Why Saint-Gervais?

• 50 minutes from Geneva airport by car
• Only 4kms from the motorway exit and TGV train station.
• Amazing scenery at the very foot of Europe's highest peak, Mt Blanc
• Massive and diverse ski area linked with Megève
• A year round, traditional French savoyard town with spa baths
• Excellent local restaurants and shops
• Easy access for summer day trips within France, Switzerland and Italy!
• Wide variety of winter and summer activities for all the family

The spa resort of Saint-Gervais is situated at the foot of Mont Blanc and has attracted tourists since 1806 for its therapeutic waters. At an altitude of 850 metres, St Gervais’ first ski lifts were installed in the 1930’s. With access into its own ski area linked with Megeve, it has recently found new popularity, particularly with families. Set in a narrow river gorge halfway between Megève and Chamonix, the landscape is impressive wherever you look and a trip up the mountain on the Mont-Blanc Tramway is not to be missed. There’s a good choice of bars, restaurants, bakeries & creperies (not to mention the chocolate!) and several supermarkets to use for everyday essentials. The local market comes to town on a Thursday with a range of Savoyard treats.

Various festivals and concerts are held in the town throughout the year and it has an excellent theatre and cinema. A festival of Comedy is held each March. See the tourist office website for details of events coming up.

	Skiing The main ski area of Saint-Gervais is vast and forms part of the Evasion ski domain and its 420 kms of slopes. It offers truly breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc and is linked with Megeve from the slopes of Mont d'Arbois, accessed by 20-person gondola from the edge of the village. This area is particularly recommended for intermediates and snowboarders can enjoy one of the best snow parks in the region. The Mont-Joly and Mont-Joux sections offer the steepest slopes where some good off-piste can also be found. There are some excellent mountain restaurants!!
Skiing on the Mont Blanc side of Saint-Gervais is served by the Tramway Mt Blanc, a rack-and-pinion 1904 railway that takes you to the slopes of Les Houches in the winter, and the foot of Mt Blanc for walking in the summer.
Other local ski areas: 20 minutes from Chamonix or Megeve villages 15 minutes to Les Contamines, Combloux, Praz-sur-Arly & Flumet ski areas 30-50 minutes to Argentiere, La Flegere, Le Tour, Le Brevent, Flaine and Les Gets ski areas

	Summer There are a multitude of summer activities on offer in, and around, St Gervais. The St Gervais area is renowned for it's mountain bike trails for all levels of rider and the area is quickly becoming a hotspot for European mountain biking. Summer activities include paragliding, hot air ballooning, white water rafting, walking and climbing. The Lake at Passy (10 km) has beach, picnic and activities including karting, quad biking, mini-golf and tree walking for children in the summer. St Gervais, Chamonix and Megeve all have outdoor pools in the summer.
Saint Gervais is reputed for the quality of its walking paths and trails. Amble along or participate in organized hikes with the resorts mountain escorts or heritage guides. See www.st-gervais.net for details.
Thermal baths There are thermal baths at le Fayet, the next village down from St Gervais. You can book treatments either through the Tourist office or by phoning the baths direct. Click here for more information. Within reach for a days excursion, just over an hours drive away are the outdoor thermal pools at Saillon or Lavey. Don’t forget to take your passports!
Golf There are golf courses at: • Megève (11km away) http://www.golf.megeve.com/version_us/index.html • Chamonix (20km away) http://www.golfdechamonix.com • Evian (70km away) http://www.en.evianroyalresort.com More information available at: http://www.chamonix.net/english/golf/golf.htm Mini-golf is also available at St. Gervais. A set of golf clubs are available at the chalet for guests use if required.
Mountaineering/Walking From the resort, mountaineers can follow the famous 'Voie Royale' to Mont Blanc, conquered in 1855 by an Englishman named Hudson. It is advisable to hire one of the experienced professional mountain guides, who have offices at St. Gervais. There is some of the best walking in the world amid the peaks of the Mont Blanc range. Walk the Tour du Mont Blanc for stunning scenery starting from the top of the Mont Blanc Tramway in the summer.