St Gervais Les Bains
St Gervais is a beautiful historic town, dating back to the middle ages, and as such, the village has a developed very organically, and thats how it feels, relaxed and peaceful.
Founded in the Roman era, the town flourished during the middle ages as one of the largest market towns in the Alps, and was bringing in tourists in the 1800's. St Gervais is that very rare thing, an alpine resort with real character and real history. The first ski lift, the famous rack and pinion railway 'The Tramway du Mont Blanc', (originally designed to go all the way to the top of Mont Blanc!) is situated just off the town centre. Installed in 1904 and still running today, it is the highest rack and pinion railway in Europe!
The area is famous for the thermal springs and spa. In the village itself there are numerous fountains and basins, flowing endlessly with ice-cold glacier water, and in St Gervais Le Fayet (a couple of minutes down the valley) sits Les Thermes Spa. Initially built as a largely medicinal center, the spa was hit by tregedy in the mid 1800's when a landslide destroyed the buildings and killed numerous people.
The whole site has been completely rebuilt in it own stunning and tranquil gardens, and a multi million euro investment has brought with it top-quality beauty therapy services to add to the world-class reputation the center carries for its healing therapies. The water is rich in potassium and sulphur, excellent for burns victims and those suffering from eczema and psorisis.
St Gervais balances well the developement needed to compete, and also the need to retain authenticty. An excellent free bus services runs from all over the village to the lift and tourist office, running every 10 minutes in the mornings and afternoons. The town's commitment to keeping everything looking great is evident in their subsidiation for every building to repaint all their exteriors every five years.
The village comprises half a dozen bars, more than a dozen restaurants and cafes, two potteries, three art galleries/showrooms, flower shops, artisanal bakeries, a park with beautiful carousel, an excellent butchers, homeware shops with local works,three small supermakets, an internet cafe, a pizzeria, a handful of hairdressers, the big, friendly, informative tourist info centre, a primary school, a post office, the baroque 17th Century church, and a few hire shops. Combined with 300 free underground parking space right in the town centre, under the 'Espace Mont Blanc' which acts as the location of many local events such as bingo, art shows, music events, conferences and expositions.
The restaurants are varied in terms of theme. A couple of brasserie style restaurants and cafes sit invitingly in the square, with outside seating and a big choice on the menus. There is a very good pizzeria, a couple of heavily savoie-oriented cheese melting restaurants, and a couple of cheerful and cheaper family friendly eatieries. But the best finds are in the shape of small, cosy, very marginally intimidating little bistrots and restaurants. 'Le Galletta', a good deal larger, but with the same excellent atmosphere and traditional decor, is the site of the best steak I've ever had, and that's quite a statement from me!
'Pur' bar offers classy cocktails and good wines in funky decor and cheerful service for the trendier of you.
'Le Grave' is the locals spot, full of the mountain guides and old-boys. 'Brasserie du Mont Blanc' offers pool and table-football, plus decent music and some late night atmosphere. 'Oboose Cafe' is a atmospheric little bar, with good drinks and (often unplanned and fairly unannounced!) live bands.
As for things to do, there is an endless list of activities.
How about a week for the thrill seekers, with a different activity everyday:
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Paintballing in Passy - a league standard venue
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Mountain biking - part of the VTT Diamant Vert circuit, which spans over 90km's of tracks, 11lifts, and 10 resorts.
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Go Karting - Experience the thrill of wheel-to-wheel racing in safety, under the watch of highly qualified staff.
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Canyoning - an exhilerating white water ride down gorges and waterfalls.
- Via Ferrata - ladders ropes and walkways into the high mountains.
St Gervais is also one of the very best bases for a week of climbing. Be it alpine or sport climbing.
Just a 10 minute walk down the beautiful gorge paths, you are met by a great crag, always empty and always challenging, or keep going all the way down to Le Fayet, a further 10 minute walk, and you come across a great wall for beginners and those in need of a gentle first day. Head to Les Contamines (a 15 minute drive) and you are suddenly spoilt for choice, with over 125 sports routes, all bolted and safe, ranging from 4a to 7c.
Or for a more sedate week, opt for no plans, no schedule, no stress, just a week of bliss in a beautiful alpine town.
- Chill out at the outdoor swimming pool and crazy golf course.
- Have a game of tennis with a spectacular backdrop.
- Take a bike ride and a swim at beautiful Passy lake.
- Head up the Ski lifts and explore the beautiful pastureland.
- Treat your body to a day at the Health Spa.
- Indulge at the wide selection of Cafe's and restaurants.
- Or just sit back and relax.