Saint Gervais Les Bains travel guide

Visit Saint Gervais Les Bains (Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, France)

Saint Gervais is an attractive alpine village and ski resort which which sits between its more famous neighbours of Chamonix and Megeve.

Explore Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains

France This Way review: while Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains is a very pleasant small town it is certainly for the numerous activities in the surrounding mountains, both summer and winter, that most visitors visit.

Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains is an attractive town which sits in a splendid location with views out to the magnificent Mont Blanc. Highlights in the village include an attractive church and attractive alpine style hotels and houses.

From Saint Gervais / Le Fayet you can board the Mont Blanc Tram (TMB) which takes you up to the 'Eagles Nest' On Mont Blanc at an altitude of 2,372 meters. The views from here are outstanding and it is the starting point for many hiking trails and climbing expeditions.

You can also take a cable car from Saint-Gervais to the Plateau of Bettex and Mont d'Arbois for some more stunning views. There are restaurants allowing you to relax and really enjoy the view. Bettex is the start of the skiable areas close to Saint Gervais.

There is also a spa - Les Thermes de Saint Gervais. As well as offering relaxing massages, indoor and outdoor baths and saunas the Thermes of Saint Gervais are the second most important in Europe for dermatological conditions and its waters are especially good for respiratory problems.

Sporting activities in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains has over 60 kilometres of ski runs. All levels of ability are catered for and snowboarding is also possible.

The village is an important starting point for mountain climbers hoping to reach the summit of Mont Blanc. The Voie Royal departs from here and is the most direct access to the summit. It is possible to follow a four day relaxed climb to the summit with a guide: ask for details and prices in the Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains tourist office.

There are a whole range of water related sports that you can take part in, including white water rafting, hydrospeed, and kayaking. If you are looking for a really special view over the area then hot air ballooning and para-gliding are both available, and in the summer there is an indoor ice-rink.

Close to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

Baroque Art has been a dominant style in the area and the Baroque footpath is a trail which passes ten churches and chapels in the Baroque style. This starts at Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains and encompasses some of the neighbouring villages.

The town is also close to other ski resorts such as Megeve and Chamonix.

You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Savoie guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.