The first guides festival took place on 15 August 1924 with, as its patron, Yvonne Coty, the wife of the famous perfume producer, François Coty. Having historically been under the protection of the Virgin Mary, the guides naturally chose Assumption day for their event. The aim of the first festival was to collect funds for the guides’ emergency fund, the subscriptions to which were no longer sufficient to cover their needs.
Nearly a century later, the aim of the guides festival has not changed. In the height of summer, Compagnie members, numerous volunteers and businessmen and women come together in aid of the guides’ emergency fund in a spirit of sharing and solidarity. Events are organised in all of the villages of the valley in the days leading up to the 15 August. These include activities, meetings, shows, parades and talks to celebrate the mountains and those who live and work in them, all in a festive and fun atmosphere.
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Special 100th Edition - Events are organized throughout the year 2024. Part 1 - February 22nd & 29th: Mountain films evening by members of the Compagnie des Guides at the Houches entertainment space. Free admission.
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Guides pay tribute to their guests
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The guides festival traditionally closes on 15 August with a ceremony on the square in front of the church attended by elected officials. This formal occasion is marked by a speech from the president of the Compagnie des Guides and the official acceptance of new Guides into the Compagnie. It is also an opportunity for Guides to pay tribute to their most loyal guests by presenting them with medals for loyalty and technical difficulty, symbolising the journey taken by them as a rope team.
Mountain films evening in Les Houches in February - Concert Argentière in July - Traditional Festival in Chamonix, Servoz, Lavancher in August - Concert in Vallorcine in September.
