Hiking and trail running in Saint-Gervais: the best routes at the foot of Mont Blanc

Take a deep breath of fresh air, push your limits on technical trails, or simply marvel at the glaciers... Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is the ultimate playground for mountain lovers. Set amid pine forests, high-altitude pastures, and breathtaking mountain views, this village resort offers an exceptional variety of trails. Whether you’re a leisurely hiker or a trail runner seeking elevation gain, discover our selection of the best outdoor routes to explore during your stay—plus, the perfect spot to unwind and recharge after your adventure.

The Best Hikes in Saint-Gervais

1. Le Prarion via the Col de Voza: a scenic, family-friendly hike

For a spectacular warm-up that’s easy on the knees, head to Prarion. The journey begins in the best possible way aboard the legendary Mont-Blanc Tramway (TMB), which drops you off at Col de Voza.

From the pass, an easy, undulating hike takes you to the summit of Prarion. Once you reach the top, you’re treated to a breathtaking view: a 360° panorama opens up over the Chamonix valley, the Aravis range, and the majestic dome of the Goûter.

  • Level: Easy / Family-friendly
  • Bonus: Perfect for a memorable picnic with a view of the glaciers.

2. Les Chalets de Miage from La Gruvaz: the picture-perfect spot

This is one of the most iconic landscapes in Haute-Savoie. Starting from the Gruvaz parking lot, the trail winds its way through the woods alongside a mountain stream before suddenly opening up onto the Miage pasture.

Nestled in a lush green valley at the foot of the vertiginous cliffs and seracs of the Dômes de Miage, the traditional wooden chalets seem frozen in time. You can find the precise GPS route for this hike on the Decathlon Outdoor website.

  • Level: Intermediate (the first climb is a bit steep)
  • Bonus: A well-deserved break to enjoy a blueberry tart at one of the mountain huts.

3. The Ascent of Mont Joly: The Balcony of Mont Blanc

Calling all seasoned hikers. Mont Joly offers the region’s most spectacular views. Starting from Le Bettex (accessible by gondola from downtown Saint-Gervais), the trail first climbs through alpine meadows before following a high, spectacular ridge line. Once at the summit (2,525 m), your efforts are rewarded with a sweeping, majestic view of the entire Mont Blanc massif.

  • Level: Difficult / Challenging
  • The bonus: the breathtaking 360° view

Le Bettex

Micro-adventure idea: A 2-day loop hike with views of Mont Blanc

Want to enjoy the experience of long hikes without the burden of a heavy backpack or a damp night in a tent? That’s the whole idea behind a hub-and-spoke hike!

In collaboration with the outdoor experts at Loomi, we’ve put together the perfect weekend itinerary: two days of hiking on a loop trail with views of Mont Blanc. The concept is simple: each day, you set out to explore incredible trails, from crossing the Avenaz alpine pastures to the summit of Mont Joly, and each evening, you return to the comfort of your room at PlanB. A complete escape into nature, with all the comforts included.

Running with the peaks as your backdrop: the best trail running routes in Saint-Gervais

Saint-Gervais is all about trail running. Home to legendary races like the Montagn'Hard and the iconic UTMB®, the resort offers world-class trails for all skill levels.

1 - The Mont d'Arbois Loop: perfect for beginners or those looking to recover

Looking for a running route to get acclimated or work on your speed on hilly terrain? This route is perfect for regular training. It lets you warm up gently on flat ground before tackling a gradual climb and running back down to your starting point. The trails are soft, well-maintained, and offer stunning views of the valley without presenting any major technical challenges.

  • Profile: Ideal for an active recovery run, a morning jog, or a high-intensity workout.

Mont d'Arbois

2. The Col du Tricot via Le Crozat: the alpine trail version

Here, we get down to business. Starting from Bionnassay (Crozat parking lot), this technical route takes you across the dizzying Bionnassay suspension bridge, right beneath the glacier’s tongue. Next comes the grueling climb to Col du Tricot. You’re now on the official course of the region’s most challenging ultra-marathons.

  • Profile: Technical, steep elevation gain; for experienced trail runners only.

PlanB Saint-Gervais: your base camp between outings

After a long day of hiking the trails, there’s only one thing on your mind: taking off your backpack, stretching your muscles, and sharing your adventures.

PlanB Living Saint-Gervais was designed with exactly that in mind. Ideally located in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, it’s the perfect “base camp” for nature lovers:

  • Right nearby: just a stone's throw from the Mont-Blanc Tramway station and the ski lifts.
  • "Post-Hike" vibe: a spacious, welcoming bar; a lounge area where you can debrief on your outing over a craft beer; and a restaurant serving up hearty, comforting food.
  • Cozy beds: ultra-comfortable rooms where you can enjoy a truly restful night’s sleep before setting out to conquer the peaks the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hikes around Saint-Gervais?

  • Les Chalets de Miage: The must-visit spot at the foot of the glaciers.
  • Le Prarion: A 360° panoramic view accessible to families via the Mont-Blanc Tramway.
  • Mont Joly: For active hikers looking for a spectacular view.

What are the best trail running routes in Saint-Gervais?

  • Beginner: The Mont d’Arbois Loop.
  • Expert / Alpine: The Col du Tricot via Bionnassay or the ascent of the Nid d’Aigle (technical trails of the UTMB®).

How do I get to the Eagle's Nest?

The simplest and most iconic way is to take the Mont-Blanc Tramway (TMB) from Le Fayet or Saint-Gervais, which drops you off at the terminus at 2,372 meters. On foot, you can reach it from Bellevue or Bionnassay via a fairly steep alpine trail, which is reserved for experienced hikers.

How long does it take to hike the Mont Blanc Circuit?

  • Standard hike: 7 to 10 days of walking (approximately 170 km).
  • Fast-hiking: 3 to 4 days for highly fit hikers.
  • In Trail mode (UTMB®): between 20 hours for the elite runners and 46 hours for the last finishers.

Where can you see marmots in Saint-Gervais?

You’ll find them on sunny rocky slopes and high-altitude alpine meadows starting in early summer. The best spots in the resort are the Chalets du Truc area, the Alpage de Miage valley, and the slopes below the Col du Tricot.