which are important in high energy physics, were written here. Coupeau and La Flatière Opposite Les Houches (across the River Arve, but forming part of the commune) is the small village of Coupeau. A circuitous road climbs high through the village and leads for some three miles all the way up to the foot of its own mountain, l'Aiguillette, at the foot of which lies another small village, La Flatière, well known across the valley for its panoramic views, and a little Christian hermitage. From here many paths wander through the mountains. One scenic path leads to an old sheepfold, called Chailloux. Coupeau has sun all year round, whereas Les Houches for the most part, remains in the shade in the winter. At the heart of the village of Coupeau is the Merlet animal park, which draws many visitors each year. Here visitors can see llamas as well as local types of deer, rams, and marmots. Below the animal park, a four-storey high statue of Jesus Christ overlooks the valley, its right arm outstretched as if greeting newcomers entering the valley below. Sister cities Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia Notable people Itamar Biran (born 1998) - Israeli Olympic alpine ski racer, lives and trains in Les Houches. Professor Jean Delumeau, historian, stays frequently in Les Houches, where he practises mountaineering. Catherine Destivelle, mountaineer. Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Nobel Prize for Physics, came to study and teach at the Physics School of Les Houches (l'École de Physique des Houches). Marie Paradis (1778-1839), the first woman to climb Mont Blanc (in July 1808). Sights and attractions The Bellevue chair lift (entered service in 1936) The Statue of Jesus Christ (inaugurated 19 August 1934) The Musée Montagnard, housed in an 18th-century building, which has as its theme of the traditional mountain habitat Gallery See also Communes of the Haute-Savoie department Les Houches Accords References External links Les Houches Tourism Office Official site of largest mountain infrastructure in the Chamonix valley - first hand lift & piste info, lift passes, avalanche risk, etc l'École de Physique des Houches Communes of Haute-Savoie Ski resorts in France