The Maine-et-Loire region has many treasures, and one of them is not to be missed: the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark. Hectares of land dedicated to animal conservation in all its forms await you at this exceptional zoo. During your stay in this beautiful region, come and discover animals from all over the world, while immersing yourself in the values held dear by those involved in this animal park. But be careful! Visiting such a place requires a minimum of organization if you want to make the most of it! Here are our tips and tricks for organizing your visit to the Doué-la-Fontaine park.
What is the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark?
The story of the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark is a moving family saga that began in 1961 on the initiative of Louis Gay. A restaurateur by trade, he discovered an abandoned quarry in Doué-la-Fontaine in 1960. Inspired by his childhood love of nature and animals, this was all it took for him to come up with a major project! Louis transformed the site into an exceptional park, revealing open-air quarries, caves and giant bamboo groves.
In 1972, his son Pierre brought a new perspective by turning the park towards nature conservation. The first step was the reintroduction of griffon vultures in 1983. Passionate and self-taught, Pierre met animal conservationists from all over the world. And the little family didn't stop there!
For the Bioparc's 40th anniversary, Pierre created the "Nature Projects", collaborating with local associations for the occasion. His credo is simple: "To save nature, you have to help people". The family adventure didn't stop there: in 2003, the founder's grandson, François Gay, became a landscape engineer in the family park. The result? A resolutely creative ensemble, while preserving the site's troglodytic soul.
Thus, the story of the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark is a passion handed down through three generations. In this unique, made-to-measure world, nature conservation and respect for the environment are at the heart of every action.
What are the must-sees at the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine?
Discover the different areas dedicated to the animals: XXL living zones, allowing these endangered species to flourish freely. On the map provided at the park entrance, you can easily find each zone:
- the African, European and American aviaries,
- the carnivore crater,
- the ghosts of the Himalayas,
- the giraffe camp,
- rhino valley,
- the okapi sanctuary,
- asian zone,
- leopard canyon,
- south American territory,
- Madagascar,
- reptiles.
The highlight of the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark? No training! The animals evolve at their own pace, allowing themselves to be observed in symbiosis with the park's staff, who are always ready to help you discover these magnificent species through their activities.
Children can also play games in the P'tit Journal, distributed on arrival. There's plenty to make your visit even more fun!
How long does it take to visit the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine?
Allow at least 4 hours to visit the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, especially if you're with adults. With children (or simply if you like to take your time), the whole day may be necessary. Ideally, you should arrive as soon as the park opens. Not only will you be able to start your visit with fewer visitors, but you'll have plenty of time to make the most of it.
This wide time window will also allow you to attend the various activities. These are posted at the entrance to the park, so you can plan ahead.
What are the fees and opening times for the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine?
The best way to organize your visit is to find out about opening times and prices.
Organizing your visit to the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark: how much does it cost?
Prices (given here for the year 2024) vary depending on the season, but also on where you buy your tickets:
Low season rates :
- Adults aged 11 and over: €25.50
- Between 3 and 10 years old: €20
High season rates :
- Adults and over 11s: €27
- Between 3 and 10 years old: €21
Opting to buy online? EBtickets give you access to a reduced rate:
- Adults and children aged 11 and over: €26 instead of €27
- Between 3 and 10 years: €20.50 instead of €21
Good news! during the Christmas vacations, you'll benefit from a 20% discount!
Another piece of good news (because it makes us happy): admission is free for children under 3.
Know the opening times to organize your visit to the Doué-la-Fontaine park
Although the zoo is closed during the winter months, it reopens during the Christmas vacations, from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., excluding public holidays. Once the park reopens definitively in February, here are its opening hours:
- february/March: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m,
- april/May/June: 9am to 7pm,
- july/August: 9 am to 7:30 pm,
- september: 9am to 7pm,
- october/November: 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m,
Great time slots, so you can get 100% out of this biopark run by passionate people!
Where can I buy tickets for the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark?
You can of course buy your tickets at the Biopark ticket office . However, it's best to book your tickets online right here, when planning your day at the Doué-la-Fontaine park. For one thing, you'll save a few euros (admittedly not a lot, but enough to buy yourself an ice cream with the few euros you've saved!).
Booking your tickets online also means you won't have to queue when you arrive on the day. In summer, this little point can be very important. And remember: less time wasted on arrival means more time to enjoy the park and its animals!
Where to eat at the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark?
A restaurant has found its place opposite the giraffe camp. While a dining room is of course available, in fine weather you can enjoy lunch on the panoramic terrace, overlooking the zebras and giraffes.
Good to know: you can book your table online, when organizing your visit to the Doué-la-Fontaine park.
For those on a tighter budget or looking for a quick bite to eat, 4 fast-food out lets are also available in the park. Picnicking is not permitted indoors, but a large picnic area with tables and chairs is available in front of the park. Just stamp your wrist before you leave, and off you go!
How do I get to the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark?
The Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark is just 15 minutes from Saumur and 30 minutes from Angers by car. Access routes include exit 14 of the A11 freeway from Paris, in the direction of Cholet-Poitiers-Niort, then the D748 in the direction of Poitiers-Niort. Alternatively, the A85 freeway from Tours offers exit no. 3 towards Saumur, with further direction towards Doué-la-Fontaine. The A87 freeway from La Roche-sur-Yon takes exit 22 towards Brissac-Quincé, leading to the Bioparc.
Are you the proud owner of an electric car? There's a Ouest Charge charging station just 200 m from the park entrance! Car-sharing facilities are also available nearby.
Do you prefer to travel by train? Head for Angers Saint-Laud station (42 km away) and Saumur station (22 km away). You can then take the bus, thanks to two regular lines: the 405 from Angers and the 406.
Last but not least, a little news awaits you. Since spring 2023, the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark has been part of the Accueil vélo network. As such, various services are offered to cyclists, with the aim of facilitating their cycling escapade. You can also take the loop from Saumur, part of which passes through Doué-la-Fontaine.
What to do and see around the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark?
If you're looking for fun, child-friendly places to visit, why not head for Terra Botanica, one of the wonders of the Maine-et-Loire region? Here, you'll be able to browse through animations, plant species and attractions in a park that's unique in the world. It's not for nothing that it's one of the 15 most beautiful places to see in Maine-et-Loire, along with theAbbaye de Fontevraud. The department also boasts a number of fine châteaux, including Château de Brissac, Saumur and Château d'Angers, all of which are must-sees in the region. If you're visiting the latter, be sure to check out the 15 must-sees in Angers, for a city break that's all about history with a capital H. After that, a nature break in the state-owned Chandelais forest offers a breath of fresh air in an enchanting setting.
The region is full of amazing places to visit, including very close to the biopark. Some of these exceptional places include :
- the troglodytes and sarcophagi of Doué-en-Anjou,
- the Musée aux Anciens Commerces,
- the Domaine de Pied-Flond,
- the Falun Mystery.
What about a hot-air balloon ride to round off the tour? Flying over the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire, the balloon takes you on a magical journey!
Once you start planning your visit to the Doué-la-Fontaine park, you'll realize that it deserves to be listed among France's finest zoos and animal parks! While the animal species on display are absolutely fascinating, so is the park's commitment to the environment. Everything here is designed to respect animals and the environment. And that's not to mention the vast spaces where the animals can flourish freely. We just love it!
