Discover Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

Things to Do in Saint Gervais Mont Blanc - Discover the Resort’s Main Activities

Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc: The History of this Unique Destination

Not-to-be-missed Events in Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc

Hit the Slopes in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc - Piste Map and Webcams

Stay in Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc: Our Selection of Chalets and Apartments

With natural sporting terrain and enchanting scenery dominated by Mont Blanc, the 'roof of Europe', Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is a dynamic resort with a lively and festive village life that has all the ingredients required for an unforgettable holiday. Be sure to read our guide to the resort before packing your bags

The resort
Activities
History
Events
The ski
Accommodation

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, A Dream Setting

Located in an exceptional setting in the department of Haute-Savoie in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc has always been an attractive place to visit. The resort ticks many boxes thanks to its beautiful environment and proximity to Mont Blanc. The village extends over four zones - le Fayet (altitude 580m), Saint-Gervais (850m), Saint Nicolas de Véroce (1150m) and le Bettex (1,400m).

Did you know ? The resort's ski area has one of the biggest vertical drops in the French Alps, from the slopes of Mont Blanc to the banks of the river Arve.

A Lively Resort in Winter and Summer Alike

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc has a year-round population of 5,779, and is busy and lively all year round. In winter, the ski runs wind their way down to the enchanting villages. In summer, there is no shortage of activities including hiking, climbing and paragliding. No matter when you visit, there is always a new experience waiting for you in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.

A Holiday with Mont Blanc as a Backdrop

Saint-Gervais is a resort situated in the Mont Blanc area, with ever-present views of Europe's highest peak that are enjoyed by visitors who come to admire the mighty mountain in all its guises. Fit and active visitors will enjoy the challenge of a partial or full ascent of Mont Blanc via the famous 'Voie Royale' route.

Fascinating and mysterious, Mont Blanc has been admired down the ages by visitors to Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. One of the best known mountains in the world, it rises to an altitude of 4,808 metres and is the highest point of a vast surrounding massif. A stay in Saint-Gervais is an opportunity to get up close to this famous mountain.

A Multi-Faceted Resort

Sporting, cultural and relaxing, the resort of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc has many faces to offer its visitors. Sport is woven into the fabric of the resort, with almost infinite possibilities available in its beautiful surrounding natural terrain, overlooked by ever-present Mont Blanc massif. Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc can also justifiably claim to be an important international spa resort. Its thermal baths are widely known for their benefits in the treatment of the most sensitive skins. The therapies and wellness activities on offer here are an important part of the resort's culture and attract many visitors looking for an opportunity to relax and unwind. The resort also has much to offer food lovers, who are spoiled for choice with no less than seventy restaurants to discover and enjoy.

Relax, enjoy immersive experiences, be active - all this and more is possible in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. So, are you ready to come and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the mountains.

Rent in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

Chalet Le White Fox

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc - Hameaux

12 guests ⸱ 5 bedrooms ⸱ 363 sq.m

Pre book

Chalet Le Grey Fox

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc - Hameaux

6 guests ⸱ 3 bedrooms ⸱ 246 sq.m

Pre book

All the stays in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

Discover the activities for an
exceptional vacation in the heart of Saint Gervais Mont Blanc

All winter activities in Saint Gervais Mont Blanc

All aboard the Mont Blanc tramway!

The Mont Blanc tramway offers you the chance to get up close to the "roof of Europe". The highest rack railway in France takes you up to the gateway of the high mountains where the breathtaking landscapes will amaze the young and old alike.

In summer, the Mont Blanc tramway transports passengers up to the Nid d'Aigle (Eagle's Nest) at an altitude of 2,372 metres. This is a great starting point for walks accessible to all levels and ages, such as the approach to the Bionnassay glacier. And for the more experienced, the ascent of Mont Blanc, and other mountaineering routes, await you.

A Spa Experience at Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais

Situated in a beautiful ten-hectare park, Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, one of the resort's most iconic establishments, is famous for its thermal waters which are particularly beneficial to the skin. In summer and winter alike, a visit to the spa is a perfect way to relax.

As well as the thermal spa, there is also a care institute and medical cures on offer. Take time out, to relax, clear your mind, rejuvenate and heal in this tranquil oasis surrounded by the splendour of the mountains.

Dog Sledding

A dog sledding excursion is a wonderful way to explore the enchanting snowy landscapes of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. Guided by experienced mushers, immerse yourself in nature as your sled is pulled along winding forest trails by a team of huskies. A truly magical experience.

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, a Mecca for Alpinists

The Mont Blanc region offers its visitors an incredible mountain playground. With mountaineering becoming increasingly accessible, the area has a huge amount to offer enthusiasts with routes of varying levels of difficulty.

Reasonably fit and experienced visitors can take on the challenge of ascending Mont Blanc in the company of a guide from the Compagnie des Guides. Other routes, with equally breathtaking views, and also to be tackled with the support of a mountain guide, include the Aiguille de la Bérangère and the Dôme des Glaciers.

Mont Blanc via Saint-Gervais, Traces of an Ascent

The history of Saint-Gervais is closely linked to that of Mont Blanc. In the 19th Century, many climbers dreamed of reaching the 'roof or Europe' which seemed inaccessible at that time. However, in 1855, the ‘voie royale’ to the summit was opened following the first ascent by the mountaineers Hudson, Kennedy and Smythe.

Did you know ? This route to the summit of Mont Blanc held a real fascination for 19th Century climbers. The roof of Europe has always retained its mysterious side over the years.

The compagnie des guides de Saint-Gervais (company of the guides of Saint-Gervais) was founded in 1864, with local experts offering their services to lead climbers to the summit of Mont Blanc via Saint-Gervais. The famous Mont Blanc tramway, the highest rack railway in France, came into service in 1909, five years after work began on its construction. Climbers could now take advantage of a new mode of transport that was particularly innovative for its time.

Did you know ? The first woman to climb Mont Blanc, who came from Saint-Gervais, reached the summit on 14 July 1808.

The Development of the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Ski Club

The Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc ski club was founded in the 1930s, with its growth especially facilitated by the opening of the Saint-Gervais-Le Bettex cable car in 1936. The following year, the Mont d'Arbois cable car open, connecting Saint Gervais with the famous resort of Megève.

From this time onwards, the resort's development as a tourist destination gathered pace, with the local people constantly pushing the limits of what was possible in an era when technology was very limited. At the same time, the 1930s saw the development of Saint Gervais' first tourist accommodation. The opening of a number of rental apartment buildings, hotels and guesthouses stimulated the growth and development of the resort.

The Thermal Baths of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

A Development in Two Eras

Early development

Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is a spa facility that owes its existence to water that has been underground for centuries. In 1806, its natural temperature of 39 °C caught the attention of Joseph-Marie Gontard, whose fantastic natural curiosity about the potential benefits of these waters led to the development of thermal cures that are still in use today. Gontard had the spring waters analysed, and discovered that they had a high mineral content. The spa opened in 1807, at a time when the fashion for such facilities was in full swing. By 1815, people were flocking to the baths of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. That same year, Doctor Mattey observed and catalogued the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs, notably for the treatment of skin conditions, whether from drinking the water, showering or bathing.

Did you know ? Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc was very popular with wealthy patrons, with 600 visitors as early as 1824.

In 1892, however, a natural disaster interrupted the development of the baths, when a mighty torrent of water destroyed everything in its path including the baths. Nonetheless, the baths were successfully rebuilt and their development continued thereafter.

The renaissance

From 1914 onwards, the resort saw the arrival of a new golden age, with the baths experiencing ever greater success that laid the foundations for their future development. With the creation of medical facilities on the eve of the First World War, Saint Gervais became a byword for progress, with the baths famous throughout France. The start of the 1960s saw the start of Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc's great renaissance. In 1959, a new era began when Monsieur Califano became manager of the facility.

At the same time, Doctor Lépinay began using the waters of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc to treat serious burns. In 1961, the famous classical dancer Janine Charrat suffered an accident when her tutu caught fire and she tragically suffered 70% burns. A major star in her time, she was left with little hope for the future of her great career. She was treated at Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc which proved highly successful and allowed her to resume her career in 1964.

A Proven Success Story

Later, in 1996, the waters of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc were recognised for their soothing, healing and regenerative benefits by the Academy of Medicine. People suffering from eczema and other skin conditions continue to visit the resort to this day.

Did you know ? Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc have become the second most important European centre for dermatological spa treatments.

In 2012, the launch of the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc range ushered in the use of the waters in cosmetic products. This year also saw the opening of the outdoor pools. From this time onwards, the baths welcomed visitors who wanted to take care of themselves, with skiers, families and even local people enjoying all the benefits of the waters of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. In 2016, the baths and its range of products were acquired by the L'Oréal group, ensuring that thermal cures at Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc have a bright future ahead of them.

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc has a rich history and heritage which is now widely promoted. When visiting the resort, you will be able to discover a fascinating scene which blends culture, wellness and mountain sports.

From June 7th to 9th 2025

Roc Fest — Crédit photo : ©OT Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

Festival Baroque — Crédit photo : ©OT Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

27th Baroque Festival of the Pays du Mont-Blanc

From 12th to 20th 2025

A festival of baroque music featuring exceptional concerts across various locations in the Pays du Mont-Blanc, along with baroque art discoveries, lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events.

The Baroque Festival of the Pays du Mont-Blanc returns for its 27th edition, centered around the theme of metamorphosis.

In the many towns and villages of the Pays du Mont-Blanc, enjoy concerts, talks, and exhibitions held in the region’s stunning baroque churches.

7th Alpi Hours Festival

July 25th & 26th | From August 15th to 17th 2025

The Alpi Hours Festival is back for its 7th edition!
Join us in the lively streets of Saint-Gervais for a festive and friendly experience in the heart of the Alps.
This new edition promises a unique atmosphere with open-air concerts, street performances, creative workshops for all ages, a local producers' and artisans' market, artistic shows, and outdoor film screenings centered around mountain and outdoor themes.

Skiing in Saint Gervais Mont Blanc

The Saint Gervais/Les Houches Ski Area

Skiing in Saint Gervais Mont Blanc allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and other surrounding peaks.

On the Saint Gervais side, many of the pistes wind through enchanting snow covered pine forests. Here, the ski area extends over both sides of the valley.

The ski area is also great for families, with many of the slopes suitable for begi nners. There are also plenty of more challenging slopes for experienced skiers to enjoy.

Did you know?

Your ski pass includes access to the famous Tramway du Mont-Blanc, France's highest mountain railway.

Breakdown of the twenty-seven marked runs in the Saint-Gervais/Les Houches ski area:

4 black
13 red
8 blue
2 green

Leisure Activities Accessible to All

The Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc ski area has several fun zones and play areas such Ski Camp where children learn to ski through games and play. There is also a filmed slalom stadium as well as the snowpark for the more adventurous.

The Évasion Mont-Blanc Ski Area

Saint-Gervais is part of the Évasion Mont Blanc ski area, which interlinks seven resorts with a total of 445 kilometres of marked runs. The altitude of the ski area ranges from 1,150 metres to 2,353 metres with breathtaking views of the roof of Europe.

The resorts making up the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area are:

Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
Les Contamines
Megève
Combloux
Saint-Nicolas de Féroce
La Giettaz
Hauteluce

Snow Conditions

The Saint-Gervais ski area has a top altitude of 2,353 metres and enjoys good ski conditions with 900 snow-making machines operated by expert piste maintenance crews to supplement the natural snow cover if necessary.

ski map

The Lift System

The lift system in Saint-Gervais is constantly being improved to make the installations faster and more comfortable, making it easier for skiers to get around the ski area and maximise their time on the snow.

Saint-Gervais/Les Houches' Lift System Comprises: