Parc animalier de Merlet

Parc animalier de Merlet is a mountain wildlife park above the Chamonix valley, in the municipality of Les Houches, sitting at an altitude of 1,563 metres. It was founded in 1968 by Philippe Cachat, a local from the Chamonix valley, at a time when the film "Bambi" was fuelling public interest in protecting mountain wildlife, and it has remained one of the most distinctive nature attractions in the Mont Blanc region ever since.

What animals will you see in the park?

Merlet is home to more than 80 mountain animals across eight species. Seven of them are native to the Alps: chamois, mouflon, fallow deer, sika deer, roe deer, marmots and the alpine ibex. The eighth species, the llama, comes from South America and was introduced as an addition to the park's collection. A defining feature of Merlet is that there are no cages or fences separating the animals from visitors — they roam freely across the natural terrain, and close encounters are common, though the park asks visitors to keep a respectful distance from the wildlife.

How do you get there and what does a visit involve?

The exact GPS address is 2495 chemin de Merlet, 74310 Les Houches. It's roughly 12 km by road from central Chamonix, and the final stretch is a steep mountain climb — in July and August a free shuttle service runs, so you don't need to drive the last 6 km yourself or worry about parking. A visit is a short mid-mountain outing that typically takes 2 to 3 hours, so it's worth setting aside a full morning or afternoon to allow time for walking and observing the animals.

How much does admission cost and is booking required?

A ticket for adults costs 9 euros, and 6 euros for children. Reservation is mandatory for every visit, which allows the park to manage visitor numbers and keep conditions comfortable for observing the animals without crowding.

When is the park open?

The park operates seasonally. In May, June and September it's open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm. In July and August, during peak season, it's open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Outside these months the park is closed to visitors, so it's worth checking the current opening calendar before travelling, especially at the edges of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the animals at Parc animalier de Merlet kept in cages? No. One of the park's defining features is that the animals live in open terrain without cages or physical barriers, moving freely across the park's natural mountain landscape.

How long does a visit to the park take? A typical visit lasts 2 to 3 hours, since it involves walking through the park's grounds and observing the animals in their natural setting above 1,500 metres of altitude.

Is the drive up to the park difficult? The final stretch of the road to Merlet is a steep mountain climb of around 6 km. In July and August this is solved by a free shuttle service running from the valley, so you don't need to drive yourself or search for parking.

Do you need to book a visit in advance? Yes, reservation is mandatory for all visitors year-round, which lets the park control how many people are on site at any one time.