The chalets of Hermance are located at an altitude of 1827 m at the exit of the forest, under the pavilion of Mont Joly.
The pastures of Hermance were ceded to St Gervais in 1287 by Béatrix de Faucigny following the lodgings of 1287 and 1307. The community of St Gervais obtained ownership of the mountains or mountain pastures. The mountains of Voza and Prarion, Miage du Tricot and Mont d'Arbois are common to all the hamlets at their feet.
The Mégevans have always claimed the mountain pastures of Hermance, which caused quarrels and fights between the inhabitants of St Nicolas de Véroce, St Gervais and Megève.
This pasture is the property of the municipality of St Gervais. But Megève has become the owner of the St Gervais ski lifts.
The alpine chalet is a small basic dwelling with two rooms. One for making cheese, the other for sheltering humans.
The mountain pasture is linked to the cycle of seasons and vegetation. During the summer season, during haymaking, the animals are “mounted” in beautiful flowery meadows where grass abounds. In autumn, we “desalpe”. The animals return to their stables for six to seven winter months.
Today, some hamlets organize transhumance festivals.
Alpine chalets are located above the combat zone at the upper edge of the forest and often fall prey to avalanches from the peaks around them. They are built in the direction of the slope and glued to each other.