Fête des guides 2026

Created in 1924, with the aim of providing financial support for the Relief Fund, the Guides' Festival has become an unmissable event in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley.

La Compagnie's anniversary is an opportunity to organize a Fête des Guides, bringing together guides and attendants of all generations to pay a memorable tribute to those who have made history, and to the guides of tomorrow. The first Fête des Guides took place on August 15, 1924, with the aim of raising funds for the Caisse de Secours. More than a century later, that hasn't changed. But above all, through togetherness, solidarity, friendship and the spirit of the roped party. All this is made possible by our partners, local residents and visitors. While the heart of the association was born in Chamonix, the body has always been spread across the valley.

Programme 2026 :

Wednesday, August 12 - Le Lavancher - Bread Festival
▪ 10:00 am - 7:00 pm - Traditional bread baking and sales around the Le Lavancher communal bread oven. Refreshment stands and official merchandise.
▪ 6:00 pm - Friendship Drink and address by the Mayor.
▪ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Country-style dinner (paid, advance booking required), live music with accordionist Elodie Genoud and raffle.

Thursday, August 13 – Rafting on the Arve River
Location: From the Chamonix rafting base to Les Bossons
▪ 9:30 pm - The White Water Base invites you to admire a procession of illuminated boats departing from the Chamonix rafting base and arriving at Les Bossons. The parade can only be viewed from the riverbanks and bridges. A brief but magical moment... Be ready in the right place!

Friday, August 14 - Argentière - Activities and Traditional Ceremony
▪ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Free activities including a climbing wall, zip line, slackline and laser rifle shooting. Refreshment stands and official merchandise.
▪ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Welcome for visiting delegations and Friendship Drink.
▪ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Traditional ceremony including the roll call of the mountain guides, procession to the cemetery and official speeches.

Friday, August 14 - Chamonix "Les Gaillands" - Activities, "Guides' Games" and Concert Night
▪ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Free climbing activities and guided hikes.
SteelRace Course (paid): Sporting challenges for children and adults. Meet our event partners.
▪ 2:30 pm - 8:30 pm - DJ Duo Kritikalat providing music and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
▪ From 6:30 pm - "La Poêle Géante" restaurant. Advance meal booking recommended from July 27 onwards! (Limited meals available on site.)
▪ 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm - Two teams compete in challenges inspired by Intervilles and Squid Game. The losers win... a surprise! A guaranteed fun atmosphere – come and cheer on your favourites!
▪ 10:00 pm - 1:00 am - Concert Night – Enjoy performances from charismatic live bands! Opening act: Bérénice with unforgettable brass and an energetic lead singer. Followed by the electrifying +DeFuzz featuring Manu Eveno (Tryo) & Guests. Free admission!
Refreshment stands, snacks (hot dogs, crêpes...) and official merchandise available on site.

Saturday, August 15 - Chamonix "Place du Triangle and Saint-Michel Church Square" - Guides' Parade, Traditional Ceremony and Craft Market
▪ 8:30 am - Guides' parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery.
▪ 9:15 am - Traditional ceremony, roll call of the mountain guides, official speeches and medal presentation.
▪ 10:30 am - Blessing of the "Men, Ice Axes and Ropes", followed by Mass at Saint-Michel Church.
▪ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm - Craft market and live music with guitarist and singer Pascal Popelier. Refreshment stands, snacks and official merchandise.

Saturday, August 15 - Servoz - Craft and Mountain Guides Festival
▪ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm - Craft market and free zip line activity.
▪ 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm - Concert evening with the band Wildcamalot. Refreshment stands and snacks available on site.

Sunday, August 16 - Chamonix "Les Bois Village" - Flea Market
▪ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - In support of the Mountain Rescue Fund (Pitch: €8 per metre).