRAFTSMANSHIP FESTIVAL
- Location: Church Square
- 10 AM – 6 PM: artisan stands, free activity with zip line! Refreshment and snacks stands
- 7:30 PM – 11 PM: concert evening with the band Wildcamalot. Refreshment and snacks stands
- Sundays July 19 and August 16: LES BOIS FLEA MARKET
- Location: Les Bois in Chamonix
- 9 AM – 5 PM for visitors
- Refreshment stands
- If you want to reserve a spot “8€ per meter”: contact 06 16 18 37 13
A must-attend event of the summer in Haute-Savoie
Each year, the Fête des Guides attracts several thousand visitors who come to celebrate the spirit of the rope team that makes Chamonix internationally renowned. Between traditional ceremonies, family activities, sports demonstrations, and concerts, this festival remains one of the most emblematic events of the summer in the Mont Blanc valley, while continuing a century-old tradition focused on solidarity and the transmission of mountain values.
Photo source: https://www.chamonix-guides.com/
