This weekend, many cultural and historic sites in the valley are hosting free events and opening their doors at no charge as part of a European initiative to promote arts, culture, and history. The events are taking place all across the region and the country. Here are a few in Chamonix, Servoz, Les Houches, and Vallorcine this weekend on the 16th and 17th of September.

Catch the full programme online here

Below are just a few local events we can reccomend picked from the complete guide (also available in print at your local tourism office)

SERVOZ : Festi-Mont

• Saturday at 12h
  • Pizza au four à pain: Make and bake your own pizza in an old bread oven and enjoy it in the garden at the maison du lieutenant

• Saturday at 14h30
  • Battle de farcement at the maison du lieutenant: Learn and make one of the REAL recipes of farcement, accompanied by “chefs.” Experiment with baking in a bread oven overnight, and enjoy them for lunch on Sunday

• Sunday at 15h
  • Atelier goûter at 105, Montée des Rubins : Discover and create snacks inspired by local Chamonix products and recipes.

• Sunday at 18h
  • Apéro concert with the folk/rock group Barely.
  • Goûter concert with local treats and the repertoire of Chorale La TURBINE.
  • Projection of the documentary “Pacheû” in the presence of the director, Camille Llobet. “Pacheû” explores the Mont-Blanc massif in collaboration with high mountain guides from the Compagnie de Saint-Gervais / Les Contamines and geomorphologists in the context of abrupt climate change.

LES HOUCHES

• Saturday and Sunday at 10h30
  • Couronne d’alpage: Discover a mountain tradition and create flower crowns for cows at the Musée Montagnard, 2 Rue de l’église
  • Duration: 1h30
  • Free admission, limited places
  • Mandatory registration before the day of the activity at 18h – call : 07 60 04 14 26 or musee-montagnard@ccvcmb.fr

CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC

• Saturday & Sunday from 10h to 12h & from 14h to 18h
  • Joyaux des Alpes italiennes at the Crystal Museum: Exhibition showcasing mineralogical treasures from the Italian North Alps, featuring garnets, diopsides, vesuvianites, and epidotes, among others.

• Saturday & Sunday LAST CHANCE EXPO : Euphorie des Montagnes : André Contamine
  • A selection of nearly 150 photographs capturing André Contamine’s enthusiastic perspective on alpinism in the 1950s-1960s.

• Saturday at 9h40 RENDEZVOUS at the Gare des Tines
  • Le granite, une pierre « précieuse » à Chamonix: Explore the presence and craftsmanship of granite in Chamonix, from its origins in the depths of the earth to its use in the town’s beautiful facades.

• Saturday at 10h35
  • Le Lavancher – un hameau paisible à l’écart de Chamonix: Discover the lesser-known Chamoniard hamlet of Le Lavancher, meet its residents, and learn about its history. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit an old house.
• Saturday & Sunday at 11h and 15h
  • De la montagne au musée: Explore the journey of crystals from the heart of the mountains to museum displays, step by step, presented by the Musée des Cristaux and the Club de minéralogie de Chamonix.

VALLORCINE

• Saturday at 10h
  • Les Walser d’hier et d’aujourd’hui à Vallorcine: Explore the history, culture, and architecture of the Walser people in Vallorcine, who have adapted to changes in the region over 750 years.
  • Location: Vallorcine, at the heart of Mont-Blanc country check in with the tousism office for more details