Merlet Wildlife park
Come and watch the mountain animals roam freely in this animal park in a magical setting, at 1500m altitude, just opposite Mont-Blanc. Admission by reservation only.
Perched at an altitude of 1500m above the Chamonix valley, the Merlet mountain pasture first amazes with its breathtaking panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif. Merlet then immerses you in its vast animal world, as you enjoy an easy hike through forests and sunny meadows, marked out by its traditional old mountain chalets. The unusual closeness of this area to its many animals is surprising, and almost makes you forget how wild they are...
Species to discover: ibex, sika deer, llama, mouflon, marmot, chamois and fallow deer!
Short mid-mountain hike, 2 to 3 hours' visit.
Numerous benches and deckchairs punctuate the visit. The altiport, a large, flat lawn, is also a great place to lie down.
At any time of year, discover the exhibition rooms and video projections, the souvenir store, the fun and educational stages and the guided tour in 4 languages on your smartphone!
In July and August, depending on the weather and the agenda, free afternoon events are offered: the mountain and its secrets, wood and horns, predators, "Merlet, what a story!" and the marmot snack at around 5pm. Fun trail, exhibition room and video projection, entertainment, restaurant and store.
Services at your disposal:
- 150 parking spaces spread over 1000m.
- Bar restaurant, panoramic terrace, open at the same times.
- Picnic tables at the park entrance
- Shuttles from July 8 to August 25, Monday to Friday from the station
SNCF train station - free of charge
Baby carriers preferable.
Child: 6 €.
Group rate available for > 15 people.
Group rate on booking from 15 persons, disabled person
Member card to ask on site or to download on the park's website.
Purchase on site:
- The great book "Merlet, quelle est ta magie ?" 28€
- Guidebook and games booklet.
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.
By reservation only www.parcdemerlet.com.
From 01/07 to 31/08/2025, daily.
From 01/09 to 30/09/2025.
Closed on Monday.
74310 Les Houches
Closest bus stop : Le Tourchet / Les Houches train station bus stop (Les Houches shuttle) (Warning, remoted stop) - 1hr30 hiking.
Closest train stop : Les Houches train station (remoted stop) - 1hr30 hiking.
Closest parking : Merlet car park - 15 minutes by foot.
An intimate hike in a small group of 8 people, supervised by a mountain leader, to enable you to discover Merlet behind the scenes, enjoy the peace and quiet of the snow-covered open spaces and get close to the animals in the best possible conditions... After putting on your snowshoes, the leader guides you through the forest to a secondary entrance to the park. Inside, you'll enjoy privileged proximity to the animals and all the explanations you need about mountain fauna in an exceptional setting. It's as if you're alone in the world, facing the immensity of the Mont-Blanc range, and if visibility permits, you'll be treated to a magnificent sunset... a rare moment, simply magical!
Snowshoeing program
- Meet at 1pm at Les Houches train station
- Short drive in your own vehicle to Coupeau
- 3-hour hike with many stops (photo breaks, explanations...),
200 m ascent in total
- Discover the park's animals and the landscape of the Mont-Blanc range
- Return around 5 p.m.
38€ /adult, 25€ /child up to 12 years (children from 8 years only). Equipment (snowshoes + poles) included in the price.
Our advice: Bring waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing, water bottle and snacks, and don't forget your camera! This outing requires good physical condition, and we recommend that you are able to walk on snowshoes (access to the park may take longer or shorter depending on snow conditions).
To book your winter visit: call Philippe on 06 78 50 03 96
From Les Houches or the Balcon Sud, let yourself be tempted by the ascent to Parc de Merlet on foot. The aim is simple: signs placed halfway up the Balcon Sud and the ascent from Les Houches station via Christ-Roi will present you with a code to memorize, which will change regularly, and will enable brave customers who decide to climb on foot to benefit from a discount at the Park entrance (on pronunciation of the code when purchasing the ticket).
IN JULY AND AUGUST, TAKE THE SHUTTLE, FREE OF CHARGE:
The 4 parking lots have around 150 spaces, but are quickly saturated in July and August! Parc de Merlet offers you a return shuttle service, so you don't have to worry about the 6 km climb, manoeuvring or parking! Leave your vehicle in the parking spaces provided at the Les Houches SNCF station and follow the sign to the shuttle departure point. 22-seater shuttle - no reservation required. This service is financed by the park; the amount of your contribution is left to your discretion. Thank you in advance!
