Compagnie des guides de Chamonix: practical guide
On place de l'Église, the oldest mountain guides company in the world runs mountaineering, the Vallée Blanche, hiking, climbing and courses for children. How to go about it.
Photo: the venue's Google Maps listing
Why go?
The Compagnie des guides de Chamonix, founded in 1821, is the oldest mountain guides company. Its office on place de l'Église is the starting point for most guided outings in the valley.
Good to know
It runs mountaineering and Mont Blanc, the Vallée Blanche on skis, hiking and the Tour du Mont Blanc, climbing, via ferratas and snowshoeing. Junior programmes exist by age: Mini Loups from 4 to 7, Kids from 7 to 13, Ados from 13 to 18.
Outings are in groups, which is cheaper, or private with a guide just for you.
Our advice
Book the Vallée Blanche or a high-mountain route several weeks ahead in high season. Drop by the office the day before for the day's weather: the guides also decide according to conditions.
Read on: Climbing Mont Blanc from Chamonix and The Vallée Blanche in Chamonix.
Sources: the property's website, Chamonix Tourist Office, Google Maps (address, rating, reviews and photo, checked on 27 October 2026), gallery: photos posted by visitors in their Google reviews (Francklin MICHEL, L.P, Daniel PETIT, Nicolas Larrecq, GGB GGB, Aurelie Guilmet), Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and the official pages quoted in the guide. Walking times are estimates.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Compagnie des guides de Chamonix?
Does the Compagnie des guides offer activities for children?
Thibault Ravanel
Thibault led groups along the south balcony trails for eight summers, from Le Brévent to La Flégère. He builds his routes stopwatch in hand and cuts whatever does not fit into a real day. He would rather write that an outing is not worth the ticket than pad out a list.
