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Les Houches

Parc animalier de Merlet

Address

2495 Chemin de Merlet
74310 Les Houches

How do I get there?

About Us

Come and observe the animals of the mountains roam freely in this animal park in a magical setting, at an altitude of 1500m, just in front of Mont-Blanc.

Perched at an altitude of 1500m above the Chamonix valley, the Merlet mountain pasture surprises first and foremost with its breathtaking panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif. Merlet then immerses you in its vast animal space, the time of an easy hike, crossing forest and sunny meadows, punctuated by its old traditional mountain chalets. The unusual proximity to its many animals surprises and almost makes you forget their wild character...
Species to discover: ibex, sika deer, llama, mouflon, marmot, chamois and fallow deer!

Small hike in the middle of the mountains, 2 to 3 hours of visit.

Many benches and deckchairs punctuate the visit. The altiport, a large flat lawn, also allows you to lie down.

At all times, discover the exhibition rooms and video projections, the souvenir shop, 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 activities are offered in the afternoon: the mountain and its secrets, antlers and horns, predators, “Merlet what a story! and the marmot snack around 17 p.m. Fun course, exhibition hall and video projection, entertainment, restaurant and shop.

The 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 station
SNCF- free participation

Baby carrier preferable to strollers.

Sustainable tourism :
Management of high attendance by setting up a daily quota.
Electricity production by photovoltaic panels and pico-hydraulic power plant. Recycling flyers. Zero trash and selective sorting challenge.

We speak English

Location details

  • Mountain view
  • In the mountains
  • Isolated

Coach parking at 1 m - buses prohibited in August

Nearest bus stop: Le Tourchet / Gare des Houches (Internal line) (Attention, distant stop) - 1h30 walk.
Nearest train stop: Gare des Houches (distant stop) - 1h30 walk.
Parking nearby: Parking de Merlet - 15 minutes walk

Opening

In order to view the different information, you can use the navigation arrows placed to the right of the table

Opening hours from May 01 to June 30, 2024
Monday Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Thursday Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Friday Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
SATURDAY Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 09:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to 18 p.m. Due to the high number of visitors to the site, reservation REQUIRED on www.parcdemerlet.com
Opening hours from July 01 to August 31, 2024
Tuesday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SATURDAY Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
From 9:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. Due to the high number of visitors to the site, reservations MANDATORY on weekends and public holidays on www.parcdemerlet.com
Opening hours from September 01 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
SATURDAY Open
Sunday Open
From 10 a.m. to 18 p.m. Due to the high number of visitors to the site, reservations MANDATORY on weekends and public holidays on www.parcdemerlet.com

Pricing

Reduced rates: group from 15 people, disabled person, local card.

Loyalty card to be requested on site.
On sale on site:
- The beautiful book "Merlet, what is your magic?" 28€
- The "Little guide and games"

Payment method

  • Bank / credit card
  • Cheque
  • Classic Holiday Vouchers
  • Cash
  • Bank transfer

Services

Equipments

  • Picnic area.
  • Bar
  • Show room
  • Parking
  • defibrillator
  • Sustainable development equipment
  • Parking nearby
  • Coach parking
  • Dry toilets

Services

  • Coach access
  • Shop
  • Tourist Documentation
  • Food

Home animals

Pets are not accepted.

Accessibility

Physical disability

The park is located in a mountain area, at 1500 meters above sea level. It is important to note that there is no possible parking space in front of the park entrance gate.
On site, access to the restaurant terrace is flat as well as to the adjoining toilets.
For people with reduced mobility and in wheelchairs, we advise you to drop off quickly in front of the entrance gate and go back down to park the vehicle in a lower car park. People in wheelchairs must be accompanied and the most athletic can travel on a large part of the “easy” circuit (slope from 0 to 20%).
However, the site being in a natural mountain environment, the slopes of the paths cannot be adapted to the movement of wheelchairs.

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