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5 reasons to visit St Gervais

Let me introduce you to one of my favourite ski resorts for 2014/15. Over the past couple of years we have seen luxury chalets flood the French market in resorts outside of the mainstream ‘red carpet’ resorts of Val d’Isere, Courchevel, Megeve and Meribel. The smaller resorts which are often dominated are beginning to make a name for themselves, such as Tignes, St Foy or Les Gets. But today is all about St Gervais and why I love this stunning French resort. St Gervais Tourist Office / Saint Gervais (c) STBMA 1. The location Many may know St Gervais first and foremost as a ski resort. St Gervais lies in the heart of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area which offers 445 kilometres of slopes towards Megeve, Combloux, Les Contamines-Hauteluce and La Gietaz, and has the most direct access to the summit of the Mont Blanc on the famous ‘Voie Royale’ 2. Stunning ski slopes The ski area of St Gervais is phenomenal, so to take full advantage of the resort I would highly recommend at least 7 days for skiing. The Evasion Mont Blanc Area is the 3rd largest domain in France. In total there are 219 slopes, 107 ski lifts and 650 artificial snow makers, not forgetting the 2 snow parks for freestyle fanatics and a great choice of off piste routes towards Saint- Nicolas and Mont Joly. The resort also benefits from 55kms of slopes on the opposite side of town in Le Prarion and Les Houches 3. The Mont Blanc Tramway The summer months in St Gervais are also popular and still offer a host of activities for the whole family. The Tramway Du Mont-Blanc is one of the oldest mechanical uphill rides in the Valley, and the mountain rack railway is the highest in France! Guests can take the journey from St Gervais to Nid d’Aigle (2380m) which is at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier and was the first stop for mountaineers setting out to climb the Mont Blanc. This is a must do adventure for any guests visiting this part of the French Alps – the views over the surrounding valleys are something very special. The whole journey will tale 1 ¼ hours and there are 6 stops throughout the route. 4. A natural ‘thermal spa’ Whether visiting St Gervais for a winter or summer holiday, there is one place which is definitely worth taking some time to visit. Thermes de Saint Gervais is a 19th Century spa which gives Saint Gervais an antique – chic atmosphere. St Gervais Tourist Office / Les bains du Mont-Blanc 11 (c) Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais The natural spring waters have irrigated the spa for more than 200 years and is the only ‘alpine spa resort’ in the Alps. Get pampered with the thermal water at 38 degrees, steam bath, sauna, hydro massage alcoves, massage jets and outdoor baths. Open 9am until 9pm, beauty treatments such as an Indian Face Massage and Balinese massage are also available. 5. The casino Apart from the thermal spas of St Gervais, guests to the resort have the opportunity to visit the local casino, a niche in the ski industry and often a nice option to have from the obligatory après ski and nightclubs. The ‘Casino de Saint-Gervais-les-Bains’ offers a small number of slot machines and 2 cash tables for poker lovers. Celine Renaud is Head of Sales for Leo Trippi. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Celine Renaud

Celine Renaud is Head of Sales for Leo Trippi – a European agency specialising in renting Catered Chalets, Summer Villas and Chartered Yachts. CelineÂ’s areas of expertise include Courchevel, Val dÂ’Isere, Megève, Méribel & Chamonix in France, Revelstoke in Canada, & St. Barth in the Caribbean.

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