Megève, Combloux and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains almost touch, share the same ski area and look out on the same summit. Yet they do not offer the same stay. Megève is the most elegant and lively of the three villages, Combloux the quietest and the most family-oriented, Saint-Gervais the most alive all year round and the closest to Mont-Blanc.
The right choice depends less on the skiing, since all three villages open onto the same lift pass, than on what you expect from your evenings, your summers and your journey. Here is how we help our guests decide.
In short: which village for which stay?
- Megève if you are looking for a pedestrian village, shops, fine restaurants and a lively evening scene.
- Combloux if you want peace and quiet, an open view of Mont-Blanc and family-friendly skiing.
- Saint-Gervais if you are travelling by train, enjoy thermal baths and want a town that is lived in all year round, at the foot of Mont-Blanc.
For skiing, the difference is slight: all three villages give access to the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, which advertises 445 km of slopes between 850 and 2,353 metres of altitude.
Megève: the elegant village
The atmosphere in Megève
Megève sits at 1,113 metres. Its historic centre is largely pedestrianised, with cobbled lanes, lively squares and the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, whose bell tower serves as a landmark for the whole village. It is the most urban of the three destinations: people go out in the evening, shop, and dine in renowned establishments.
To get around, the Meg-Bus shuttles are free between the main parts of the village.
Skiing from Megève
Megève gives access to two areas. The first is Évasion Mont-Blanc, with the Mont d’Arbois and Rochebrune sectors, linked on skis to Saint-Gervais. The second is the Portes du Mont-Blanc, from the Jaillet sector, which connects to Combloux and La Giettaz: 66 slopes and 10 lifts.
Megève in summer
The Mont d’Arbois golf course, an 18-hole course at around 1,320 metres of altitude, is open from mid-May to early November. Add to that hiking trails, markets, festivals and the altiport for scenic flights.
Who is it for? Couples, groups of friends and families who want a lively village, with restaurants and shops within walking distance. Our recommendations are in our guide to where to eat in Megève and our selection of things to do in Megève.
Combloux: the village facing Mont-Blanc
The atmosphere in Combloux
Combloux describes itself as a “charming village resort”, and the phrase is apt. The village, at an average altitude of around 980 metres, is smaller and quieter than Megève. Its church and Baroque heritage, its chalets and above all its head-on view of Mont-Blanc create a simple, unspoilt atmosphere.
Skiing from Combloux
Combloux is the gateway to the Portes du Mont-Blanc, linked to Le Jaillet in Megève and to La Giettaz, on the Savoie side. The tourist office describes this area as ideal for family skiing: play areas for children, themed runs, a boardercross, and a ski school that takes the youngest from snow-garden level. The Évasion Mont-Blanc pass also opens up the whole of the wider ski area.
Combloux in summer
The biotope lake, at 947 metres, is the image of summer in Combloux. You swim in water filtered solely by more than 10,000 aquatic plants, with no chemical treatment, facing Mont-Blanc. It is open from mid-June to early September; in 2026, adult entry cost €6.50 to €7.50 depending on the period.
Who is it for? Families with young children, beginner or intermediate skiers and those who prefer a quiet dinner to a lively night out. Our recommendations: where to eat in Combloux.
Saint-Gervais: the spa town at the foot of Mont-Blanc
The atmosphere in Saint-Gervais
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is a real town, lived in all year round, whose centre lies at 850 metres. Its territory runs from Le Fayet, at 580 metres, up to the summit of Mont-Blanc at 4,807 metres. The Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, fed by a spring at 39 °C, and their Bains du Mont-Blanc give a stay here a wellness dimension that the other two villages lack.
Skiing from Saint-Gervais
You do not ski from the town centre: the Bettex gondola takes you up to the main snow front, at 1,457 metres, then on to Mont d’Arbois and Megève. Beginners have the Marmottons area, reached by gondola. At Le Fayet, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, the highest rack railway in France, serves the town’s second ski area in winter. Our guide to skiing in Saint-Gervais details each access point.
Saint-Gervais in summer
This is the village most oriented towards the high mountains. The Tramway du Mont-Blanc climbs to the Nid d’Aigle, at around 2,400 metres. The town has 316 km of hiking trails and 172 km of mountain-bike routes. On the calendar, the Fête des guides takes place in early August, and the UTMB passes through the village at the end of the month.
Who is it for? Hikers and mountaineers, lovers of thermal baths, those arriving by train and those who want a peaceful stay without giving up the big ski area.
Access: comparing journeys
Geneva airport is the most convenient arrival point for all three villages.
- Megève: around 70 km and 1 hr 15 from Geneva airport. Sallanches–Combloux–Megève station is 12 km away.
- Combloux: around 1 hr from Geneva, and 8 km from Sallanches.
- Saint-Gervais: around 1 hr from Geneva by road, exit 21 of the A40. It is the only one of the three villages served directly by train: Saint-Gervais–Le Fayet station has a direct TGV from Paris in 5 hrs 45 and the Léman Express from Geneva. The Valléen gondola then links the station to the centre in around five minutes.
If you are travelling without a car, Saint-Gervais is the clear winner. For the other two villages, a car or a transfer remains the simplest option.
Budget: what makes the price vary
All three villages share the same ski pass: the difference lies in accommodation, restaurants and nightlife.
- Megève has the most upmarket offering in the area, and its prices reflect this, especially in the village centre.
- Combloux often offers more space and a better view for a comparable budget, with simpler restaurants.
- Saint-Gervais offers the widest range, from characterful chalets near the Bettex slopes to apartments in the town centre.
In all three, the winter school holidays and the height of summer remain the most sought-after periods.
FAQ – Choosing between Megève, Combloux and Saint-Gervais
Which village should I choose for a family ski holiday?
Combloux, for its Portes du Mont-Blanc ski area designed with families in mind, and for its calm. Saint-Gervais is a good alternative, with the Marmottons beginners’ area, reached by gondola.
Can I ski in Megève while staying in Combloux or Saint-Gervais?
Yes. The Évasion Mont-Blanc pass covers all three villages: Combloux connects to Megève via Le Jaillet, Saint-Gervais via Mont d’Arbois.
Which village is easiest to reach without a car?
Saint-Gervais, thanks to Saint-Gervais–Le Fayet station, the direct TGV from Paris and the Valléen gondola linking the station to the centre.
Where should I stay in summer in the Pays du Mont-Blanc?
Saint-Gervais for hiking, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc and the thermal baths; Combloux for swimming in the biotope lake; Megève for golf, shopping and village life.
Staying with HOMKA
Our chalets and apartments are spread across Megève, Combloux and Saint-Gervais, and our team on the ground will help you choose the one that suits your stay. Discover our chalets and apartments, or browse our Megève and Saint-Gervais pages.
Sources
- Évasion Mont-Blanc, 445 km of slopes, altitudes from 850 to 2,353 m, access to Saint-Gervais (exit 21 of the A40, Le Fayet station, distance from Geneva): ski-saintgervais.com, forfait.megeve.com
- Portes du Mont-Blanc (66 slopes, 10 lifts, linked sectors), Évasion Mont-Blanc seen from Megève: megeve-tourisme.fr
- Megève’s pedestrianised historic centre, church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: megeve-tourisme.fr, “Village de Megève” page
- Access to Megève (Geneva 70 km and 1 hr 15, Sallanches station 12 km away, Meg-Bus shuttles): megeve-tourisme.fr, “Accès et mobilité” page
- Mont d’Arbois golf course (18 holes, altitude, 2026 season): megeve-tourisme.fr
- Altitude of Megève (1,113 m): savoie-mont-blanc.com
- Average altitude of Combloux (980 m): savoie-mont-blanc.com
- Combloux “charming village resort”, church and Baroque heritage, family skiing and Portes du Mont-Blanc: combloux.com
- Access to Combloux (Geneva 1 hr, Sallanches 8 km): combloux.com, “Venir à Combloux” page
- Biotope lake (altitude, plant filtration, 2026 season and prices): Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme
- Saint-Gervais (altitudes, thermal baths and 39 °C spring, Tramway du Mont-Blanc, trails and mountain biking, journeys from Geneva and Paris, summer 2026 calendar): summer 2026 press kit, saintgervais.com
- Bettex snow front (1,457 m) and Bettex–Mont d’Arbois link: remontees-mecaniques.net
- Marmottons beginners’ area: Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme
- Valléen gondola (Le Fayet station – Saint-Gervais centre, around 5 minutes): skiinfo.fr
