The commune of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is located in the Haute-Savoie department, close to Megève, Chamonix, and Mont Blanc. It is also part of the Faucigny province, also known as "the land of Mont Blanc." The town has a few ski slopes, but is particularly known for its thermal springs. Let's discover what we can do in this Alpine commune.
Written by Anto
03 May 2025
read in 1 min
Summary
Top 10 things to do in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
1 - Expo Bridge Pile
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains hosts this exhibition with its unusual concept. Each year, an artist creates a monumental installation that is then exhibited on the abutment of a bridge. Hence the name “Pile Pont Expo.” This unusual venue offers a unique experience, awakening the senses of different visitors. For families with young children, however, be aware that access is only possible by climbing around fifty steps. The venue is only open in summer and by reservation.
2 - The thermal baths
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is particularly well-known for its thermal baths. Launched in 1806 by notary Joseph-Marie Gontard, the village's thermal baths quickly became a household name. Whether it's for ringworm, eczema, rheumatism, or even ulcers, the water treats skin problems through various treatments (showers, steam baths, drinking water, etc.)
Even today, after more than 200 years, thousands of visitors take advantage of their mountain trip to experience these benefits. It's an opportunity to relax alone, as a couple, or with family after a day of skiing and enjoy the benefits of this water loaded with minerals and trace elements.
Price:
- SPA: €49/person (3 hours)
3 - Mont-Blanc Tramway
One element that adds charm to the villages of the Les Houches-Saint-Gervais ski area: the Mont-Blanc tramway. Resembling a miniature train, it's the highest cogwheel railway in France. It allows visitors to discover the region's exceptional landscapes. Traveling through the heart of the mountains, it offers panoramic views of the Bionnassay glacier.
Prices:
- Family package: €105.40
- Return ticket: €34
- Round trip for children (5-14 years): €28.90
4 - Saint-Gervais-les-Bains: the different mountain refuges
There are numerous mountain huts within the Les Houches-Saint-Gervais ski area. These are friendly, shared spaces where it's easy to meet people. The locations are designed to make all visitors feel welcome and provide refreshments.
Here is a list of some of the refuges around Saint-Gervais: refuge du nid d'aigle, refuge de plan glacier, refuge durier, refuge de la tête rousse…
Porcherey refuge prices:
- Winter accommodation: €54
- Starter + main course meal: €25
5 - The thermal park
As previously explained, the village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is historically known for the thermal benefits of its water. While the spa may seem expensive for families, it is possible to visit the estate's Thermal Park to unwind and enjoy nature. Located in front of the thermal baths building, the park covers around ten hectares. A very pleasant place for a family stroll, it features a fountain, a stream, a waterfall, and numerous plant species. Equipped with leisure facilities and amenities accessible to all ages, it includes slides, puzzle games, tennis courts, and even cabins... everything has been designed to ensure a great time with the family.
6 - Chapel of the Chattrix
The village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is home to several churches and chapels that are hundreds of years old. The Chapelle des Chattrix is one such example. Built in 1694, it is one of the region's Baroque gems. Listed as a historic monument since 1976, it regularly attracts tourists.
Very colorful, it stands out from other religious buildings we usually visit. Its doors are nevertheless closed during the low season, but it can be interesting to see its original and colorful facade.
7 - Museum of Sacred Art of Saint Nicholas of Veroty
On a rainy day, it might be interesting to visit the Saint-Nicolas de Véroce Museum of Sacred Art. Steeped in history, this museum retraces all the objects formerly used in the village. On display are wood carvings, goldsmith pieces, and paintings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. To make the visit more fun for children while also cultivating their knowledge, games, including the 7 differences game, are available at reception!
Prices:
- Full price: €3.50
- Reduced rate: €2
8 - Ski area: Houches-Saint-Gervais
The Les Houches Saint-Gervais ski area is one of the largest in France. Spanning an altitude of 1,000 to 1,900 meters, it offers panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. Known to elite athletes, it regularly serves as a training ground for national teams.
Every year, with an average of 280 m3/h of snow, it offers a maximum of activities: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemark... Something to please as many people as possible!
In total, we can count around twenty tracks:
- 2 green slopes
- 8 blue runs
- 13 red runs
- 4 black runs
- 1 snow park
9 - Mont-Blanc Adventure Park
Within the Saint-Gervais Thermal Park lies a huge adventure park. For nature and high-altitude sports enthusiasts, the park offers a treetop adventure course. With a total of six courses of varying difficulty, both children and adults can find something to suit them. Zip lines, footbridges, climbing... dozens and dozens of activities have been designed to help you make the most of these magnificent landscapes. For the more adventurous, a zip line over 160 meters long is available.
Prices:
- Toddler course (3 to 6 years): €10
- Long course (7 to 14): €16
- Long course (15 and over): €22
10 - Cable car to Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc
The Les Houches Saint-Gervais ski area is very well connected. Between chairlifts and cable cars, there are a multitude of options for accessing the slopes. The Saint-Gervais cable car provides access to the Bettex Plateau at an altitude of approximately 1,450 meters. On foot or on skis, it is possible to use it to admire the panoramic view of Mont Blanc from the summit.
Prices:
- Adult return: €11.50
- Child return: €8.60