Discover Parc de Merlet: a gem of nature in Haute-Savoie
Nestled at 1,500 meters altitude, facing the majestic Mont Blanc, the Parc de Merlet offers a unique experience of immersion into the heart of alpine wildlife. Located in Les Houches, in the Chamonix valley, this animal park covers 21 hectares and allows visitors to observe iconic mountain animals in their natural habitat.
A philosophy of harmony with nature
Parc de Merlet stands out for its respectful approach to nature. The animals roam in semi-freedom, without visible enclosures, thus offering visitors an authentic and barrier-free observation. This total immersion aims to raise public awareness of the beauty and fragility of the alpine ecosystem, while promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A bit of history
Formerly a mountain hamlet inhabited until the early 20th century, the Merlet site was transformed into an animal park in 1968 by Philippe Cachat, a regional enthusiast. Since its creation, the park has been committed to the preservation and enhancement of alpine species, thus becoming an essential place for nature and animal lovers.
Parc de Merlet in video
Practical information for your visit
Parc de Merlet will reopen its doors on May 1st, 2025. Here are the detailed hours for the 2025 season:
| Period | Opening days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| From May 1st to June 30 | From Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| From July 1st to August 31 | Every day | 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| From September 1st to September 30 | From Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Online booking is mandatory and can be made on the official park website: www.parcdemerlet.com. The rates are as follows:
- Adults: €8
- Children (4 to 14 years): €5
- Groups (from 15 people) and people with disabilities: reduced rates available
The park is accessible by car or shuttle from Les Houches. For hiking enthusiasts, a footpath also leads to the park, offering a breathtaking view over the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc massif.
Attention, there is no drinking water in the park, so please bring filled water bottles.
Why visit Parc de Merlet?
Parc de Merlet is much more than just an animal park. It’s an invitation to discovery and contemplation. By visiting this unique place, you will have the opportunity to:
- Observe alpine species such as ibex, chamois, mouflon, fallow deer, sika deer, marmot, and even llamas, roaming freely in a preserved natural setting.
- Enjoy exceptional panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities.
- Take part in animations and exhibitions organized throughout the season, enriching your knowledge of the local fauna and flora.
Whether you are with family, friends, or alone, Parc de Merlet promises you a rewarding and rejuvenating experience, close to nature. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the richness of alpine wildlife in an exceptional environment.
For more information and to book your visit, go to the official park website: www.parcdemerlet.com.
Frequently asked questions about Parc Merlet:
Is Parc Merlet stroller accessible?
The park can be explored with a stroller, but using a baby carrier is recommended to fully enjoy all the trails. Access to the park is physically demanding, as after the last parking lot, the road continues as a dirt path.
How long does the visit to Parc de Merlet last?
Plan at least two hours on site, but rest assured, it is not two hours of continuous walking! There are many breaks: animal observation, reading information panels, participating in children’s activities, summer animations in July and August, dining at the restaurant or picnic, and a detour to the exhibition area. In reality, most visitors spend half a day to fully enjoy, but a quick visit can be done in about an hour.
Is the visit difficult?
Not at all! What we call an “easy” route is practically flat by mountain standards. As for the “sporty” circuit, it includes an elevation gain of 200 meters. In reality, the most demanding part is often the access to the park, because from parking P3, you must cover 1 km with about 100 meters of ascent, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Can we visit the park with a very small dog?
As cute as they are, dogs, regardless of size, scare the park’s animals. Moreover, llamas tend to react aggressively towards them, which is dangerous. For these reasons, their presence is strictly prohibited. A secure kennel with a lock is available to accommodate your dog during the visit. Additionally, as the parking lots are poorly shaded, it is strongly discouraged to leave an animal in the car in hot weather.
Can we picnic in the park?
It is easy to spend the whole day at Merlet, so remember to bring your picnic! However, to preserve the peace and health of the free-roaming animals, eating inside the park is forbidden. A picnic area has been set up before the entrance. You can go out to have lunch and then come back, provided you get your hand stamped when leaving.
What is the best time to see the animals?
Marmots are more often observed in the afternoon. On hot summer days, animals tend to seek shade at midday and only become active again after 4 PM. Thus, cooler days, even slightly rainy, often provide better conditions to spot them in the meadows.
Some photos of Parc de Merlet
