The Park du Merlet (les Houches) is 1500 meters above Chamonix valley with an amazing panorama view on Mont Blanc, easy hike with mountains animals around you.
You should be able to see deers, mountain goats, marmots, lamas, bighorn sheeps…
It is a lovely walk and lots of fun to look for the animals, do not hesitate to ask the staff for informations, are some animals will be easier to spot depending of the time, weather or places in the Park du Merlet.
It is not always easy to park there so you might have to walk up hill to the entrance but once inside the park, the hike is easy.
Please check their website regarding the free shuttle departing from down in the valley as it is very convenient!
There is a restaurant Inside and it is better to book in advance, picnics are not allowed inside the park but you will find some tables before the entrance.
You must book in advance on their website, you need to select your arrival time, they are closed on Monday.
There are two trails available to explore the park du Merlet, les Houches:
- The green trail the is easiest, it will take approximately l hour and is suitable for pushchairs.
- The blue trail is a longer alternative and will take approximately 2 hours. This trail enables you to discover the whole park and has a few sloped sections. It is recommended for reasonably fit walkers and is not accessible to pushchairs
From Annecy, it will be approximately 1h30 drive, you can also visit Chamonix (cable to Aiguille du Midi or Train to Glacier).
Please respect the animals, Allow a distance of 10 m between you and the animals, do not try to touch them, do not feed them, stay quiet and avoid making a lot of noise, dogs are not allowed in the park (but there is a place for them at the entrance)
If you need a taxi from Annecy area to les Houches do not hesitate to contact me https://www.taxi-massingy.com/
