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Sights in Les Houches — 3 of Our Favourites

Discover and book the top Les Houches sights

a mountain biker riding through yellow flowers near a ski lift

1. Les Houches summer lifts

Location
Les Houches

Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.

In summer the Prarion gondola and the Bellevue cable car operate, plus you also have access to the Tramway du Mont Blanc train which leads from St Gervais all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle, a popular place for mountaineers to start their ascents from.

The Prarion gondola and the Bellevue cable car both accept mountain bikes, as one of the few areas in the Chamonix Valley with a dedicated downhill mountain biking area, plus you can take bikes on the first and last train of the day on the Tramway du Mont Blanc.

Just a short walk along the mountain top will bring you to the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc route and plenty of other hiking routes and trails which connect to neighbouring resorts.

Mountaineer Museum, Les Houches

2. Montagnard museum

Location
Les Houches

Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.

There is a permanent collection or rural exhibits, toys, farming equipment and heritage items, as well as the occasional temporary exhibition during the year.

For opening dates, times and entry fee information please visit their website.

Deer

3. Merlet wildlife park

Location
Les Houches

Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.

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.

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