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.
Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
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.
What to see
The information desk will tell you all you need to know about the furry inhabitants of the park, there is also an exhibition of the history of Parc de Merlet.
Sights in Chamonix
See all Sights in Chamonix-
Enquire 
Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
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.
-
Visit website 
Les Bossons glacier
A small chairlift open in summer giving you incredible views over Les Bossons glacier
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
-
Visit website 
Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
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.
-
Enquire 
Les Houches summer lifts
Gondola access to VTT and hiking trails and the Tour du Mont Blanc route
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.
-
Enquire 
Le Brévent, Chamonix - Town
South-facing mountain with amazing views of the Mont Blanc massif which sits across the valley
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
-
Visit website 
Crystal museum
Musée des Cristaux has a collection of minerals and crystals collected in the valley
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
Where to lunch
During the summer Parc de Merlet also has a café serving light meals, snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. Gifts and souvenirs can be bought at the shop.
Restaurants in Les Houches
See all Restaurants in Les Houches-
Enquire 
Rocky Pop Restaurant
Burger bar, pizza joint and French Savoyard all rolled into one relaxed and fun environment
The Rocky Pop Restaurant in Les Houches, part of the vibrant Rocky Pop Hotel opened in December 2016, reflects the brand’s playful ethos of “joy and togetherness.” The food offering matches the lively atmosphere, with a fun, diverse menu designed to please all ages and tastes. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes, colourful presentations, and relaxed dining that encourages sharing and socialising. It’s a welcoming spot where families, groups, and friends can enjoy tasty, unfussy meals in a cheerful setting.
-
Enquire 
Kitsch Inn Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant and bar right at the foot of the pistes, near the Bellevue lift in Les Houches
Quirkily decorated, as the name suggests, this restaurant has different rooms for different moods. Grab a quick coffee and a snack at the breakfast bar, enjoy a casual meal in the retro formica kitchen area, or sit and take your time over dinner at one of the large tables in the dining room. They also have a large sunny terrace where they serve up a nice BBQ in the summer and a kids play area.
-
Enquire 
Le Basilic Restaurant
Traditional Savoyard cuisine near the Bellevue lift with a cosy, warm interior
Just across the road from the Bellevue lift in Les Houches, this is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries after a day on the mountain, or pop in for lunch.
-
Enquire 
Gandhi Restaurant
Indian specialities to eat in or take away, open for lunch and dinner
This restaurant serves tasty, good value Indian cuisine for lunch, dinner and to takeaway.
-
La Ferme des Agapes 
La Ferme des Agapes
Alpine atmosphere with good value Savoyard cuisine, located near the Bellevue lift
This restaurant is located right in front of the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches.
-
La Guinguette des Chavants Restaurant
La Guinguette des Chavants Restaurant
Lakeside dining with seasonal flavours and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere
La Guinguette des Chavants is a relaxed, lakeside restaurant in Les Houches offering simple, seasonal cooking in a friendly setting. The kitchen focuses on fresh ingredients, with vegetables sourced locally whenever possible, and dishes prepared with care to keep things straightforward and flavourful.
Child policy
Good for children of all ages.
