Why hike in Saint-Gervais?

Saint-Gervais is one of the best starting points for hiking in Haute-Savoie. Sitting at 850 m altitude, the village offers direct access to more than 200 km of marked trails, ranging from simple family walks to technical climbs for experienced hikers.

A major advantage: the Saint-Gervais Tourist Office hands out detailed trail maps for free and updates trail conditions every week. About ten minutes from the apartment.

Easy hikes (under 2 hours)

Tour du Plateau de Saint-Gervais - ⭐ Recommended

• Distance: 5 km
• Elevation gain: +150 m
• Duration: 1h30
• Start: Plateau de Saint-Gervais (≈ 10 min)

The quintessential panoramic hike. The trail loops around the Saint-Gervais plateau through blooming alpine meadows and pine forests. A 360° view of Mont-Blanc, the Aravis range and the Pays du Mont-Blanc. Suitable for families with children from age 4.

Le Bisse du Roy

• Distance: 4 km (round trip)
• Elevation gain: +50 m
• Duration: 1h

A nearly flat path running alongside the old historic irrigation canal. Very easy, suitable for children. Views over Megève and the valley.

Intermediate hikes (2 to 5 hours)

Col du Jaillet (1,562 m) - ⭐ Not to be missed

• Distance: 10 km
• Elevation gain: +520 m
• Duration: 3h
• Start: Saint-Gervais village

A steady climb through alpine meadows to the Col du Jaillet. At the top: an exceptional panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif on the Megève side. Return via the mountain chalets, with the option of cheese tasting.

Lac de la Girotte (1,730 m) - ⭐ The most beautiful

• Distance: 14 km
• Elevation gain: +650 m
• Duration: 4h
• Start: Belleville-en-Beaufortain (15 min by car)

One of the most beautiful hikes in Haute-Savoie. Lac de la Girotte sits in a glacial cirque at 1,730 m altitude. Turquoise water, reflections of the sky, and marmots and ibex guaranteed. Unforgettable.

Difficult hikes (5h+)

Aiguille Croche (2,487 m)

• Distance: 18 km
• Elevation gain: +1,300 m
• Duration: 6h
• Start: Les Contamines (20 min by car)

For experienced hikers only. A long climb rewarded by a magnificent panorama of Mont-Blanc and the Contamines peaks from the summit. Bring good boots and plan an early start.

Practical information for hiking in Saint-Gervais

Recommended gear

Even in summer, mountain conditions can change quickly. Bring: sturdy hiking boots, a windbreaker, sun protection, a minimum of 1.5L of water per person, an IGN map or the Visorando app.

Mountain weather

Always check météo-montagne.fr before setting out. Summer storms arrive quickly in Haute-Savoie, often in the late afternoon. Prefer early starts (before 9:00) for long hikes.

Useful resources

• Saint-Gervais Tourist Office: Free trail maps, weather, trail conditions
• Visorando: 200+ routes with downloadable GPS tracks
• Météo-montagne.fr: Mountain weather specific to each massif