Overview
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is a historic Alpine resort in Haute-Savoie, France, set on the flanks of Mont Blanc. It began as a 19th-century spa town before evolving into a ski resort, offering access to 400km of slopes within the Evasion Mont Blanc area plus international connections to Switzerland (Verbier, Martigny) and Italy (Courmayeur) with the Mont-Blanc Unlimited pass.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Mountains · Nature
Before you go
Climbing
Mont Blanc ascent via Voie Royale starts from St Gervais. Allow 3 days/2 nights minimum. Guide services recommended; several operators in town.
Money
Euro (€) is the currency. Cards accepted at hotels and most restaurants. Budget €100-150/day excluding accommodation during ski season.
Safety
Tête Rousse Glacier above town contains a water pocket that caused catastrophic flooding in 1892. Emergency sirens are in place—follow evacuation orders if activated.
Skiing
Ski season December-mid-April. Evasion Mont Blanc pass (€240 for 6 days) covers local slopes; Mont-Blanc Unlimited (€315) adds Switzerland and Italy. Snow reliability is high.
Transport
St Gervais-Le Fayet station sits in the valley; a shuttle or tramway connects to the resort above. The metre-gauge railway runs hourly to Chamonix and into Switzerland. Geneva is 90km away with direct bus or train connections.
Weather
Alpine climate with cold winters (ski season) and mild summers. Weather changes rapidly at altitude; always carry layers and check forecasts before heading up.