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There are places that captivate you at first sight. Lac Vert, nestled in the Passy Mont-Blanc forest a few kilometers from Saint-Gervais, is one of them. Its deep green waters, colored by the algae that cover the bottom, are found nowhere else in the mountain range.
The trail is accessible and well-marked. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot through the heart of the forest, with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, before reaching the lake. On weekdays, the area remains quiet. In the middle of August, it’s best to go early in the morning.
How to get there:
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This is the hike that makes your eyes light up. In Servoz, 10 minutes from Saint-Gervais, you can explore the Diosaz Gorges via wooden footbridges suspended above a raging torrent. The water roars, and the children are captivated.
The trail is fully developed and safe, with handrails along the entire path. There is an admission fee (around 5–6 € for adults, with reduced rates for children), but the experience is well worth the ticket price. Best enjoyed in good weather to take in the reflections in the ponds.
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This one is our favorite for families who want to enjoy the view without the hassle of strenuous exercise. The Mont-Blanc Tramway, France’s highest rack-and-pinion train, departs from the Saint-Gervais station and climbs up to the Nid d’Aigle at 2,372 meters. On board, everyone gazes out the window. At the top, Mont Blanc stands there, massive, right before your eyes.
From the terminus, there are several short hikes to choose from: the Marmot Trail (flat, 30 minutes), or the Mont-Lachat ridge for the more adventurous. Dress warmly—even in July, it’s chilly up there. And bring a picnic: lunch with a view of the glacier isn’t something you can just wing.
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For families looking for a real climb and a real sense of accomplishment at the end, the Chalets de Miage in the Montjoie Valley are a classic choice. The trail climbs steadily through flower-filled meadows up to the alpine pastures at 1,559 meters, with the tongue of the Miage Glacier in the background.
This is a hike that leaves a lasting impression. Children ages 6 and up can handle it just fine if the pace is adjusted accordingly: no rushing, with breaks to watch the cows and ibex. At the top, the chalets serve tomme cheese and hot milk—which are worth the trip on their own.
In Les Contamines-Montjoie, 20 minutes from Saint-Gervais, the nature trail at the bottom of the valley is the ultimate hassle-free hike. Flat, wide, and dotted with educational signs about Alpine flora and fauna, it winds along the Bon Nant between meadows and larch forests. Ideal for toddlers (and casual hikers).
You can return the same way you came, or you can go through the village and stop at the bakery. No one has ever regretted that decision.
Even on easy trails, there are a few basics to keep in mind when hiking with the family. First, the weather: in the mountains, a summer afternoon can change quickly. Checking the forecast on Météo France is a good habit to get into. Next, gear: closed-toe shoes with grippy soles—even on easy hikes—an extra layer in your backpack, and plenty of water. And finally, the departure time: the earlier you go, the fewer people there are, the cooler it is, and the better your chances of spotting marmots.
At PlanB, we can help you plan your itinerary and make sure you start your morning full of energy with a good breakfast.
Children as young as 2–3 years old can handle flat hikes like Lac Vert or the Contamines nature trail. For routes with elevation gain, such as the Chalets de Miage, children should be at least 6 years old, and you should adjust the pace accordingly. The key is to choose a route that’s slightly below the child’s abilities rather than above them.
From June through September, with the peak season for flower-filled meadows and alpine pastures in July and August. Early July and September are less crowded on the trails. To avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer, setting out early in the morning is still the best strategy.
For easy hikes (Lac Vert, the Contamines Trail), closed-toe sneakers with grippy soles are sufficient. Whenever there is an elevation gain or wet ground, hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended.
Yes! That’s exactly what PlanB is for. A mini-bowling alley, a kids’ corner, and a menu of comfort food await families on days when they can’t go to the mountains. The Thermes de Saint-Gervais are also a great alternative in case of bad weather.
Of course! The Mont-Blanc Tramway station is just a two-minute walk from PlanB. Otherwise, some trails are accessible by car in less than 20 minutes from Saint-Gervais. For the Gorges de la Diozaz, allow 10 minutes. We can help you decide based on your children’s ages and what you’re in the mood for—just stop by the front desk.