In Sciez, a few kilometers from Thonon-les-Bains and the shores of Lake Léman, Les Aigles du Léman offer a spectacular immersion into the world of birds of prey. Spread over nearly 8 hectares of nature, the park hosts several hundred birds and combines discovery, free-flight shows, education, and species protection. An outing particularly suited for families, but also appealing to nature and ornithology enthusiasts.
Les Aigles du Léman, a park dedicated to birds of prey in Haute-Savoie
Located in the Domaine du Guidou in Sciez, Les Aigles du Léman is a wildlife park specialized in birds of prey. The site extends over approximately 8 hectares in a heavily vegetated environment, near Lake Léman.
The park currently hosts nearly 400 birds belonging to more than 80 species, housed in over a hundred aviaries. Eagles, vultures, falcons, and other large birds also coexist with several species linked to aquatic environments.
The particularity of Les Aigles du Léman is that it does not limit itself to a simple animal presentation. The site is based on three main dimensions: introducing birds of prey to the public, raising awareness of their protection, and actively participating in their conservation.
One of the park’s emblematic installations is “La Terre des Aigles,” presented as the largest birds-of-prey aviary in the world.
An adventure started in 1997
The story of Les Aigles du Léman is closely linked to that of its founder, Jacques-Olivier Travers. Passionate about birds since childhood, he trained notably in ornithology at the Villars-les-Dombes park while pursuing studies in law and then journalism. At only 24 years old, he ultimately decided to dedicate his life to birds of prey and created his own wildlife park in Haute-Savoie. The company Les Aigles du Léman was founded in 1997.
A professional falconer since that time, Jacques-Olivier Travers gradually became well-known far beyond Haute-Savoie. His birds have participated in shows, documentaries, and particularly spectacular projects.
From 2009, he notably worked with the BBC by installing small cameras on certain birds. Images shot from the backs of the birds of prey then allowed the public to discover Paris, London, the Mer de Glace, or even Dubai from a completely unusual perspective.
His work on flight training for birds born in captivity also led him to accompany eagles paragliding, skiing, or even in ultralight aircraft.
An immersive visit among the birds
The visit to Les Aigles du Léman is therefore not simply about passing in front of a series of aviaries. The park has developed large spaces allowing observation of the birds while discovering their behaviors, diet, and role in ecosystems.
The vegetation greatly contributes to the atmosphere of the place. Trees, shaded areas, river, and large aviaries give the park a much more natural character than a traditional zoo. From the entrance, visitors can notably discover “La Parade nuptiale,” an impressive sculpture carved into a giant sequoia trunk 1.80 meters in diameter representing two intertwined eagles.
But one of the most impressive moments remains obviously the entrance into the large immersive aviaries.
La Terre des Aigles
Presented by the park as the largest birds-of-prey aviary in the world, La Terre des Aigles is one of the highlights of the visit.
The goal is to reduce the feeling of separation between the visitor and the birds and to observe these large birds of prey in a particularly vast space.
A guided visit of La Terre des Aigles is also offered as an extra, with a price of 2 € per person announced for 2026.
Free-flight bird of prey shows
It is impossible to mention Les Aigles du Léman without talking about the shows. They allow observing the birds in motion and sometimes only a few meters from the public. The entrance ticket includes the shows scheduled during the day.
“The Lords of the Skies”
This is the major show dedicated to eagles and birds of prey. For about 40 minutes, several dozen birds fly above the public. The interest in the show does not solely rest on the animals’ performances: the commentary also allows a better understanding of their behavior and the threats they face.
From July 4 to August 30, 2026, two performances are scheduled daily, at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
“The Birds of the Lake”
More directly related to the Lake Léman territory, this show focuses on birds dependent on aquatic environments. Cormorants, storks, little egrets, and ducks help understand how each species has adapted to its environment and diet.
The show lasts about 20 minutes and is offered, from July 4 to August 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
A true Eagle Stadium
Part of the shows takes place in the Eagle Stadium, a space with approximately 1,000 seats, including 400 in the shade, as well as spaces accessible to people with disabilities.
The whole area is surrounded by several hundred trees and plants, waterfalls, and developed pathways.
A park also committed to the protection of birds of prey
Behind the tourist aspect hides a much more significant conservation effort. Les Aigles du Léman participate notably in research on behavior, reproduction, diet, and longevity of birds of prey. The large aviaries also serve as observation sites to improve knowledge about these species.
But the park’s emblematic project especially concerns an impressive bird: the white-tailed eagle.
The great return of the white-tailed eagle around Lake Léman
With a wingspan that can widely exceed two meters, the white-tailed eagle is among the largest birds of prey in Europe. The species also has a particular history with the Chablais region: its last known historical reproduction in mainland France was observed in 1892 in the Ripaille forest, at Thonon-les-Bains, only a few kilometers from the current park.
Jacques-Olivier Travers began thinking about a reintroduction project as early as 2007. The first eagles intended for the breeding program then arrived from Russia in 2009. After several years of scientific work, breeding, and consultation with local stakeholders, the reintroduction program began in 2022. The announced goal is particularly ambitious: to release 85 young white-tailed eagles between 2022 and 2030 in order to promote the establishment of a sustainable population around the Lake Léman basin and the Upper Rhône.
The visit to the center and the Maison des Pygargues thus allows discovering a lesser-known but essential aspect of the work carried out at Les Aigles du Léman.
An outing particularly suited for families
Even if bird enthusiasts will obviously find plenty to satisfy their curiosity, the park has clearly been designed to welcome families. The shows allow alternating with the visit of the aviaries and make the day more dynamic for children. Play areas in the forest are also available.
Another appreciable advantage in summer: the estate has several shaded areas. Picnic areas are set up by the river, part of the show zones are covered, and the dining terraces are also shaded. A welcome feature on particularly hot days on the shores of Lake Léman.
How much time to plan to visit Les Aigles du Léman?
To really enjoy the park, it is better to plan at least half a day. However, considering the show times and the different spaces to discover, devoting a full day to Les Aigles du Léman allows visiting much more calmly.
In July and August, arriving right at opening time allows, for example, discovering some aviaries before attending the Lords of the Skies show at 11 a.m., then continuing the visit and attending other activities in the afternoon. This is probably the best way to avoid having to rush through the park between two performances.
Can you picnic in the park?
Yes. Shaded picnic areas, especially by the river, are accessible to visitors. In 2026, a catering offer is also proposed on site. During the high summer season, the snack bar installed in the African Lagoon, among the birds, is open daily.
Practical information to visit Les Aigles du Léman in 2026
Address
Les Aigles du Léman
Route du Moulin de la Glacière
Domaine du Guidou
74140 Sciez-sur-Léman
A free parking is available at Domaine du Guidou, in front of the Prehistory museum. The park entrance is then reached via the alley between the Prehistory museum and the Firefighters museum.
Opening hours 2026
Opening periods vary depending on the season:
- from April 4 to April 19 and on April 25 and 26: 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
- some weekends and public holidays in May: 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
- in June: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays;
- July and August: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Since hours may change, it is advised to check them before traveling on the official Les Aigles du Léman website.
Prices 2026
The announced day ticket price for the 2026 season is:
Adult from 14 years: €16
Child from 4 to 14 years: €14
Under 4 years: free
Person with disabilities: €11
The guided tour of La Terre des Aigles is offered at an extra cost of €2 per person.
The species, activities, and shows programmed during the day are included in the entrance ticket, except for activities or visits noted as offered at an extra charge.
The species, prices, and hours mentioned here correspond to information available for the 2026 season and are subject to change.
Payment methods
The park accepts notably:
- cash;
- credit cards;
- holiday vouchers.
Can you come with a dog?
No. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are not allowed in the park, a rule that is essential given the presence of many free-flying birds or those in aviaries.
My advice to make the most of the visit
In July and August, ideally arrive before 10:30 a.m. in order to have time to discover a first part of the park before the big Lords of the Skies show at 11 a.m. You can then plan your day around the different performances without rushing from one area to another.
On very hot days, also prioritize visiting the most exposed areas in the morning and enjoy wooded spaces, shaded areas, and covered shows during the hottest hours.
Why visit Les Aigles du Léman?
Les Aigles du Léman offers an outing quite different from other wildlife parks in Haute-Savoie. The spectacle offered by the large birds of prey is obviously one of the main attractions of the site, but the visit takes on another dimension when discovering the work done around their breeding and conservation.
The program dedicated to the white-tailed eagle notably creates a direct link between the park and the natural heritage of Lake Léman. Some birds raised in Sciez are destined to return to the wild and, perhaps, to participate sustainably in the return of this emblematic species to the region.
Between immense aviaries, free-flight shows, discovery of the birds of Lake Léman, and reintroduction program, the park thus offers an outing that is both fun, spectacular, and educational, easily accessible during a stay around Thonon-les-Bains, Évian, or Yvoire.
FAQ – Les Aigles du Léman
Where are Les Aigles du Léman located?
The park is located at the Domaine du Guidou in Sciez, in Haute-Savoie, immediately near Lake Léman and a few kilometers from Thonon-les-Bains.
How long does the visit last?
It is advised to plan at least half a day. A full day, however, allows a calm discovery of the different aviaries and attending several shows.
Are the shows included in the ticket?
Yes, the shows scheduled during the day are included in the entrance ticket. Certain visits or particular experiences may require an additional charge.
Can you eat on site?
Yes. The park has picnic areas and a catering offer. During the 2026 summer season, the snack bar at the African Lagoon is notably open daily.
Is the park open year-round?
The wildlife park of Sciez mainly operates during the high season. Les Aigles du Léman also offer winter activities in Morzine, on the Nyon plateau.
Where to check the hours before coming?
Updated hours, prices, and programs are available on the official Les Aigles du Léman website.
Photo sources: Les Aigles du Léman – Apidae Tourisme
