Andrew Morgan - Evasion Mont Blanc - St Gervais les Bains, Les Contamines

St Gervais les Bains in the Haute Savoie is a well known French spa town since the end of the 19th century , full of charater with some fantastic turn of the century buildings around the main square where the bustling weekly market draws locals and holidaymakers alike. Pick a table on the terrace of one of the many bars and cafes , soak up the sun and enjoy the atmosphere of a real French town. From December to April St Gervais is at the heart of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, including Megeve and Les Contamines and creating the 3rd largest ski area in France with 445 km of pistes, great offpiste options and 5 snowparks. If this is not enough the Tramway du Mont Blanc, one of only 3 mountain railways left if France takes you to the Col de Voza, from where you can ski to Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley. There is of course plenty for those who do not want to hurtle down the mountains, with snowshoe walks, cross county ski trails, dog sleds, swimming pool and spas, or meet up with the rest of the group at one of the restaurants on the mountain. As all the locals will tell you, Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m is in St Gervais and gives fantastic year round backdrops. It also sets the scene for the summer with a huge range of activities on offer. Summer walks in the alpine pasture, stop off at a goat farm, or gaze up to the Mont Blanc range whilst relaxing at the new pool complex. Get pampered at Les Bains du Mont Blanc a spa, located in a beautiful ‘thermal park' offering a full range of treatments. Tennis , mountain biking, climbing, canyoning, a 65 m bungy jump from the new bridge and of course standing on top of Mont Blanc are just some of the things you can do in and around St Gervais . Local lakes offer beaches and swimming, sailing and more. Ideally located, Annecy, Italy and Geneva are all within an hours drive.