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Parc de Merlet
Mountain animal park at 1,500 m altitude where 80 animals from 8 alpine species roam freely over 21 hectares, facing the Mont-Blanc massif.
Florian Pépellin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Mountain animal park
Access
Paid
Price
From €9 (adult)
Duration
2–3 hours on site
Best season
May – September
Parking
Free (P1 to P4, 150 spaces tiered)
Dogs
Not allowed (dog kennel available at entrance)
Stroller
Not suitable (baby carrier recommended)
Town
Les Houches
What is Parc de Merlet
Parc de Merlet is an animal park specializing in alpine fauna, located at 1,500 meters altitude on a former pasture above Les Houches, in the Chamonix valley. Over 21 hectares of meadows, rocks and pine forests, the park is home to 80 to 100 animals from 8 species of large mountain mammals: ibex, chamois, mouflons, fallow deer, sika deer, marmots, roe deer and llamas. Animals roam freely without fences and can be easily approached while staying on marked trails.
The site occupies the location of a mountain hamlet inhabited year-round until the 1900s, before becoming a seasonal pasture. The park was created in 1967–1968 by Philippe Cachat, a Chamonix native passionate about mountains and an airplane pilot, with Bambi, a tamed chamois who became the mascot. Today managed by the Cachat family (6 employees in season), the park combines observation of alpine wildlife, an exceptional panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif and discovery of mountain heritage through its old alpine chalets. An altiport (Altiport Philippe-Cachat) occupies the park's center.
The park offers two marked circuits: an easy route (approximately 1 hour) suitable for all-terrain strollers, and a "fitness" route to explore every corner. New for 2026: an immersive sensory route, "The Secret Atmospheres of Merlet" (5 minutes). Free activities are offered in July–August (Antlers and Horns, The Mountain and Its Secrets, The Predators), as well as exhibition rooms and video screenings. The park is committed to an eco-responsible approach: local electricity production (solar panels and micro-hydroelectric power station), selective sorting and zero waste.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
2495 Chemin de Merlet, 74310 Les Houches View on map
Coordinates
45.907456° N — 6.818153° E View on map
Altitude
1,500 m
Hours
May, June, September (except Mondays): daily 10am–6pm (open public holidays). July–August: daily 9:30am–7:30pm. Closed throughout 2027 for pasture rehabilitation. Verified on official website 14 May 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.Verified 14 May 2026
Prices
Adult (from 16 years): €9. Child (4–15 years): €6. Free under 4 years. Reduced rate: groups (15+ people on reservation), persons with disabilities, hikers who walked or cycled from the valley. 15% of ticket price funds 2027 operations (closure for rehabilitation). Verified 14 May 2026.Verified 14 May 2026
Reservation
Required for all days of the season. Free online reservation on parcdemerlet.com, open 10 days in advance until the same day (subject to availability). Payment at reception on day of visit.Verified 14 May 2026
Parking
Free. 4 tiered parking areas (150 spaces total): P1 (300 m from entrance) and P2 (800 m) reserved for persons with disabilities, families with young children, elderly persons and disabled persons. P3 (1 km) and P4 (1.5 km) for all. Allow 10–30 minutes walking uphill (50–100 m elevation gain). Free shuttle from Les Houches SNCF station in peak season (12 round trips/day).
Animals
Not allowed. Dogs not permitted in Parc de Merlet (even on leash) to preserve the tranquility of freely roaming animals. Secure kennel with water available at entrance.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible for the entire route. Some facilities are accessible (restaurant, restrooms, reception area). Strollers: prefer a baby carrier. Easy route suitable for all-terrain strollers with large wheels.
Duration of visit
2–3 hours on site (easy route: 1 hour; fitness route: 2–3 hours with 200 m elevation gain). Allow 10–30 minutes walking from parking areas.
Contact
Tel. +33 7 67 22 82 69 · parcdemerlet.comVerified 14 May 2026
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (100 km, ~1h20), take the N205 towards Chamonix, exit at Les Houches no. 27 "Les Houches Centre" and follow signs for "Parc de Merlet" on 6 km of uphill minor road. From Chamonix (12 km, ~20 min), take the N205 towards Annecy, exit at Les Houches "Chef-lieu", cross Le Coupeau and follow signs. GPS: 2495 Chemin de Merlet, 74310 Les Houches. Parking P1–P4 tiered between 300 m and 1.5 km from entrance.
Open in MapsBy bike
From Les Houches centre or Balcon Sud, several cycling/mountain bike routes lead to the park via forest trails. Passable road by bike (6 km uphill, 500 m elevation gain). Reduced entrance fee for cyclists who hiked or cycled from the valley (code to remember en route).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Parc de Merlet is open May through September, when animals are most active and trails most accessible. Best time to observe animals: early morning (from opening) or late afternoon, when they emerge from shade where they shelter during hot hours. In July–August, free activities in the afternoon and shuttle from Les Houches station. High crowds in August: book in advance and arrive early for close parking. Spring (May–June): ideal for seeing newborn animals of the year frolicking. Autumn (September): peaceful, autumn colors, golden light on Mont-Blanc. The park will be exceptionally closed throughout 2027 for pasture rehabilitation and ecosystem preservation.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I book Parc de Merlet?
Reservation is required for Parc de Merlet for all days of the season. Book free of charge online at parcdemerlet.com. Reservations open 10 days in advance until the same day depending on availability. Payment is made at the reception desk on the day of your visit. Parc de Merlet applies a daily quota to manage visitor flow.
What is the entrance fee for Parc de Merlet?
The adult entrance fee for Parc de Merlet (from 16 years) is €9. Child (4–15 years): €6. Free under 4 years. Reduced rate: groups (15+ people on reservation), persons with disabilities, hikers who walked or cycled from the valley. 15% of ticket price funds 2027 operations (closure for rehabilitation). Verified 14 May 2026.
What are the hours for Parc de Merlet?
Parc de Merlet is open May through September. May, June, September (except Mondays): 10am–6pm (open public holidays). July–August: daily 9:30am–7:30pm. The park will be closed throughout 2027 for pasture rehabilitation. Verified on official website 14 May 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
Can I bring my dog to Parc de Merlet?
No. Dogs are not allowed in Parc de Merlet to preserve the tranquility of freely roaming animals (llamas in particular respond aggressively to dogs). A secure kennel with water is available at the entrance to house your dog during your visit.
Is Parc de Merlet wheelchair accessible?
Parc de Merlet is not wheelchair accessible for the entire route (mountainous site at 1,500 m altitude). Some facilities are accessible (restaurant, restrooms, reception area). The easy route is practicable by persons with reduced mobility when accompanied. Drop-off available before the entrance.
Can I picnic at Parc de Merlet?
Picnicking is not allowed inside Parc de Merlet to preserve the tranquility and good health of the animals. Tables and benches (shaded or sunny, with views) are available at the park entrance. With a hand stamp, you can exit and re-enter freely. A restaurant (Le Balcon de Merlet) operates on site.
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.parcdemerlet.com
- fr.wikipedia.org
- www.tourisme-haute-savoie.com
- www.chamonix.net
- www.zoofrance.com
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.