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Nature / Park Sights in Chamonix — 2 of Our Favourites

Discover and book the top Chamonix sights

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1. 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.

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An image of Alpine flowers and rocks on a hiking trail near chamonix mont blanc

2. Aiguille Rouge nature reserve

Location
Chamonix

The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.

The nature trail is very easy to follow and the route is marked by numbered granite blocks. The whole circuit takes no more than 45 minutes at a leisurely stroll; to find out more please read our article on short family hikes in hiking in the Chamonix Valley.

This is a summer only activity, should you wish to discover the area in winter you can book a snowshoe tour with a number of local mountain guide companies.

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