In brief
- When? Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where? Throughout the Chamonix Valley: indoor exhibitions at the Majestic and the Prieuré in Chamonix and at the Kandahar in Les Houches, with outdoor exhibitions from Servoz to Vallorcine.
- How much? 1-day pass €5, 2- or 3-day pass €10, free for children under 15. Outdoor exhibitions are free to visit.
- Not to be missed: the 25 guest photographers, talks at the Vox cinema and outdoor masterclasses with the Compagnie des guides de Chamonix.
For three days, the Chamonix Valley becomes the capital of nature photography. The Chamonix Vallée Photo Festival returns for its 4th edition from October 23 to 25, 2026, with indoor and outdoor exhibitions, talks, screenings, masterclasses and workshops for children. Mountains, nature and culture: here’s the program and all the practical information you need to enjoy the festival.
The Chamonix Photo Festival: nature through the lens
A festival inspired by Montier-en-Der
Founded four years ago, the Chamonix Vallée Photo Festival takes inspiration from the International Wildlife and Nature Photography Festival in Montier-en-Der, Haute-Marne, one of Europe’s biggest nature photography events, which supports it. It is built around three pillars: mountains, nature and culture. Its motto, “Wonder at the Summit,” sums up its ambition: to show the Chamonix Valley as more than a place for sporting feats—as a place for contemplation, encounters and reflection.
Powerful images in the face of climate change
The festival focuses on climate issues. At the foot of Mont Blanc, where glaciers are visibly retreating, the guest photographers offer powerful perspectives on wildlife, landscapes and humanity’s place in nature. According to the festival’s Facebook page, the 2026 edition celebrates baby animals.
Read more: Why the Bossons Glacier could lose half its mass by 2035
The 2026 Chamonix Photo Festival program
Indoor exhibitions
Three venues will host prints by the 25 internationally renowned photographers invited by the festival:
- the Majestic, Chamonix’s convention center and the heart of the festival;
- the Prieuré, in Chamonix;
- the Kandahar hall, in Les Houches, at the finish area of the Alpine Ski World Cup.
Outdoor exhibitions
More than 300 large-format photos will be on display outdoors, spread across five villages in the valley:
- Servoz, at the entrance to the valley;
- Les Houches, with around 50 photos;
- Chamonix: Place des Alpes, Place du Mont-Blanc, Triangle de l’Amitié and all the way to the Aiguille du Midi;
- Argentière;
- Vallorcine, at the far end of the valley.
Partner venues, including hotels and restaurants across the valley, will also host prints. These outdoor exhibitions are free to visit—a wonderful opportunity to explore the valley in autumn, one photo at a time.
Talks and screenings
Throughout the weekend, photographers will present their work in talks at the Majestic, the Prieuré and the Vox cinema in Chamonix, which will also host film screenings. It’s a chance to hear the stories behind the images and talk directly with the photographers.
Outdoor masterclasses
For amateur photographers, the festival organizes outdoor masterclasses with the Compagnie des guides de Chamonix. The program includes field trips to learn how to photograph the mountains and wildlife, as well as the chance to try out equipment in real-world conditions thanks to the festival’s partner brands.
Workshops for children and the brand area
There’s something for younger visitors too, with photography workshops for children, including a family workshop in Les Houches. Photography enthusiasts can also discover the latest products from major brands attending the festival, such as Canon, Sony, Fujifilm and OM System.
The photo competition and the Young Talent Showcase
Every year, the festival organizes a photo competition open to everyone, with five themes: landscapes around the world, macro and close-up photography, wildlife around the world, humans and nature, and camouflage in the animal kingdom. Entries for 2026 were open until March 31. The winning photos will be exhibited in the valley during the festival, with 18 awards in total, including the Jury Prize, a Graphic Design Prize and a “Discover Your Home” prize for the best photo taken in France.
The festival also offers the Tremplin, a portfolio competition for photographers under 30. The winner’s work will be exhibited at the Majestic, with ten prints provided free of charge.
Our tips for enjoying the festival
- Get a 2- or 3-day pass: at €10, it’s the best way to see the indoor exhibitions and attend several talks.
- Explore the valley by train: the Saint-Gervais–Vallorcine line connects Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine, the five villages hosting exhibitions.
- Bring good walking shoes and a warm jacket for the outdoor exhibitions: late October days are chilly in the mountains.
- Bring your camera: autumn colors and the first snow on the peaks make for wonderful subjects.
- Check the detailed program on the festival website to book masterclasses, as places are limited.
Read more: Foire Froide de Sallanches 2026: dates, program and practical information for October 24 and 25
Practical information
Dates, hours and prices
- Dates: Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 1-day pass: €5
- 2- or 3-day pass: €10
- Under 15s: free
- Passes include access to the exhibitions at the Majestic and the Kandahar hall in Les Houches. Outdoor exhibitions are free.
Venues and getting there
The heart of the festival is at the Majestic, Chamonix’s convention center, 241 allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The venue is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. Chamonix can be reached via the A40 motorway and then the RN205. By train, the Saint-Gervais–Vallorcine line serves the entire valley.
Further information
Chamonix Vallée Photo Festival – tel. 04 50 91 40 20 – email: contact@chamonixphotofestival.com – website: chamonixphotofestival.com.
FAQ: Chamonix Photo Festival 2026
When is the 2026 Chamonix Photo Festival?
The 4th edition of the Chamonix Vallée Photo Festival takes place from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much does it cost to attend the Chamonix Photo Festival?
A 1-day pass costs €5 and a 2- or 3-day pass costs €10. Admission is free for children under 15, and outdoor exhibitions are free to visit.
Where does the Chamonix Photo Festival take place?
Indoor exhibitions take place at the Majestic and the Prieuré in Chamonix and at the Kandahar in Les Houches. More than 300 photos will be exhibited outdoors in Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine.
Can I enter the festival’s photo competition?
Yes, the competition is open to everyone and features five themes. For the 2026 edition, entries were open until March 31, 2026. The Tremplin is reserved for photographers under 30.
