From August 12 to 15, 2026, the Chamonix valley will live to the rhythm of the Fête des Guides, one of the most iconic events of the summer in Haute-Savoie. Created more than a century ago, this event pays tribute to the women and men who 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 residents, mountain enthusiasts, and visitors eager to discover the traditions of the world’s oldest guide 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 more than 100 years ago
Created in 1924, the Fête des Guides originally aimed to fund the relief fund of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. Even today, the proceeds from the event are donated to this solidarity fund intended to support guides and their families in case of accidents. This spirit of mutual aid remains the DNA of the event, which mobilizes many volunteers, mountain professionals, and local partners each year.
The event also helps to highlight 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 the center of Chamonix. Festivities take place in several towns of the valley, with a program combining traditions, sporting activities, and friendly moments.
Visitors will notably be able to enjoy:
- free activities for children;
- rock climbing initiations and zip lines;
- open-air concerts and shows;
- a bread festival in Lavancher;
- markets and meetings with mountain professionals;
- activities around local heritage and know-how.
August 15, the highlight of the Fête des Guides
The most awaited moment remains the day of August 15, the true climax of the event.
From 8:30 a.m., the forecourt of the Chamonix church will host the traditional ceremony in the presence of elected officials, the Guide Company, and residents. This celebration is marked by the speech of the company’s president, the induction of new guides, as well as the awarding of medals to loyal clients who have shared many ascents with their guides.
This ceremony also pays tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the mountains and recalls the values of solidarity that have united mountaineering professionals for over a century.
The Gaillands transformed into an adventure playground
In the afternoon, festivities will continue at the famous Gaillands site, a prime spot for climbing in Chamonix.
The public will be able to watch climbing demonstrations, participate in various sports activities, discover adventure courses, and enjoy a festive atmosphere in an exceptional setting facing the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. This site has traditionally hosted the demonstrations of the Fête des Guides for many decades.
An immersion in mountain culture
Beyond the activities, the Fête des Guides is an opportunity to discover all the richness of Chamonix heritage.
Visitors can interact with high mountain guides, better understand their profession, discover mountaineering techniques, or share the stories of those who traverse the glaciers and great routes of the massif throughout the year.
In a valley where mountaineering is part of local identity, this event offers an authentic immersion into the world of high mountains.
Practical information
- Dates: August 12 to 15, 2026
- Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Les Houches, Le Lavancher, Servoz, and several villages in the valley.
- Access: activities spread over various sites with parking and public transportation allowing easy access to the main festival locations.
- Price: most activities are free. Some activities may be paid or require prior reservation.
Detailed program
- Wednesday, August 12 – Le Lavancher: THE BREAD FESTIVAL
- Location: bread oven and surroundings
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.: bread making and sale around the Lavancher bread oven. Refreshment and merchandising stands
- 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.: country meal (paid with reservation), musical entertainment with accordionist Elodie Genoud and raffle
- Thursday, August 13 – Rafting on the Arve: BOAT PARADE ON THE ARVE
- Location: from the Chamonix rafting base to Bossons
- 9:30 p.m.: the “eau vive” base invites you to admire a parade of illuminated boats departing from the Chamonix base and arriving at Bossons. To be viewed only from the banks and bridges. A brief but magical moment… Be ready in 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 a.m. – 4 p.m.: free activities with climbing wall, zip line, slackline, laser rifle shooting. Refreshment and merchandising stands
- 4:30 p.m.: welcome of delegates and friendship drink
- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.: traditional ceremony with call of the guides, march to the cemetery, speeches, Guide 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! Free activities, Guides Games, and concerts – Free and open access (except Steel Race course & refreshment stands)
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: free activities with climbing, inflatable wall, workshops. SteelRace course (paid): sports sessions to try out for children and adults. Partner stands! Refreshment stands, snacks (hot dogs, crepes …) and merchandising
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. : DJ Duo Kritikalat to get you “in the mood”! Catering from “La Poêle Géante”: pre-reservation recommended from July 27! (Limited meals)
- 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.: “Guides Games” meeting, two teams will compete in 4 events, a clever mix of traditional Intervilles games and the iconic series “Squid Game.” Spectators can warmly cheer their favorites.
- 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.: Concert evening with Chamonix music groups. The group Bérénice, with unforgettable brass, and its punchy singer. This lively and catchy sequence will be followed by the famous group DeFuzz with Manu Eveno (Tryo) & Guests.
- Refreshment stands and food allow everyone to get a snack…
- Saturday, August 15 – Chamonix: PARADE & TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
- Location: Church Forecourt
- 8:30 a.m.: Parade and laying of a wreath at the cemetery
- 9:15 a.m.: Speech by the President of the Guide Company and Traditional Ceremony, calling of the guides, speeches, medal presentation
- 10:30 a.m.: Blessing of the “Men, ice axes and ropes,” followed by Mass in Saint-Michel Church
- Location: Triangle Square
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: craft stands, musical entertainment with guitarist and singer Pascal Popelier. Refreshment stands, snacks and merchandising
- Saturday, August 15 – Servoz: THE CRAFTSMAN FESTIVAL
- Location: Church Square
- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: craft stands, free activity with zip line! Refreshment and snack stands
- 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.: concert evening with the group Wildcamalot. Refreshment and snack stands
- Sundays, July 19 and August 16: WOODEN ATTIC SALE
- Location: Les Bois in Chamonix
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for visitors
- Refreshment stands
- If you wish to reserve a spot “8€ per meter”: contact 06 16 18 37 13
An unmissable summer event in Haute-Savoie
Each year, the Fête des Guides attracts several thousand visitors who come to celebrate the spirit of the climbing rope that has given Chamonix its international reputation. 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 perpetuating a century-old tradition focused on solidarity and transmitting mountain values.
Photo source: https://www.chamonix-guides.com/
