Are you staying in Flaine and looking for things to do and see in the surrounding area? Just an hour's drive from the famous Alpine resort, the Merlet animal park is one of the region's not-to-be-missed treasures. Created in 1968 by Philippe Cachat, the park sits at an altitude of 1,563 metres, overlooking the Chamonix valley in Haute-Savoie and offering magnificent panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Its twenty-one hectares of pasture and pine forest are home to eight mountain species and more than sixty individuals. Set in their natural environment, the animals of the Parc de Merlet roam freely and can be approached for the pleasure of visitors of all ages. Among the indigenous species, you can spot the Ibex (ibex in French), Chamois, Mouflon, Fallow Deer, Sika Deer, Roe Deer and Marmot. Ideal as a family activity during a summer holiday in Flaine, the park can also be visited in winter by hikers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
The first inhabited site in the Chamonix valley in Haute-Savoie, the hamlet of Merlet was home to around sixty mountain dwellers who lived there almost completely independently, at an altitude of 1,500 metres.
Around 1920, the hamlet was transformed into a mountain pasture where dairy cows were kept every summer. The milk harvested and processed on site was used to make cheeses, creams and butter sold directly at the Auberge du Balcon de Merlet.
Then one day, a Swiss lover of Merlet, aware of the potential of this exceptional site overlooking the Mont Blanc massif, bought all the chalets and plots of land. Today, this estate of over twenty hectares is home to the famous Merlet animal park, where you can discover an exceptional biodiversity.
Flaine
Created in 1967 by Philippe Cachat of Chamonix and first opened in 1968, the Merlet wildlife park was launched by "Bambi", the famous tamed chamois. To this day, the animal park remains the property of the Cachat family, who maintain the existence of this little corner of paradise in the heart of the Alps with passion and commitment.
Vue sur un groupe de cerfs sika dans le parc de Merlet, situé à 1500 mètres d’altitude au-dessus de la vallée de Chamonix
- © olivard / ShutterstockIn addition to the exceptional natural environment and the mountain animals to discover, the park also offers a wide range of themed events on respect for the environment and the more sensitive issues facing us in the future. Take a look at the range of events on offer on their website.
Merlet Park is home to eight species of wildlife. The animals roam freely, with no fewer than sixty individuals living together in their natural habitat. The Merlet mountain pasture enjoys an exceptional location, just below a nature reserve.
The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), also known as the steinbock or ibex, photographed in the Parc de Merlet, on the pointe de Lapaz facing Mont Blanc. Les Houches, Haute-Savoie
- © Alla Khananashvili / ShutterstockYou'll see chamois, marmots, ibex, mouflon, fallow deer, Sika deer and even llamas. You'll discover how these animals survive the mountain climate and natural predators, such as the lynx and golden eagle, which also live in the region.
Deux enfants en train de photographier une marmotte curieuse des massifs alpins
- © Julia Kuznetsova / ShutterstockA visit to the Merlet animal park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do with the whole family near Flaine. Although the ideal time to visit is in summer, the team offers snowshoe hikes in winter.
"No words can describe the beauty of the Parc de Merlet. It makes you feel small, very small in the face of such majesty." Testimonial taken from the park's website. Patrick, a visitor."
The park is open during the summer season and closes from the end of October to the end of April.
Opening times (by prior arrangement in July and August, and every weekend and public holiday):
How do I get to Parc de Merlet?
You can reach the park by car from Chamonix or Les Houches, or by taking the park's shuttle service from Les Houches station.
But did you know that to help preserve this exceptional site and to add a little effort to your visit to the park, you can also get there on foot! You'll also get a discount on the entrance fee.
So if you're coming as a couple, with friends or with your grown-up children, don't hesitate to take the hiking trails to the hamlet of Merlet. Find all the information and itineraries on the park's website.
Website : Cleck here
