 His father was Pierre-Joseph Payot (1791–1858), who was a mountain guide and who led the writer Alexandre Dumas on a journey to the Mer de Glace, accompanied by the young Venance.Payot died in Chamonix on March 13, 1902, leaving behind at least one son, Paul.Payot first became a porter, helping to carry the provisions and equipment of clients and guides into the mountains, and then became an aspirant (trainee) guide.