Day trip to La Grande Jeanne wildlife park
In the heart of the French Alps, where nature reveals its most beautiful secrets, lies an authentic animal sanctuary. La Grande Jeanne animal parknestling in the heights of the Semnoz, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Alpine wildlife, just an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Megève.
If you're a Chalet Ararat guest looking to add a natural and educational dimension to your mountain holiday, this is a great choice, especially if you have children.
An unspoilt natural setting above Annecy
Perched at 669 metres above sea level On the wooded slopes of the Semnoz, La Grande Jeanne animal park extends over 10,500 m² of unspoilt municipal forest. This privileged location, overlooking the famous "Venice of the Alps", gives the site a special atmosphere.
Unlike traditional zoos, La Grande Jeanne stands out for its philosophy of harmonious integration into the natural environment. Here, there are no artificial structures or ostentatious fittings The animals live in a semi-natural setting that respects their behavioural needs and well-being. This approach gives the site a rare authenticity, where observation is based on mutual respect between man and animal.
Free access all year round is a testament to the municipality's determination to democratise the discovery of Alpine fauna, making this park a genuine public asset in the service of environmental education and family enjoyment.
Alpine fauna in its natural element
La Grande Jeanne animal park is home to three species emblematic of Europe's mountainseach evolving in an environment carefully designed to reproduce their natural habitat.
Red deerThere are nine of them, and they are undoubtedly the park's most majestic residents. These giants of the forest, with their imposing stature and haughty stance, offer a breathtaking spectacle, particularly during the bawling season that resonates in the surrounding forest between September and October. Observing these emblematic animals helps you to understand the richness of the alpine fauna and its adaptation to the constraints of the mountains.
The nineteen fallow deer bring a special grace to the park with their slender silhouettes and distinctive spotted coats. More familiar than their deer cousins, they are relatively easy to observe, offering visitors magnificent opportunities for behavioural observation. Their social interactions, games and feeding habits are a veritable open book on Alpine wildlife.
The twenty or so Corsican mouflons complete this collection of wildlife with their robust appearance and characteristic spiral horns. Perfectly adapted to rugged terrain, they move with remarkable agility over the park's landscaped areas, reminiscent of their Mediterranean mountain origins.
A family experience
The Parc de La Grande Jeanne is an ideal destination if you're staying in France. with family or friends at Chalet Ararat. It has been designed to provide an educational approach to Alpine fauna, which is particularly popular with younger visitors, who can discover the richness of the region's natural heritage in the process.
The walk through the park, lasting between one and two hours depending on the rhythm chosen, is carried out on well-maintained paths that wind through the forest. This forest immersion offers a beneficial break after mountain sports activities, allowing you to get back into a calmer rhythm.
The educational aspect is particularly rewarding: observing natural animal behaviour, understanding seasonal cycles and raising awareness of Alpine wildlife conservation are all valuable lessons for young and old alike.
This educational dimension is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of a mountain holiday, and complements the pleasures of the luxurious comfort of Chalet Ararat.
Learning to observe animals
Visiting the Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne requires a special approach, marked by patience and respect. This observation experience requires meticulous preparation to get the most out of it.
Tips for optimum observation
To maximise your chances of being seen and have a memorable experience, a few recommendations are in order:
- Favour favourable time slots early morning (8am-10am) or late afternoon (4pm-6pm), when the animals are naturally more active
- Dress appropriately Clothing: neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable, non-slip walking shoes for forest trails
- Respect silence and discretion Slow movements and hushed voices to avoid frightening the animals
- Bring binoculars to observe behavioural details without disturbing the animals
- Allow sufficient time 1h30 to 2h minimum to get the most out of the experience
Special times of year
Autumn is a particularly good time to visit.
The stag's bellow, that powerful, ancient cry that echoes through the forest, is one of the most moving natural spectacles that the Alpine fauna can offer.
This breeding period, marked by ritual fighting between males, offers exceptionally rich behavioural observations.
A perfectly orchestrated excursion from Megève
From Chalet Ararat, access to the La Grande Jeanne Wildlife Park is via a 1 hour 15 minute drive through the emblematic landscapes of Haute-Savoie.
This panoramic route, passing through Annecy, is in itself a discovery of the beauty of the Alps, with its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Annecy.
Organising your excursion with the concierge service
Our Chalet Ararat concierge team is on hand to organise this excursion to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a morning escapade followed by a gourmet lunch in Annecy, or an afternoon outing extended by a stroll through the old town, all arrangements can be tailored to your wishes.
Practical information
A few essential details to help you plan your visit on your own:
- Distance from Megève 87 kilometres on the A40 and A410 motorways
- Journey time 1h15 under normal traffic conditions
- Access to the park Free parking available on route du Semnoz
- Pricing Free admission all year round
- Accessibility : Trails that can be used but are not suitable for pushchairs
This outing fits perfectly into the rhythm of a stay at the chalet, offering a natural interlude between the pleasures of skiing and moments of relaxation in the wellness areas. It also allows you to discover a different facet of the region, complementing the sporting activities traditionally associated with Megève, such as cycling, climbinghiking, etc.
Annecy: prolonging the enchantment
The immediate proximity of Annecy, just ten minutes from the animal park, gives you the opportunity to extend this getaway by discovering one of the most beautiful cities in the Alps. Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps" for its romantic canals and unspoilt architecture, Annecy and its lake form an exceptional heritage setting.
Discovering Annecy's heritage
The old town, with its cobbled streets, colourful houses with flower-filled balconies and bridges spanning the crystal-clear canals, is an invitation to stroll and discover.
The famous Palais de l'Islea former prison that has become a symbol of the city, and Annecy castle which dominates the city, all bear witness to a rich historical heritage.
Gastronomy and the Savoyard spirit
For food lovers, Annecy is also the perfect place to discover authentic Savoyard specialities such as fondue, féra and omble chevalier (arctic char) and gâteau de Savoie (Savoy cake). Numerous restaurants offer menus featuring local produce, to complete this immersion in local Alpine culture.
Lake Annecyrenowned for the purity of its waters, also offers a wealth of opportunities for walks or water sports activities, depending on the season, adding an aquatic dimension to a day already rich in discoveries.
A return to natural sources
This excursion to the Parc Animalier de La Grande Jeanne is part of the a responsible and authentic approach to tourismperfectly in keeping with the spirit of Chalet Ararat. It reconnects us with the essential values of respect for nature and creates a harmonious contrast with the refinement and comfort of the chalet.
Observing Alpine fauna in its natural environment is a reminder of the importance of conservation. preserving these fragile ecosystems and the rich heritage of the Alps. This kind of awareness-raising, which is particularly valuable for the very young, is part of an educational approach that considerably enriches the mountain experience.
Returning to Chalet Ararat at the end of the day, with memories of these exceptional animal encounters still fresh, guests can fully appreciate the comfort of their luxury accommodation, while keeping in mind these moments of natural authenticity. This balance between refinement and simplicity, between modern comfort and a return to our roots, is the very essence of a successful mountain holiday.
An invitation to discover
This tour offers the opportunity to enrich your stay with a cultural and natural dimension creating lasting, authentic memories.
In an age when authenticity is becoming increasingly rare, this small animal sanctuary is a reminder of the importance of preserving these areas where wildlife can roam in semi-liberty. This experience, which is both educational and emotionally stimulating, has been a great success.e, is the perfect complement to the luxury and refinement of Chalet Ararat, creating a truly complete stay that satisfies all senses and aspirations.
The excellence of a stay in Megève is measured not only by the comfort of the accommodation or the quality of the services, but also by the wealth of discoveries and experiences on offer. The Parc Animalier de La Grande Jeanne fits in perfectly with this philosophy, offering families a wonderful escape into the natural authenticity of the French Alps.