The French alpine town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is capitalising on a growing demand for off-peak travel, with resorts in the region now marketing their shoulder season. The town, located 50 minutes from Geneva, benefits from its thermal waters, which were discovered at the beginning of the 19th century, helping it remain active outside of the main winter and summer seasons.
A year-round gondola, Le Valléen, which opened in late 2024, connects the train station in Le Fayet, where the thermal spa is situated, to Saint-Gervais. This development allows visitors to reach the resort's centre by rail from London via Paris without needing a car. Mayor Jean-Marc Peillex noted that unlike other resorts that quieten down, Saint-Gervais maintains activity due to its focus on local residents.
The Tramway du Mont Blanc, a cog railway operational since 1909, was extended in July to the Nid d’Aigle lookout at 2,380 metres. While the tramway stops running from the end of September, numerous scenic hiking trails are accessible directly from town later in the year, complemented by a free, year-round bus service linking the commune's villages.
Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais, which have been in operation since 1806, offer a three-hour wellness circuit using mineral-rich waters that emerge from underground at 39C.