Saint Gervais: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is a famous place. The impressive Mont Blanc is located within the municipality. No wonder Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is a popular holiday destination in both summer and winter. Hiking and mountain tours, skiing and cross-country skiing are done with a view of the approximately 4,800-meter-high mountain.
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Saint Gervais - Must-see attractions
Ski area Le Bettex - Saint-Gervais
With a total of 445 kilometers of slopes, Saint-Gervais is the third-largest ski area entirely located in France. The main town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains also includes Le Bettex. It is situated on the Mont d'Arbois flank facing the Arve Valley at an altitude of 1450 m. In the hamlet of Fayet, there is the Saint-Gervais thermal bath with a thermal park of nearly 10 hectares. It is fed by thermal water that emerged in the Bonnant gorge 6,500 years ago and has a temperature of 32 degrees.
Saint-Gervais Thermal Baths
The thermal water in Saint-Gervais seeps through the Mont-Blanc massif before emerging under the Bonnet gorge at a temperature of 32°C. The mineralized healing water fills the indoor and outdoor pools of the wellness paradise, stimulating all the senses. The water in the Saint-Gervais thermal bath contains trace elements such as sulfur, magnesium, and copper, which have healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Let yourself float in the warm water, use the Kneipp pool, and enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains.
Church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais
The Église Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais is a Catholic place of worship. The first origins of such a building in the area date back to the 12th century, but the current architecture is a construction from the 17th century. A tour of the church's interior is especially worthwhile due to the richly gold-adorned altar area. The monstrance from the 18th century is one of the highlights. The church is open daily for visitors and those interested.
Mont-Blanc Tramway
With the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, you ascend more than 900 meters. You pass by dense forests and eventually reach the beautiful Plateau de Bellevue. From here, you can see the mighty Bionnassay Glacier. If you arrive at Fayet or Saint-Gervais, you can use the Tramway du Mont-Blanc to reach idyllic ski areas. Especially Prarion is perfect for descending into the valley.
Les Contamines-Montjoie - Saint-Gervais ski area
Le-Contamines-Montjoie is known for its proximity to the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc. Additionally, there is a renowned ski resort here with 24 lifts and about 120 kilometers of slopes. The season lasts approximately from December to April. The Saint-Gervais ski area is ideal for fast descents as well as practice tours for beginners. There is also a World Cup halfpipe and a snow park for all ages. In the warm season, you can hike in Le-Contamines-Montjoie.
Gruvaz Gorge
Surrounded by steep rock walls, the Gruvaz River cuts through the French Alps for about 1 kilometer, forming the Gorges de la Gruvaz. In the narrow gorge, waterfalls, rapids, and natural pools are formed. The rushing water and impressive rock formations create a picturesque backdrop for hiking, climbing, and canyoning. On the narrow path along the river, on the rocks above the water, or when jumping into the bubbling water, you can feel the power of nature up close.
Saint Gervais - Secret spots
Trip to Sallanches
West of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains lies the municipality of Sallanches, consisting of the town and several mountain villages, set against the backdrop of the Arpenaz waterfall and the towering Mont Blanc. Attractions include the baroque Château des Rubins, which houses a museum within its walls. The exhibition is dedicated to the fragile ecosystem of the region.
The waterfall of Combe Noire
In the French nature reserve Contamines-Montjoie, the waterfall La Cascade de Combe Noire pours into a rushing wild stream in the shadow of the conifer trees. The 5-kilometer hike from the church Notre-Dame de la Gorge takes you over a natural bridge to the impressive natural spectacle in the Haute-Savoie department, 15 kilometers south of Saint-Gervais.
Visit the Thermal Park
Whether it's picnicking, playing, or cycling: The thermal park north of Saint-Gervais in the Haute-Savoie department is a green oasis for the whole family. Stroll along the rushing Bonnant stream to the invigorating thermal baths or hike over the pedestrian bridge uphill to the picturesque waterfall and the adventurous via ferrata amidst imposing rock walls.
Wonderful hike along the Pont de la Flée
Half an hour's drive from Saint-Gervais at the foot of Mont Blanc is the Pont de la Flée, built in 1901. The arch bridge in the Haute-Savoie department spans a mountain stream and is considered the starting point of a 4-kilometer hiking trail through dense forest and past rushing waterfalls and picturesque mountain streams.
Saint Gervais - In 3 days
Day 1
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains at the foot of Mont Blanc is a spa town as well as a major winter sports resort. The Alpine community is considered the gateway to the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area with its 445 kilometers of slopes and is also the starting point of the Voie Royale, the normal route to the summit of Mont Blanc. In Saint-Gervais, nature lovers will get their money's worth. Here you can enjoy wonderful hiking and the enchanting landscape. On your first day, explore the district of Le Fayet before boarding the Tramway du Mont-Blanc mountain railway at the station. The cog railway covers a distance of 12.4 km. At the Nid d’Aigle mountain station, there is a refuge with a restaurant. From here, you have a particularly beautiful view of the surrounding mountain landscape. In the evening, enjoy well-deserved wellness in the thermal park. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is fed by several thermal springs, whose mineral-rich water is said to have healing properties.
Day 2
Chamonix, the neighboring community of Saint-Gervais, is a worthwhile excursion destination on the second day. You can reach Chamonix from Le Fayet by train in about 45 minutes. Compared to Saint-Gervais, Chamonix is much livelier and more cosmopolitan. Numerous shops and restaurants await you here, and cable cars operate year-round to the surrounding mountain peaks. In 20 minutes, you can take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi, a rocky outpost in the Mont-Blanc massif. A special elevator takes you to the summit terrace at an altitude of 3,842 meters, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps. For a special thrill, there is the Skywalk Step into the void, which is entirely made of glass. On the return trip, make a stop at the mid-station Plan de l'Aiguille. Here, the Grand Balcon Nord hike starts, leading to Montenvers. Refresh yourself at the bar or the mountain restaurant Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille.
Day 3
On the third day, make a detour to Megève. This neighboring town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is primarily known for its luxury resort on Mont d'Arbois. Explore the village center and take a trip to Lac de Javen, a tranquil mountain lake above Megève. Even more nature awaits you at Mont Joly near Saint-Gervais. Nestled in the wild romantic landscape, the Belle au Bois waterfall plunges into the depths in the middle of the forest. You can enjoy wonderful hiking on marked trails or go canyoning here. If you travel in summer, spend Thursday evening at a concert in the center of Megève. In winter, however, the mountain village is the venue for winter golf. Families with children are drawn to the Domaine Le Coulairon farm, where reindeer are bred. In every season, the circular hiking trail Chemin du Calvaire offers a great hike, leading past Megève's main treasures.