About this place
La Montagne des Singes is an animal park in Kintzheim, Alsace, set on the wooded foothills of the Vosges mountains right next to the famous Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle. It is one of the region's best-known nature attractions, entirely dedicated to Barbary macaques, a tailless monkey species native to North Africa.
What will you find at the park?
Spread across 24 hectares of Vosges forest, the park is home to around 200-240 Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), living in semi-freedom since the park opened in 1969. There are no cages and no barriers separating visitors from the animals: the monkeys move freely through the trees and along the paths, while people follow a marked walking route through the same space.
Barbary macaques are the only monkey species found naturally in Africa — every other macaque species originates in Asia. In the wild they inhabit the mountains of Morocco and Algeria, living in forests, rocky ridges and caves. The species is considered endangered, and the park runs educational programs while also supporting conservation efforts in partnership with organizations in Morocco.
Why the commented feedings are the highlight
The centerpiece of any visit is the commented feeding sessions, held roughly every 45 minutes. Park staff explain the group's social behavior during these sessions — hierarchy, parental care, play between young macaques, and interactions between different family groups. It is the best opportunity to watch the animals up close and understand how their social structure actually works.
What's new at the park?
In 2022 the park opened a new educational and play trail called "Dans la peau d'un singe" ("In the Skin of a Monkey"), a nearly 300,000-euro investment. The immersive course is designed for children aged 6 and up and includes about fifteen interactive modules that let visitors mimic the movements and behaviors of various primates, testing their own balance and agility along the way.
Who is this attraction for?
The park mainly draws families with children, along with nature lovers and visitors interested in species conservation. Its proximity to Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle means many people combine both stops in a single day out in the Sélestat–Haut-Kœnigsbourg area. A visit typically takes between one and one and a half hours, depending on how long you linger at the feeding sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many monkeys live at the park? La Montagne des Singes is currently home to around 200-240 Barbary macaques, a tailless monkey species originating from Morocco and Algeria.
Are the monkeys kept in cages? No. The animals live in semi-freedom across 24 hectares of forest with no cages or barriers — visitors walk a marked route through their habitat instead.
When do the commented feedings happen? Guided feeding sessions take place regularly, roughly every 45 minutes, and form the main highlight of a visit.
Is the park suitable for children? Yes. Since 2022 an educational trail called "In the Skin of a Monkey" has been open for children aged 6 and up, featuring fifteen interactive modules.
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