You’ve heard of ghost towns, but what about goat towns?
Les Lindarets in the French Alps is often referred to as ‘Goat Village’ – because during the summer months, it becomes overrun with ‘friendly’ goats that roam free and welcome passing tourists.
According to Vallee d’Aulps, a local tourism website, the goats are ‘always curious’ and ‘always hungry’ and visitors can buy special croquettes to feed them with from local shops.
In addition to its unique residents, the village, near the resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil ski area, boasts ancient chalets, cafes, restaurants and Alpine meadows reminiscent of a ‘bygone world’.
The village has become quite the tourist attraction and has gained a four out of five-star rating on Tripadvisor based on nearly 200 reviews.
Les Lindarets is often referred to as ‘Goat Village’ – because during the summer months, it becomes overrun with ‘friendly’ goats that roam free and welcome passing tourists
The picturesque hamlet is located in the French Alps near the resorts of Avoriaz and Morzine in the Portes du Soleil ski area
One reviewer, ‘Helen H’, wrote: ‘Brilliant chance to meet the mountain goats. This is well worth the trip to walk through the village and feed [them].
‘The shops sell goat food and the friendly goats will allow you to hand feed them, although some of the cheekier ones will definitely try to pinch the whole bag.’
User ‘susanann7’ described the village as a ‘delight’, noting that the ‘mountain views are stunning’. She added: ‘Children can feed the wandering goats and everyone has a smile on their face.’
According to Vallee d’Aulps website: ‘The Lindarets village is without a doubt a must for all families who come to this area to immerse themselves in an authentic experience.
The village has become quite the tourist attraction and has gained a four out of five-star rating on Tripadvisor. To get there, visitors have the option of driving or taking a Gondola lift from a nearby village
During the winter months, the goats live in their stables and the village transforms under a blanket of snow
‘Come discover a real local hamlet with its chalets, mountain pastures and their very own famous goats.’
To get to the village, visitors can drive 20 minutes from Morzine following the main road to Avoriaz, before turning off and heading up a winding steep road to Les Lindarets.
There’s also the option of taking the Ardent Gondola lift, located a 20-minute drive from Morzine, which takes visitors straight to the village.
During the winter months, the goats live in their stables and the village becomes partially hidden under a thick blanket of snow. The main road becomes a ski slope and is a popular stop-off point for skiers and snowboarders.