Discover Trails easily accessible by mountain bike in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

A memorable bike ride

Coming to Saint-Gervais in summer is an opportunity for families, couples, groups of friends and sports enthusiasts to set off on a mountain bike ride. Get on a mountain bike or an electric-assist bike and set off on the mid-mountain trails (below 2000 m altitude) around Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.

Excursion guaranteed, picnic at the foot of the mountains and descent back to Saint-Gervais, prepare to experience intense moments full of emotions.

Cycling routes Easy and accessible

Discover a fifteen itineraries to escape for a few hours in the mountain pastures around Saint-Gervais. The names of the routes clearly indicate whether you can use a VAE (electrically assisted bicycle) or whether it’s better to use a mountain bike. There are 3 levels of difficulty for the bike tours on offer:

The "easy" level corresponds to the blue color on the slopes.

The Boucle du Lac de Joux route is a mountain bike circuit about 6kilometers long, perfectly signposted to guide you along the way. It’s ideal for intermediate-level mountain bikers, but motivated beginners can also conquer it with a little preparation.

The loop begins with a gentle descent from Mont d’Arbois, allowing cyclists to acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll then pass through lush alpine meadows, along the wide trails of the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc slopes. The highest point of the route, at Mont-Joux, offers breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif, making it a highlight of the trip.

One of the most remarkable features of the Lac de Joux Loop is the breathtaking views it offers along your journey. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, towers majestically over the horizon, offering breathtaking panoramas. You can also admire the sparkling Lac de joux, lush green meadows and imposing peaks all around you, such as Mont-Joly. This visual experience is simply unforgettable.

The "moderate" level can be identified by its red color.

Your “La Panoramique” journey begins in the charming village of Bettex, located at the foot of the snow front. This is where the adventure begins, and you’ll immediately be greeted by fantastic views of the mountains around you. Le Bettex is an ideal starting point for this loop, with easy access by car or gondola from Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.

The initial climb is gradual, giving you the opportunity to warm up while admiring the views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Once you reach the highest point, at Mont Rosset, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mont-Blanc rising majestically before you. It’s a magical moment you’ll never forget.

The descent that follows is just as exciting, with technical trails and tight turns that will add a dose of adrenaline to your adventure, between forests and alpine pastures.

The "difficult" level is indicated by the color black.

For seasoned cyclists looking for extreme mountain biking challenges, two black routes, “La Bambinade” to the Col de Voza and the “Boucle des 4 Communes,” are not-to-be-missed options for an exceptional experience in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.

The climb to the Col de Voza is a test of endurance, with steep slopes and rocky trails that require excellent mountain biking skills. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc valley and surrounding area once you reach the pass.

The Boucle des 4 Communes is an extreme mountain bike route that takes you through four communes in the region, offering a variety of terrain and landscapes. This route also starts in Le Bettex and is reserved for experienced mountain bikers in search of the ultimate adventure.

The route combines arduous climbs, technical descents, steep passages and exposed portions, creating a real challenge for mountain bikers. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, dense forests, alpine meadows and rocky trails along the way.

Most routes are easy or moderate

Distance ranges from 5 km to 24 km. Most of them start from Saint-Gervais (or even Quartier Le Bettex, at an altitude of over 1400 m), and the longer ones take you up to the Col de Voza, at an altitude of over 1800 m (if you choose the direction of ascent).

Some routes have a positive gradient of over 1000 m, while others (the shortest and easiest) have a positive gradient of just 100 m.

Other routes have a negative gradient greater than the positive gradient. This means that your starting point (very often Saint-Gervais Le Bettex or Col de Voza) is at a higher altitude than your finishing point.

For the record, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is themountain village with the most vertical drop in France. The lowest district is less than 600 m above sea level, while the town center is around 850 m above sea level and the highest district is over 1,400 m above sea level. Some of the land belonging to the municipality reaches an altitude of 4,808 m. We’re located in the Mont-Blanc canton, so you’ll have recognized the village’s maximum altitude.

Whether you’re:

Lovers of nature out for a stroll.
Sports enthusiasts looking for an intense experience.
Road bike enthusiasts who’ve swapped their road bike for a mountain bike.
Families from the seaside who’ve chosen to come and breathe the pure mountain air.
…

Whatever your profile There's something for everyone on the mountain following the marked itineraries provided.

Mountain bike routes

Welcome to the mountain biking paradise of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc! Our charming alpine resort offers a multitude of mountain bike itineraries that will thrill you through...

To help you choose between Mountain bikes and VAE here are some features you need to know about

VTT: this mountain bike is particularly suited to “rough” terrain. Its tires are wider and notched for better grip on the ground. Its frame is reinforced with a lightweight material to avoid slowing you down on climbs. It is equipped with suspension at the front and sometimes also under the saddle.

Electric-assist bike: this traditional bike is equipped with a motor that assists you when pedaling. Sensors installed on the bike enable them to detect the effort exerted on the pedal and the speed of movement (acceleration or braking in progress).

Where to rent a bike in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

If you’re visiting Haute-Savoie for your summer vacations, take the opportunity to cycle through the mountain pastures. Numerous cycle-touring outings for all levels are within pedal range.

To help you organize your escape into the great outdoors, bike rental companies have set up shop in Saint-Gervais. They offer new or second-hand bikes for hire, so you can explore the marked trails and discover breathtaking Alpine panoramas:

Mountain bikes.
Electric-assist mountain bikes.
Bicycles.
Electric-assist bicycles.

Before you set off, the professionals will explain how it works (gears, chainrings, brakes…) and make the necessary adjustments so you can enjoy your excursion in good conditions. Hire the right equipment (helmet, goggles, knee pads, wrist guards…) to make sure you enjoy your outing safely.

Finally, remember to ask for a repair kit in case of a puncture or fall!

Take advantage of your summer vacations in the mountains to explore Haute-Savoie by bike. Cycle touring is on a roll, so there are plenty of routes to choose from. For a few hours or a whole day, get some fresh air by exploring the mountain passes around Saint-Gervais.