Saint Gervais, Megève and Valley

Resort altitude: 850 m

St Gervais forms part of the Evasion Mont Blanc region, it is the link between Chamonix and Megève. It is a 20 minute drive from both these well-known destinations and a 50 minute drive from Geneva. The village has a very French feel to it and is lively all year round. It is sizeable and set above the plains; from most of the village you can enjoy open views across its neighboring mountain ranges. Le Fayet (580 m), with its renowned natural Spa, is part of the commune of St Gervais. Les Contamines-Montjoie (a very pretty residential village nestled in the valley) is also a part of the commune.

There is a wide selection of restaurants to please all tastes in the centre which is built around an open attractive square, its picturesque church and the Mairie. The local market is held in the square on Thursday mornings - this is well worth a visit.

St Gervais has one of Europe's largest differences in altitude, ranging from 580 meters at its lowest point to 4810 meters at its highest.

Winter
The main access to the skiing is via the Bettex cable car which is a couple of hundred meters from the village centre and connects to Megève offering a total of 500 km of slopes, 125 ski lifts from an altitude of 1000 m to 2350 m. This connects Saint-Gervais / Saint-Nicolas de Véroce / Megève / Combloux / Les Contamines et Les Houches (access by the Mont Blanc Tramway).

The Mont Blanc Tramway (one of the last rack & pinion trains in France) takes you to the Bellevue/Prarion ski area at 1800 m, a pleasurable picturesque journey and exceptional panoramic views.

Summer
In summer, the Tramway takes you to the foot of the Bionnassay Glacier, the Nid d'Aigle, at an altitude of 2372 metres. From here experienced mountaineers can climb to the Tête Rousse and Goûter mountain huts, and Mont Blanc.

The 4810 m summit of Mont Blanc rises on the communal territory of Saint Gervais. From the resort mountaineers can follow the famous "Voie Royale" to Mont Blanc (the same route Hudson used to conquer Mont Blanc).

There are various footpaths and hikes to choose from and there is also an excellent riding school (open all year) offering high mountain treks as well as dressage and show jumping lessons.