Merlet Wildlife park
Come and watch the mountain animals roam freely in this animal park in a magical setting, at an altitude of 1500m, just opposite Mont Blanc.
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 10 to September 1, Monday to Friday from the train station
SNCF train station - free of charge
Baby carriers preferable.
Child: 6 € (From 4 to 15 years old).
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 9.30 am and 7.30 pm.
Closed on Monday.
As well open on the 1st and the 8to the 12th of May 2024
Due to the high number of visitors to the site, reservations are MANDATORY on www.parcdemerlet.com.
From 01/07 to 31/08/2024
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 6 pm.
Due to the high number of visitors to the site, reservations are REQUIRED on weekends and holidays at www.parcdemerlet.com.
From 01/09 to 30/09/2024
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.
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 let you discover Merlet from behind the scenes, enjoy the peace and quiet of the snow-covered open spaces and get up 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).
From Les Houches or the South Balcony, let yourself be tempted by the ascent to the Parc de Merlet on foot. The goal is simple: signs placed halfway up the South Balcony and the ascent from the Les Houches train station via Christ-Roi will present you with a code to memorize, which will change regularly, and will allow brave customers who have decided to go up on foot to benefit from a discount at the entrance of the Park (on pronunciation of the code when purchasing the ticket).
IN JULY AND AUGUST, TAKE THE SHUTTLE, FREE PARTICIPATION:
The 4 parking lots represent about 150 places but are quickly saturated in July and August! The Parc de Merlet offers you the round trip by shuttle, which saves you the 6 km climb, the trouble of maneuvering and parking! You leave your vehicle on the parking spaces provided at the level of the train station of Les Houches and go to the sign indicating the departure of the shuttle. Shuttle 22 places - no reservation. This service is financed by the park, the amount of your contribution is left to your appreciation. Thank you in advance!
2022: Monday to Friday, from July 7th to August 31st.
