Discover Parc de Merlet: a natural gem in Haute-Savoie
Perched at 1,500 meters altitude, facing the majestic Mont Blanc, the Parc de Merlet offers a unique immersive experience at the heart of alpine wildlife. Located in Les Houches, in the Chamonix valley, this wildlife 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
Once a mountain hamlet inhabited until the early 20th century, the Merlet site was transformed into a wildlife 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, becoming a must-visit place for nature and animal lovers.
Parc de Merlet in video
Practical information for your visit
Parc de Merlet opens its doors from early May to the end of September. Here are the detailed opening hours for the 2026 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 park’s official website: www.parcdemerlet.com. The rates are as follows:
- Adults: €9
- Children (4 to 14 years old): €6
- Groups (from 15 people) and persons with disabilities: reduced rates available
The park is accessible by car or shuttle from Les Houches. For hiking enthusiasts, a footpath also allows access to the park, offering breathtaking views of the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc massif.
Warning, 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 a simple wildlife park. It is an invitation to discovery and contemplation. By visiting this unique place, you will have the opportunity to:
- Observe alpine species such as the ibex, chamois, mouflon, fallow deer, sika deer, marmot and even the llama, roaming freely in a preserved natural setting.
- Enjoy exceptional panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities.
- Participate in animations and exhibitions organized throughout the season, enriching your knowledge of local fauna and flora.
Whether you are with family, friends, or solo, Parc de Merlet promises you a rewarding and refreshing 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 park’s official website: www.parcdemerlet.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parc Merlet:
Is Parc Merlet accessible with a stroller?
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 more physically demanding, because after the last parking lot, the road continues as a dirt path.
How long does a visit to Parc de Merlet last?
Plan at least two hours on site, but rest assured, it’s not two hours of continuous walking! Breaks are numerous: animal observation, reading the explanatory panels, participating in children’s activities, summer events in July and August, meals at the restaurant or picnic, not to mention a detour via the exhibition space. In reality, most visitors spend half a day to fully enjoy it, but a quick visit can be done in about one 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 fact, access to the park often seems the most demanding, because from parking P3, you have to walk 1 km with about 100 meters of ascent, which takes about 30 minutes.
Can you visit the park with a very small dog?
As cute as they are, dogs, regardless of size, frighten the park animals. Furthermore, llamas tend to react aggressively towards them, which is dangerous. For these reasons, their presence is strictly prohibited. A secure kennel with lock is available to accommodate your dog during the visit. Moreover, since the parking lots are poorly shaded, it is strongly discouraged to leave an animal in the car in hot weather.
Can you picnic in the park?
It’s easy to spend the whole day at Merlet, so remember to bring your picnic! However, to preserve the tranquility and health of free-roaming animals, eating inside the park is forbidden. A picnic area has been set up before the entrance. You can therefore go out to have lunch and come back afterward, provided you have your hand stamped when leaving.
When is the best time to see the animals?
Marmots are more often observable in the afternoon. During hot summer days, animals tend to seek shade around midday and become active again only from 4 pm. Thus, cooler days, even slightly rainy, often offer better conditions to spot them in the meadows.
Some photos of Parc de Merlet
Article mis à jour le 21 August 2026