The ski resort of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is emblematic of the highest mountain in Europe. Many winter sports are practised. Good mountaineers can attempt to climb Mont Blanc.
The resort
For two centuries, this resort has been famous for its thermal baths. The thermal water treatments have the particularity of treating dermatological problems, especially in children. Saint-Gervais is a family destination par excellence, as it has the Famille Plus Montagne label. It offers a wide range of activities suitable for families.
Culturally, Saint Gervais Mont-Blanc is made up of 4 distinct villages, where you can discover beautiful baroque style churches, fortified houses and the typical architecture of the thermal establishments of previous centuries. You can go on a picturesque tour to discover the many small chapels that dot the territory of the commune.
Every year in mid-October, the municipality organises a large agricultural fair. You can admire the cows that have just come down from the mountain pastures, meet the local producers and craftsmen, and taste specialities such as bougnettes, farcement or rissoles. To the sound of the accordion, it is a unique moment to experience the folk traditions of the Savoie.
The pistes
This winter sports resort offers many activities: ski slopes, marked trails, freeride, two snowparks and the Mont Blanc tramway. The latter is a cogwheel train that takes you to the magnificent Prarion-Bellevue ski area at an altitude of 1,800 m in winter. In summer, the train takes you down to the Bionnassay glacier at 2,372m.
This is the starting point to reach the Goûter or Tête Rousse refuges and start the ascent to the summit of Mont-Blanc. The alpine ski area represents 120 runs over 225 km. The resort is linked to the Évasion Mont-Blanc domain, which with 445 km of runs, offers high quality snow throughout the season. For beginners and youngsters, there is a micro-pass for Saint-Gervais with 4 km of runs to learn how to ski downhill.
Two sites for sledging have been set up in the resort: the Plateau de la Croix in Saint-Nicolas and at the start of the Bettex cable car.
Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will have a fabulous view of Mont Blanc along the 28 kilometres of trails.
Snowshoeing itineraries
The resort allows you to discover nature at your leisure, with beautiful snowshoeing excursions:
The little loop of Saint-Nicolas
The departure is on the path that passes under the village chairlift, following the direction of Fontaney, then passing an old farm. The church of Saint-Nicolas de Véroce is a jewel of sacred baroque art, built in 1726.
The Porchery loop
This itinerary allows you to discover a magnificent panorama between the slopes of Saint-Gervais and the Mont Joly. Starting from the Plateau de la Croix, you will climb up to the forest. The flat path will lead you to chalets decorated with snowshoes. You can walk on “snow dunes” and see the Porcherey cross. The return is through the forest, taking a small marker on the left.
The Bettex loop
This loop is ideal for families and beginners, with a wide flat path before the climb to Entre-deux-Nants. We advise you to do the tour in the morning to enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful view of the Mont Blanc range. Follow the Bettex to the multi-use trail towards Communailles.
The circuit of the hamlet of Bionnassay
This route will take you through beautiful forests to discover the view of the Aiguille de Bionnassay. The village is a witness to mountain life, with a chapel and a school. The departure is from the Crozat car park, to the Planet. Several signposted routes allow you to reach the hamlet.
The best rated hotels
There are many tourist accommodations in the resort of Saint-Gervais. Hotels, flats or chalets, the possibilities are numerous.
Depending on your budget, we have selected four hotels in Saint Gervais Mont-Blanc. They offer excellent value for money and have very good reviews:
Hotel Terminus Mont Blanc
A beautiful, classic hotel within walking distance of the station, with a terrace, garden and hot tub. Parking is free. Ski rental is available on site. A shuttle service from Geneva airport and to the ski lifts is available.
From € 60 per night.
Hotel La Chaumière
The Saint-Gervais Ski School and the Saint Gervais – Bettex ski lifts are less than 2 km from the hotel. Some rooms have a balcony. There is a very good restaurant right across the street. The thermal baths and the train station are nearby.
From € 55 per night.
Le Cœur des Neiges
This hotel is particularly well located in the heart of the resort. The rooms are comfortable and en suite. The Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, balneotherapy, skiing and hiking are all close to the hotel.
From € 101 per night.
Hotel Arbois Bettex
At the foot of the Mont Joly ski slopes, this hotel features a relaxation area, a sauna and a swimming pool. You will have access to lockers for ski equipment and a ski boot warmer. Private parking is available for guests.
Prices start at € 155 per night.
Hotel Restaurant La Ferme de Cupelin
This hotel was a 19th century farmhouse facing Mont Blanc. The rooms are spacious and decorated in the Savoyard style. The restaurant serves refined and gastronomic cuisine. La Ferme is only a 5-minute drive from the Mont Blanc tramway.
Prices start at 155 € per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer three chalets for rent in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. They all have excellent customer reviews:
Prestigious Chalet
This beautiful chalet built in the Savoyard style has a surface area of 140 m² with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There is a playground for children. You can also rent your ski equipment and buy your ski pass. The Plancerts ski lift is located 1.2 km away.
Charmant Mazot
This small chalet, also called “mazot”, is a typical example of the Savoyard habitat of the past centuries. You will have a bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower. The pretty terrace allows you to enjoy the view of the mountains. It is located 2.3 km from the resort’s ski school.
Chalet Marie Paradis
Located only 5 minutes by car from the ski lifts of the resort, this authentic 170 m² chalet has 4 bedrooms and 3 private bathrooms, as well as a large terrace and a 200 m² garden. Parking in front of the chalet is free of charge.
The resort’s athletes
Loan Bozzolo
Loan Bozzolo is a member of the French snowboard cross team. In 2019, he was crowned double world junior champion in his discipline. A member of the Saint-Gervais club, Loan Bozzolo took part in several Olympics. He finished 24th in Pyeongchang and 11th in Beijing.
Anne-Laure Roux
A versatile sportswoman, Anne-Laure Roux is a specialist in trail running and ski mountaineering. She is used to standing on the podium in local races and is also the third woman to have finished the Diagonale du Mont-Joly.
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Ideas for summer activities
Summer tourism in Saint-Gervais offers many different activities:
- Bungee jumping from 90 metres from the Saint-Gervais bridge
- Climbing with the via ferrata in the thermal park of the village. The course is very difficult with notably Nepalese footbridges. There are also other climbing sites adapted to all levels to discover at the Tourist Office.
- The Saint-Gervais aquatic centre is open all year round with a leisure pool, paddling pool, heated outdoor pool, aquabike, aquagym and baby swimmer.
- The ice rink, also open all year round, allows you to slide on the ice and support the resort’s hockey team.
- Hiking, trail riding, mountain biking and all-terrain scooters allow you to discover the fauna and flora of the Alps on numerous marked routes.
The Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Humour Festival
Every year for the past 37 years, the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Humour Festival has been organised at the end of March. It is an opportunity to discover new talent, but also to enjoy new shows by well-known comedians. Various prizes are awarded: the Audience Prize, the Coup de Coeur Prize and the Salvad’Or Jury Prize. Nearly 10 artists perform at the Montjoie theatre in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.
How to get there
Depending on your means of transport, you can get to Saint Gervais :
- By car: Motorway A 40 towards Chamonix, exit n° 21.
- By train: Saint-Gervais les Bains – Le Fayet train station.
- By plane: Geneva International Airport 86 km away or Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport 206 km away.
