As well as walking, the St. Gervais region offers a myriad of summer activities and sports.
Paragliding: Our local Paragliding school, A2L Parapente, is run by Sam, who has well over 14000 flights under his sail! He is ably assisted by amongst others, Caroline Brille, the current French champion. Come and experience, like many of our guests already have, a maiden tandem flight, either in winter or summer. This first ride on the wind is made totally unforgettable by the incredible views of the whole Mont Blanc range spread out in front of you, and Sam's total mastery of the air and his canopy, (as well as the FrEnglish language!). You can also take day courses, or two days or even a week course (to enable you to fly solo), or just have Sam or one of his instructors fly you round the mountains for the afternoon in tandem.
If you are already qualified and have your own wing, our region is one of the Mecca's of Paragliding in France. There are many official take off and landing sites run by the local municipalities with help from the FFVL (Féderation Francaise de Vol Libre), from where you can take full advantage of the thermals, riding round the peaks of the massif. We can organise a tandem flight with Sam to introduce you to the unique topography and flying conditions of the area to enable you to fly to the best of your ability. Contact us for more details and we will work out a program for you.
Mountain Biking: Our region is a mountain bikers paradise, and now that we have the new Diamant Vert circuits, this is a brilliant place for mountain biker beginners, novices, or just plain lazy bikers like Jeremy who want the thrills without all the hard work.The idea is that you use the local lifts that are open in the summer to take you and your bike up the mountain; all you have to do is then ride down to the bottom of the next lift in the circuit and repeat the process.The Diamant Vert consists of three combinable circuits, is 90 kms long in all, uses 11 different lifts, has a total of 5380 metres of downhill and costs only €13 per day, no matter how many lifts you use nor how many times you use each one. We can organise bike and helmet hire at preferential rates for our guests. Jeremy will tell you that downhill mountain biking is truly exciting, demands concentration and a certain skill, (quickly learned!) and is not too taxing physically. Have a look at the Diamant Vert website; even though this is only currently in French it gives you a map of the circuit and some more photos. Contact us now for more information and enthusiasm!
White Water Rafting: If you have never experienced this before, it is a must for all the family (from 7 yrs old) to try. In the company of a very experienced guide, you can have a simple two hour initiation ride down the Arve river (that will keep your adrenaline going for the rest of the day), or spend the whole week doing harder sections and different rivers everyday. We can organise everything for you- all you have to bring are your swimming trunks and your courage! Contact us now for prices.
Golfing: two of the most beautiful golf courses in the Alps are situated less than twenty five minutes drive away. Tee off on the magnificent Chamonix course, overlooked by some of the biggest peaks in the Alps, the Aiguille du Midi, Les Drus, La Verte and of course the biggest of them all, the Mont Blanc. Megève offers a classic mountain course, groomed to perfection. Situated above the village at the Mont D'Arbois, all 18 holes have superb views of the Aravis mountains and the imposing Varan. Contact us for green fees.
Horse riding: The horse riding here is exceptional with quiet pony rides for the children to full day hikes high up on mountain trails with magnificent views to admire while on horse back. There is a good choice of equestrian centres giving you the possibility of choosing and exploring different areas everyday. Contact us now for prices.
Aerial Adventure Parks: There are several sites in our vicinity offering this new form of adventure activity, now even catering to young children. " Parc Aventure ", one of the pioneers of this sport, is a type of adventure assault course high in the pine trees of Le Coupeau, that tests your agility with ropes and ladders, aerial wooden bridges and tyrolien cables. An absolute must for the young and not so young. The course is open late into the evening, even in winter.
Via Ferrata: Originally conceived in Italy this technique was widely used in the Dolomites during the First World War to enable non-mountain troops to gain ascendancy over the enemy, Literally translated as 'Iron Way', today's Via Ferrata are sections of rock equipped with a fixed safety cable (to which you are permanently attached) and where necessary, metal hand holds and footholds and foot bridges; all this equipment enables people with little or no previous experience of rock climbing, to encounter all the sensations of that sport. There are a number of Via Ferrata within an hour's drive of the chalet, ranging from relatively easy if it is your first time, to difficult. All the safety gear you need ( harness, 2 rope sections with carabiners and shock absorber, and a helmet) can be rented locally, as well as the services of a guide.
What Else is there to do? Actually, no end of sports and entertainment! Le Parc du Merlet, a 25 hectare animal park, offers spectacular views and all the animals you normally find on the mountain, (if you haven't already seen them on your walks!). From the big-horned Ibex to the shy Chamois and rare Mouflon, this park is a must for children and adults alike.
Summer Taboggan: Adults just have to show the children how its done! We have two double pistes in the vicinity, at Mègeve and Chamonix.
Glacier Walking with a guide to learn the basic techniques and to find out all about how a glacier is formed and works. Also rock climbing, hydrospeed, canyoning, fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and ice skating are all available and can be organised by us.
Or treat yourself to a flight around Mont Blanc in a small aircraft or a helicopter. Use us as a base for the ultimate climb in Europe, get to the top!
Of course, for those of you who hate the idea of physical exertion, you are more than welcome to just come and relax in our beautiful garden , or spend the day lapping up the sun and the scenery by the open air swimming pool in St Gervais!
