Saint-Gervais, gateway to the Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is 170 km around the highest peak in Western Europe, crossing three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. On average, it takes about ten days of walking, punctuated by mountain passes, glaciers and views that alone justify the reputation of this legendary trek. And before lacing up your boots, there’s one simple question to settle: where to start? Saint-Gervais, directly accessible by train, stands out as a natural gateway onto the trail.
Saint-Gervais, a Key Stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc
Les Contamines-Montjoie, part of the town of Saint-Gervais, is an official stage of the GR Tour du Mont Blanc. Whether the loop begins at Les Houches or directly at Les Contamines, this stretch through the Val Montjoie is an essential part of the classic route.
Another major advantage: Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet train station is directly connected by TGV from Paris, making it a particularly convenient starting point for hikers travelling from further afield, without needing to worry about a car left behind for the duration of the trek.
Why Start (or Finish) the TMB in Saint-Gervais
Choosing Saint-Gervais as your anchor point rather than Chamonix or Les Houches comes with several practical advantages: no car to leave parked for ten days, since the train drops you directly at the station; the ability to set off lighter, leaving at the hotel whatever doesn’t need to go in your hiking pack; and a simple logistical loop, since you start and finish in the same place, with no transfer hassle.
A Comfortable Last Night Before Heading to the Refuges
Before several nights in mountain huts, a proper night’s sleep makes all the difference. Hôtel des 2 Gares, located just 50 metres from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet station, is the ideal stop for that: a real bed and a hot shower, the last one before several nights in a dorm or refuge, a hearty breakfast to fuel up before the first stage, and a service well suited to hikers’ early departures.
Luggage Storage: Set Off Light on the Trail
No need to lug your city suitcase along for ten days of walking. The hotel offers a paid luggage storage service, reserved for its guests, to keep whatever won’t fit in your trekking backpack:
- 1 to 2 nights: €15 for a small bag, €20 for a large bag
- 3 nights or more: €20 for a small bag, €30 for a large bag
A simple solution to head out on the TMB with peace of mind, pack lightened, and find your belongings waiting on your return.
The Return: The Reward After the Trek
After several days of effort, elevation gain and nights in refuges, there’s a moment you look forward to: the hot shower, the real bed, a table to sit and eat at. The hotel then becomes the well-earned reward for the trek, with its heated indoor pool and sauna to help tired legs recover, a good breakfast before catching the train home, and the luggage storage to collect whatever was left behind before setting off.
A Few Practical Facts About the Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is typically completed in 7 to 11 days depending on pace and chosen variants, covering roughly 170 km with a significant total elevation gain. The best period runs from June to September, depending on snow conditions on the passes, and the trek calls for good physical fitness along with experience walking varied terrain with a loaded pack.
For booking refuges and mountain huts along the route, the Association of TMB Refuge and Gîte Keepers centralises availability across all three countries crossed.
Book Your Stay in Saint-Gervais
Whether it’s for the night before the big departure or to savour the return after several days of effort, Hôtel des 2 Gares welcomes you just steps from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet station, the natural gateway to the Tour du Mont Blanc. Book your stay and take advantage of the luggage storage to set off light.
The Tour du Mont Blanc generally takes 7 to 11 days depending on the pace chosen and the variants taken, covering a total distance of around 170 km across France, Italy and Switzerland.
The official starting point of the TMB is traditionally Les Houches, but several entry points exist along the loop, including Les Contamines-Montjoie, Courmayeur in Italy, or Champex-Lac in Switzerland.
Yes, Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet station, served directly by TGV from Paris, makes it easy to reach the Les Contamines-Montjoie area, one of the trail’s classic stages, without needing a car.
June to September is the most favourable period, once mountain passes are clear of snow and refuges are open. July and August remain the busiest months on the trail.
