On February 24 and 25, the Montagnes & Sciences association is organizing the Rencontres Montagnes & Sciences in Chambéry (Salle Jean Renoir). The aim of these meetings is to talk about science and mountains in a different way, through a selection of films that focus on human adventure, exploration, and discovery. These meetings are financially supported by the USMB's SHINE project.
On the agenda
The order of the films may vary during the screening. Each film will be followed by discussions/activities. The films being screened are:
- Les lumières de Vallot (The Lights of Vall ot): How did science discover the unique characteristics of the high-altitude world? Thanks to Joseph Vallot! Screened for the first time at a festival, the film Les lumières de Vallot tells the story of this great scientist, who built an observatory just below the summit of Mont Blanc at the end of the 19th century, which is still used by researchers today.
- The Eagle of Hokkaido: Where can you see the world's largest eagle? On a snow-covered island in Japan. The magnificent documentary The Eagle of Hokkaido takes us on a journey with photographer Jérémie Villet, a specialist in animals that live in extreme cold, as he searches for this rare bird.
- Dreaming of pure water: Can we purify the water that flows from glaciers? This has been the dream of the inhabitants of a valley in Peru ever since the retreat of the glaciers caused acidification of the streams that are their only source of drinking water. Dreaming of pure water shows how communities can rely on science to cope with the effects of climate change.
- La Bérarde, the mountain that slipped away: What do we know today about the La Bérarde disaster? Eighteen months after the torrential flood that devastated this small hamlet in Oisans, a panel discussion will bring together numerous researchers to discuss previously unseen footage filmed beneath the Bonne Pierre glacier, upstream from the village.
Hours
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 :
- Doors open & refreshments available: 7 p.m.
- Screening: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026 :
- Doors open & refreshments available: 7 p.m.
- Screening: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Learn more
- Tickets available online and at the door. Admission is between €8 and €20, free for minors and students.
- About accessibility: all films will be subtitled in French (ST-SME). On Wednesday, February 25, the stage presentations will be signed by anADIS sign language interpreter. The theater is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- More information on the Montagnes & Sciences association website