Les Marécottes is a village and mountain resort located in the municipality of Salvan, within the District of Saint-Maurice in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,110 meters (3,642 feet), the village occupies a terrace overlooking the Trient Valley.
The village is accessible via the Mont-Blanc Express, a narrow-gauge railway line that links Martigny, Switzerland, with Chamonix and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in France. This transport link, established in 1906, facilitated the development of the village as a destination for alpine tourism.
Les Marécottes is primarily recognized for its recreational and natural attractions:
- Zoo des Marécottes: Recognized as the highest alpine zoo in Europe, the facility spans 35,000 square meters. It houses various species native to the Alps, including black bears, wolves, lynx, marmots, and chamois.
- Alpine Swimming Pool: Located adjacent to the zoo, this swimming pool is carved directly into natural granite rock. It is notable for its integration into the landscape and its use of solar heating.
- Winter Sports: The village provides access to the Télé-Marécottes ski area. A gondola lift transports visitors to La Creusaz at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters. The area is utilized for alpine skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, offering views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Pennine Alps.
The local economy and infrastructure are heavily oriented toward seasonal tourism, supported by its proximity to larger regional hubs such as Martigny. Geologically, the area is characterized by the crystalline massifs of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Mont Blanc range.