Guide / Tour Things To Do in Les Houches — 3 of Our Favourites

Created and led by author-photographer Teresa Kaufman since 2011, the Discovery Walks propose unique & confidential itineraries for world-travellers and photo & smartphone buffs to observe & capture scenes of the traditional Chamonix nature, scenery and life-style.

INCLUDED on all the Discovery Walks is a Mini-Photoshoot where Teresa’s talent is at your service to photograph or film you – with your smartphone during the experience

A large selection of itineraries - in both summer and winter - will allow you to uncover some of the valleys most beautiful and photogenic locations. On occasion, you will be crossing paths with the locals who also frequent these hidden paths. Originally designed to satisfy the curious photographer, Teresa has now adapted the walks to also satisfy smartphone and video artists as well as people who just want to soak up the atmosphere and better understand the valley in a more personal manner. And to come home with a selection of telling images to share.

Discovery Walk Prices:

• Private tailor-made walks are available all year round, to fit your time and budget
• Choose the itinerary and the time of day that suit you best
• Reduced rate for 4 or more adults
• Reduced rate for children or large families

Teresa is always finding new ideas and themes for her Walks. For full details check out her website where you'll see that she also offers a Discovery Walk with your Dog & Mini-Photoshoot. Even better, give her a call and she will tell you what is new for this season. 

Duration of the walks: these walks last around 3 hours, depending on the itinerary, but this is flexible and full-day outings can be organised on request.

Useful Info: you'll be walking on small village roads and grassy paths in summer which turn to snowy country paths in the winter. So weather-appropriate shoes with good soles are advisable. If you like using walking poles, feel free to bring them along. In the event of very poor weather a replacement date will be proposed.

Transportation to the rendez-vous point: private car, local train (free with the carte d'hôtes) or by car-pool

Booking: please contact Teresa directly via the links on this page to book your walk

For more about Teresa's walks read our reporters review.

A gentle walk guides you around the 21 hectares of woodland and meadows where you can come face to face with alpine creatures, in their natural environment. The park was created in 1968 and shelters eight wild animal species that roam freely.

All of the paths are family-friendly and some can be accessed by pushchair. For those who enjoy a challenge, you can hike up from Lac Gaillands in the Chamonix Valley.

During the summer months Parc de Merlet is open every day except Mondays. During the peak summer months of July and August the park opens every day. 

Top tip! 
Arrive early when the animals have just been fed or to make an evening visit when they are coming out to play.

Winter opening

Open for guided snowshoe walks from around Christmas to the middle of March. You'll have to reserve in advance, snowshoes and transport up to the park are included in the price. The walk lasts about two hours and features a moderate elevation gain of 200m.

Suitable for both adults and children (from 8 years old), provided they can use a drag lift. Winter pony trekking, in the snow, on the forest roads is also available.