The annual Chamonix Fête des Guides is almost upon us; Sunday the 15th of August is the date. The rugged and sometimes inhospitable terrain high above Chamonix – Mont Blanc has forged a strong link between the town and it’s guides. The compagnie des Guides was formed in 1821, a year after an avalanche claimed the lives of three guides on Mont Blanc. This bond was first commemorated with the Fête des Guides in 1924.

The day starts at 10am, with the traditional ceremony on the parvis d l’eglise. Until 1pm there are various shows in the Place du Triangle. From 5pm to 7pm there are various kids activities (“Le Lac Magique”) at the Gaillands site, which are free if you have a ticket for the Fête. The dinner and show is from 7pm to 9pm, followed by the Cors des Alpes (‘Les Briançoneurs’). From 9:45pm to 10:45pm the Sound & Light spectacular, followed by Fireworks. At 11pm there’s the concert, with two bands.