Monkey Mountain in Alsace (Kintzheim)

On the wooded heights of Kintzheim, near Sélestat, on the road up to Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, Monkey Mountain (La Montagne des Singes) is home to more than 200 Barbary macaques living in semi-freedom in around 24 hectares of forest. There are no cages here: it’s the visitors who follow a marked trail among the monkeys. An ideal family outing during a stay in central Alsace.

A pioneering park, open since 1969

The park was founded in 1969 by Gilbert de Turckheim and Jacques Renaud, with what was then an innovative idea: to let an endangered species of monkey live in relative freedom in a forest habitat. The concept later spread: the Forêt des Singes in Rocamadour opened in 1974 and, in 1986, several hundred macaques from these parks were reintroduced into Morocco. The Barbary macaque, also known as the Barbary ape, is native to the cedar forests of Morocco and Algeria; it is an endangered species, and the park takes part in programmes raising awareness of its conservation.

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What is the visit like?

• A forest trail crosses the macaques’ territory, and you watch them from just a few metres away: youngsters at play, grooming, naps in the trees.
• At the entrance you’re given popcorn, which you can offer to the monkeys on an open palm, only along the designated route.
• Keepers and guides regularly give talks at feeding times and answer questions about the macaques’ social life.
• Allow about 1½ to 2 hours to enjoy the trail at a family pace.

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Good habits during your visit

• Follow the staff’s instructions and stay on the path.
• Don’t stroke the monkeys, and don’t give them anything other than the food handed out at the entrance.
• Put away bags, glasses and shiny objects: macaques are curious and light-fingered.
• Wear good shoes: the trail runs through the forest on a gentle slope.

Practical information

The park is seasonal: it usually opens in late March and closes in mid-November, with opening hours that vary according to the time of year (open all day in summer, with a possible midday break early in the season). Prices change every year, so check the official Montagne des Singes website or the Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg tourist office before you come. The park is reached by car from Kintzheim, and there is a car park at the entrance. The most pleasant visits are in spring and early autumn, when the forest is cool and the young macaques are very active.

Nearby attractions

Make the most of your trip by combining other sights in the area: the Volerie des Aigles eagle park, set in the ruins of Kintzheim castle, and nearby Haut-Koenigsbourg castle. For a nature day with the children, the NaturOparC in Hunawihr lets you watch storks up close. See also our page Visiting Kintzheim and our ideas for family holidays.

FAQ

Where is Monkey Mountain?

In Kintzheim (Bas-Rhin), near Sélestat, on the road to Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.

How long has it been open?

The park opened in 1969.

How long does the visit take?

Allow about 1½ to 2 hours.

Can you feed the monkeys?

Yes, but only with the popcorn handed out at the entrance and following the instructions; you must not stroke them or give them any other food.

When is the park open?

From roughly late March to mid-November; check the dates and that day’s opening hours on the official website before your visit.

Enzo

Hi, I'm Enzo! I'm the guy who loves lacing up his hiking boots to explore the rugged trails of the Vosges. Passionate about nature and photography, I take you along through articles that capture the scent of fir forests and the charm of mountain lakes. I live for those moments when the sun rises over the Haut-Koenigsbourg or when I stumble upon an authentic inn along the way. My goal? To inspire you to get out, breathe in the fresh Alsatian air, and always have a great spot for a tarte flambée to share at the end of the day.

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