Valley lifts Saint-Gervais centre Le Fayet
Two ongoing construction sites in Saint-Gervais are currently being built and will be delivered in July 2024: the future stations of the green-friendly funicular lift (using wastewater energy) and the valley lift—two projects.
The valleen lift station and new parking
Introducing the Valléen Lift: A Leap Towards Eco-Mobility in Saint-Gervais
The valley lift will link the Le Fayet area (near the train station and our bestseller new development, the Belle Source) to Saint-Gervais centre and the Bettex telecabin, which will take you directly to the slopes of Evasion Mont Blanc.
In the heart of the picturesque alpine region of Mont-Blanc, the municipality of Saint-Gervais is pioneering a sustainable future with the introduction of the Valléen Lift. This gondola lift project represents a critical step towards minimizing car use in resort towns and enhancing the region’s accessibility and ecological footprint.
Strategic and Sustainable Connectivity
Located at the Le Fayet train and bus station—a vital transport hub receiving both seasonal TGV and TER trains from cities like Paris, Lyon, and Annecy, as well as the Facilibus line, an eco-friendly shuttle service—the Valléen Lift will offer a direct connection to the centre of Saint-Gervais. This link promises to alleviate traffic on the sole road leading to the resort, fundamentally changing how residents and visitors move around the area. The lift starts at the adjacent stadium parking, which holds 200 spaces, easing the transition from road to rail and air.
Check our new development with super low prices near the Valley lift, the Belle Source.
Revitalizing Local Mobility and Tourism
The Valléen Lift isn’t just a means of transport; it’s a catalyst for enhancing local life and tourism. With a five-minute journey time—twice as fast as travelling by car—it not only reduces congestion but also cuts down CO2 emissions by 12 to 15%. This improvement in traffic flow extends beyond mere convenience, fostering a more livable environment for everyone in the community, from high school students and employees to seniors.
Enhancing Regional Appeal and Protecting the Environment
This project also involves upgrading an existing cable car line from Saint-Gervais to Le Bettex, established in 1936. By integrating these two sections with an intermediate station, the new system will enhance the area’s attractiveness and protect the heart of the resort from vehicle emissions and the bustle of tourist activities. The upgrade will increase the capacity of the St Gervais/Le Bettex line and make recreational spots more accessible throughout the year.
Key Project Features at a Glance:
- Year-round operation
- 5-minute trip duration, significantly reducing travel time
- 25% average daily decrease in road traffic
- Potential to reduce 15,000 vehicles annually from the town centre parking
- A new 10-person gondola lift system (POMA) with a capacity of 1,250 people per hour
- Supported by the Department of Haute-Savoie and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region
Construction began in June 2023, with the completion and operational launch slated for 2024. Through the Valléen Lift, Saint-Gervais is reshaping its landscape and setting a benchmark for sustainable development in alpine resort towns.
The funicular lift from the thermal park (Parc des Thermes in Le Fayet)
The funicular lift is operated with just a button
The funicular lift using wastewater energy now links the Spa and the Parc des Thermes to the centre of Saint-Gervais. The thermal park is 177 metres below the town centre. A unique feature of the funicular lift, which will operate on a 44-degree slope, is that it is the first to use wastewater as a driving force in a ballast. As a reminder, this is a genuine lift designed to ascend the almost 200-metre elevation difference between the Fayet thermal baths and the town centre of Saint-Gervais. The rail supports have been installed, and the delivery of the equipment was completed in summer 2024. “This is an even more technical project than that of the Valley lift because the slope is particularly steep, and the arrival point is right next to a road. This makes the construction site less comfortable,” shares Mayor Jean-Marc Peillex.
Funicular lifts before delivery spring 2024
Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and entirely free of charge, the wastewater lift will operate as its name suggests, using the city’s wastewater. The system will be partially set in motion by a mass imbalance created by filling a 1 cubic meter ballast in the uphill vehicle and emptying the same tank at the downhill station. It operates between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and can transport 16 people per trip, free of charge. The cost of this equipment amounts to more than 5 million euros, excluding taxes.
