An elegant mountain spa town that also offers great skiing, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in the Haute Savoie has been attracting holidaymakers since the 1900s.
Though a relatively quiet resort, there are still plenty of things to do in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains other than snowsports including:
- Visit the thermal baths
- Ride the Mont Blanc Tramway
- Go paragliding
- Try Via Ferrata
- Take a hike
- Go mountain biking
- Tour the museum
- Discover canyoning
- Head to the casin
- Visit a farm
Read on to find out more about activities in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains…
1. Visit the Thermal Baths
If you’re in St Gervais, then a visit to the thermal baths is a must. After a morning skiing, relax in the indoor and outdoor baths, saunas and steam room before sipping a herbal infusion in the tea room.
Massages and treatments can be booked, as well as medical treatments.
2. Ride the Mont Blanc Tramway
If you’re looking for stunning views and access to some fantastic hikes, make sure to take a ride on the Mont Blanc Tramway, which takes you from St Gervais up to the Bellevue Plateau.
In winter, you can ski back down (and your ski pass will cover the cost). Plus, there’s a mountain restaurant at Bellevue where you can take in the views over a coffee.
3. Go Paragliding
Get a totally different perspective on the mountains from a paraglider! Various packages are available, with special rates for groups, and even children as young as seven can enjoy a tandem flight.
We always recommend getting this booked at the beginning of your holiday, just in case the weather changes throughout your stay. This way you have more time to reschedule if needed.
4. Try Via ferrata
Combining hiking and climbing, the Via Ferrata in St Gervais is a great day out for families with older children. You will follow a trail that has been cut into the rock face, which you are clipped onto at all times and be provided with a helmet for your safety.
The course at the thermal park in St Gervais has three levels of difficulty, but they are all a bit of a challenge – this is definitely one for the physically fit (and those without a fear of heights!)
5. Take a Hike
Similar to most resorts in the Frech Alps, St Gervais is home to fantastic walking and hiking routes for all availabilities. If you want to discover the local heritage of St Gervais, then the Tour du Quy is a great option. It’s a 5.7km forest trail, open from mid-May to mid-October, that will take you about 2h30 minutes to complete.
Though not in St Gervais itself, the twenty-minute drive to visit Les Gorges de la Diosaz is definitely worth it. Enjoy a stunning walk along suspended footpaths and marvel at the impressive waterfalls on the way. It’s a great choice on a sunny day, as much of the path is in shade. It’s a bit of a climb, but with so much to stop and look at along the way, you’ll hardly notice it!
Discover more about walking and hiking in St Gervais here.
6. Go Mountain Biking
In the summer, St Gervais becomes a magnet for cyclists. Experienced mountain bikers will find plenty of challenges, as many of the trails are steep and technical, but there are trails for all levels.
Bikes can be taken on many of the lifts, as well as on the Mont Blanc Express train.
Why not try the locals’ favourite run, from the top of the Prarion gondola down to St Gervais and Le Fayet? From St Gervais to Le Fayet, take the Pipeline (the route follows a large water pipeline from the bottom of the Le Bettex cable car). There are some tight switchbacks and wooden steps, so we’d recommend this to more experienced bikers.
If you want to discover some more trails, then the tourist office in St Gervais is a great place to start when looking for routes and advice.
7. Tour the Museum
If you’re looking for a good rainy day activity, head to the museum to discover the history of the Compagnie des Guides (mountain guides). The Maison Forte du Hautetour is situated right opposite the tourist office and there’s also an exhibition on climbing Mont Blanc plus art exhibitions.
Discover stunning self-catered properties in St Gervais
8. Discover Canyoning
If you’re visiting in summer, then make sure to head over to Chamonix for a guaranteed fun day out canyoning! Kids and adults alike can scramble, climb, jump and swim down mountain streams, rivers and waterfalls. As well as this, you’ll be able to discover some incredible natural scenery.
This experience is open to children over the age of 10, as long as they can swim and are not afraid of a 4m jump.
9. Head to The Casino
If you’re travelling with a group of friends, then the casino in Le Fayet is a great night out. Try your luck on the 75 slot machines, blackjack table or roulette and complete your evening with a cocktail and some live music.
10. Visit a Farm
Young children will love being able to stroke the baby goats and watch the milking at this farm near St Gervais.
When they’re done, you can pick up some of the farm’s produce in the shop, including cheese, yoghurt and soap.
Looking for accommodation in Saint Gervais?
Discover our selection of hand-picked properties in St Gervais for your next trip to the French Alps…
