France is home to a large number of zoos and animal parks that showcase the country's wildlife. Le Petit Futé has compiled a list of these "theaters of dreams" for young and old, which should fill you with wonder. From marine animals to jungle wildcats and mountain dwellers, zoos are a great way to see some of the species that often live in faraway lands and that we don't always get the chance to get close to. With zoos scattered all over France, we hope that by the end of this top list of the most beautiful zoos in France, you'll be inspired to plan a trip with your family to one of these starry-eyed parks!
1. ZooParc de Beauval, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher
Beauval Zoo © Daniel X D - Adobe Stock
Located in Saint-Aignan, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, the Beauval zoo is considered one of the most beautiful zoos in France, and is even ranked among the 15 most beautiful zoos in the world. Here you can discover an impressive diversity of animals from all over the world. In all, more than 10,000 animals belonging to almost 600 different species live together in this vast space, much to the delight of visitors. ZooParc de Beauval is much more than just a zoo: it's a conservation center dedicated to the animal cause. Our teams are actively involved in preserving endangered species such as giant pandas, white tigers, gorillas and many others. A real success story!
The article to read: Tips and tricks for organizing your day at Beauval Zoo and What to do around Beauval Zoo? 17 ideas for visits.
Book your admission ticketstake advantage of our partner's special rates by booking your tickets for ZooParc de Beauval here !
How do I get to Beauval Zoo?
Depending on your point of departure, take the A10 freeway towards Bordeaux or Paris(or the A6 towards Paris) , then the A71towards Clermont-Ferrand. Exit at junction 3 (Salbris) and follow the signs for ZooParc de Beauval. By train, get off at Tours station, then change for a TER train to Saint-Aignan-Noyers. Once there, you can take a cab or shuttle to the ZooParc de Beauval.
2. Océanopolis, Brest
Océanopolis© Océanopolis
Head for Brittany to discover the inhabitants of the oceans in one of France's most beautiful zoos. Océanopolis is a large aquarium and leisure park, with three themed pavilions recreating polar, tropical and temperate environments. Unique in Europe, the aquarium combines science and wonder. The park can easily be visited in 3 hours or half a day, and offers the chance to see sharks, otters, penguins and a multitude of colorful warm-water fish. The site also boasts a number of partnerships around the world to help preserve the marine environment.
You might also be interested in Top 19 theme parks in France
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How do I get to Océanopolis in Brest?
Depending on your point of departure, take the A11 freeway towards Rennes, then the A81, A82 or A84 freeways towards Brest. Then follow the signs to Océanopolis. By train, get off at Brest station, then take streetcar line A towards Porte de Plouzané and get off at the "Porte de Plouzané" stop.
3. La Palmyre Zoo, Les Mathes
La Palmyre Zoo© F. PERROUX _ La Palmyre Zoo
France's largest private zoo, located near Royan in Charente-Maritime, was created in 1966 by Claude Caillé, an animal lover whose dream was to open a zoo. Covering 18 hectares, the park aims to protect endangered species and ensure the comfort of its many residents. There are six categories of animals in the park: mammals, birds, reptiles, primates, ungulates and carnivores. As part of its commitment to preserving species around the world, the zoo also sends staff to the park, including educators, caretakers and veterinarians.
How do I get to La Palmyre Zoo?
Take the A83 freeway towards Niort, then the A10 towards Saintes. Take exit 35 towards Royan, then follow the signs for Les Mathes and Zoo de la Palmyre. By train, get off at La Rochelle and then take a bus.
4. Le Pal, Dompierre-sur-Besbre: one of France's finest zoos
Le Pal© Le Pal
Le Pal offers a unique experience in France, combining thrills and animal encounters. In 2024, the park inaugurated its highest attraction: the Fjord Explorer, an aquatic roller coaster , with a climb to a height of almost 30 meters, followed by a spectacular 20-meter descent into a lake. You'll also have the chance to see the bird nursery, the valley of the wolves, the bay of the seals, the red pandas, the jungle of the Asian big cats, the penguins of Cape Town... and toattend the animal snacks and three superb animal shows, including, for the first time in Europe, hippopotamuses from the Great Lakes of Africa, pelicans and panthers from Sri Lanka. And if you want to continue the adventure beyond just one day, you can also rent a lodge in the heart of the savannah and in the middle of the lakes, for the pleasure of waking up to a view of wild animals!
The article to read: Tips and tricks to prepare your day at the Pal Zoo
Book your ticketsclick here to book your tickets for Zoo du Pal in just a few clicks.
How do I get to Le Pal Zoo?
Depending on your point of departure, take the A6 freeway to Paris, then the A77 to Nevers or directly to Moulins. Take exit 37 towards Dompierre-sur-Besbre and follow the signs. By train, get off at Moulins-sur-Allier station and take a shuttle.
5. Vallée des singes, Romagne
Not far from Poitiers isone of Europe's largest zoos dedicated to monkeys, offering the chance to discover the fascinating world of primates in unique and privileged conditions. It is the only zoo in France to house Bonobos or Pygmy Chimpanzees(Pan paniscus). You'll also have the pleasure of walking through lush green alleys, where some non-aggressive monkeys won't hesitate to come and see what's in a walker's pocket. So keep your wits about you. And don't forget to take part in the primate feedings - the chimpanzee feeding is particularly captivating.
Booking admission ticketsclick here to book your tickets for La Vallée des Singes quickly and easily.
How do I get to Monkey Valley?
Depending on your point of departure, take the A83 freeway towards Niort, then the A10 towards Poitiers, Paris or Bordeaux, before taking exit 30 towards Couhé. By train, get off at Poitiers station and take a shuttle.
6. Zoo de la Flèche: one of France's finest zoos
Since its creation in 1946, La Flèche Zoo has continued to distinguish itself as one of the finest zoos in France. Here, animal welfare and visitor care are top priorities. Our teams strive to create a friendly and constantly evolving atmosphere, while respecting the animals from all over the world who have found refuge here. The La Flèche Zoo's commitment is expressed through four key missions: educating the public, entertaining with innovative, animal-friendly activities, contributing to the preservation of species, and conducting research. The La Flèche Zoo also offers visitors the chance to put themselves in the shoes of a zookeeper, with shows to entertain young and old alike, and has set itself the goal of informing visitors so that they can become aware of the need to protect endangered species around the world.
The article to read: Tips and tricks for planning your day at La Flèche Zoo
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How do I get to La Flèche Zoo?
Take the A81 freeway to Le Mans, then the A11 to Paris or directly to La Flèche. Take exit 11 towards La Flèche and follow the signs. By train, get off at Le Mans station and take a TER train to La Flèche. Once there, you can walk to the Zoo.
7. Sainte-Croix animal park, near Sarrebourg
Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix © Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix
Near Sarrebourg, on the banks of the Etang du Stock, discover the Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix, a unique place of wonder, discovery and encounter, dedicated to wildlife. It all began in 1980, when farmer Gérald Singer transformed his farm into a wildlife park. Today, five universes invite you to discover the 1,500 animals that live on nearly 130 hectares of nature. Animal discovery is facilitated by a variety of educational tools: safari train tours, nature guides, educational panels, adventure trails, events and shows throughout the year, notably in summer, at Easter, during the fall stag bellow, at Halloween and in winter.
Book your ticketsclick here to book your tickets for the Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix quickly and easily.
How do I get to the Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix?
take the A4 freeway towards Metz, then continue on the A4 towards Strasbourg. Take exit 43 towards Sarrebourg, then follow the signs. By train, get off at Strasbourg station and take a TER train to Sarrebourg. Once there, take a shuttle bus.
8. Thoiry Zoo, Yvelines
This is one of the most beautiful zoos in France: 40 km from Paris, in the grounds of the Château de Thoiry, this extraordinary place is renowned the world over and well deserves its place in our top list of the most beautiful zoos in France. When it opened in 1968, on the idea of Count Paul de La Panouse,Thoiry Zoo was the first zoo in Europe to welcome animals in semi-liberty. Unlike conventional zoos, visitors can drive among 20 species of free-roaming African herbivores. And for a unique experience, don't hesitate to climb aboard a bush truck for commentary from experienced guides. A big plus: ziplines to fly over the animals.
The article to read: Tips and tricks for organizing your day at Thoiry ZooSafari
Book your ticketstake advantage of our partner's special rates by booking your Thoiry Zoo ticketshere!
How do I get to Thoiry Zoo?
take the A10 freeway towards Paris, then the A13 towards Rouen (or directly the A13 towards Paris or Rouen, depending on your point of departure). Take exit 10 towards Thoiry and follow the signs. By train, head for Mantes-la-Jolie. Once there, take a shuttle bus.
9. Marineland, Antibes
Europe's largest marine center, home to thousands of specimens. Parc Marineland 's mission is to present marine life in an educational, entertaining and spectacular way, to help visitors discover the richness and diversity of the marine world. The park places a strong emphasis on information, notably with a 5D cinema that plunges visitors into the world of marine animals. The 30-metre-long shark tunnel crosses a giant aquarium, bringing visitors face-to-face with the sharks. Dolphin, orca and sea lion shows punctuate the day, and many other species can be seen in the various aquariums and basins.
The question of the captivity of these wild animals is often debated. Whether or not you agree with Marineland's concept, it remains a unique place.
Book your ticketsclick here to book your tickets for Marineland.
How to get to Marineland
Take the A6 freeway to Lyon, then the A7 to Marseille, and finally the A8 to Nice, then follow the signs for "Marineland" to Antibes. By train, take a TGV or TER to Antibes station. From there, take a cab or shuttle to Marineland.
10. Paris Zoo
Take a unique journey to meet over 2,000 animals on an immersive tour. Formerly known as Zoo de Vincennes, the Paris Zoological Park offers a journey through 5 biozones: Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Guyana, Madagascar and Patagonia. Among the animals you'll come across are the Darwin's rhea, the oryx, the green basilisk, the lemur, the maki catta and the dwarf cuvier caiman. The park also offers a memorable experience: breakfast before the park opens, in the company of the giraffes. It's an opportunity to get to know a fascinating animal.
The article to read: Top 10 museums to visit in Paris with children
Book your ticketsclick here to book your tickets for the Parc zoologique de Paris.
How do I get to the Parc zoologique de Paris?
Take the A4 freeway towards Paris, then follow the signs for Porte Dorée and Bois de Vincennes (if you're coming from Paris, take the périphérique directly and exit at Porte Dorée). By metro, take metro line 1 towards Château de Vincennes and get off at "Porte Dorée" station. It's a 10-minute walk from there.
11. Zoo de la Boissière du Doré: one of the most beautiful zoos in France
thorsten - Adobe Stock
Zoo de la Boissière du Doré, also known as "Zoo de la Boissière", is an animal park located near Nantes, more precisely in La Boissière du Doré, Loire-Atlantique. This family zoo is one of France's most renowned zoological parks. It is home to a wide variety of animal species, from local fauna to exotic animals, and plays a crucial role in preserving the world's biodiversity. Lions, bears, tigers: almost every year, new animals and worlds open their doors as the Zoo de la Boissière expands. The park took a significant step forward in 1994 when it joined the European Breeding Programs, thus committing itself to the reproduction of endangered species.
Anecdote: You can sleep in Africa Lodges, which offer the chance to spend a night in a perched house, as close as possible to the animals.
The article to read: Tips and tricks for organizing your day at La Boissière du Doré Zoo
Book your admission ticketstake advantage of our partner's special rates by booking your tickets for the Boissière du Doré Zoo here.
How do I get to the Boissière du Doré Zoo?
Depending on your point of departure, take the A84 or A11 freeway towards Nantes, then continue on the A11 towards Cholet. Take exit 24 towards Clisson, then follow the signs. By train, head for Nantes, then take a TER train to Clisson. Once at the station, take a shuttle bus.
12. the Sigean African Reserve
Nestled between Narbonne and Perpignan, the Réserve Africaine de Sigean invites you to discover a unique wild universe over 350 hectares. This vast natural area is home to several thousand animals, some of which live in semi-liberty, allowing them to retain their wild character and live according to their instincts. The Réserve Africaine de Sigean is committed to the conservation of endangered species, making every visit an educational adventure that respects nature. Part of your visit will be by car, covering around seven kilometers for a memorable safari. Then, three hours on foot will allow you to observe the wildlife up close.
The article to read: Tips and tricks for organizing your day at the Réserve Africaine de Sigean
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How to get to La Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
Take the A6 freeway towards Lyon, then continue on the A7 towards Marseille. Take the A9 towards Montpellier, then continue on the A9 towards Perpignan. Take exit 38 for Sigean and follow the signs for the Réserve Africaine de Sigean. From Toulouse, take the A61 towards Narbonne, then the A9 towards Perpignan. By train, get off at Narbonne and take a shuttle bus.
13. Peaugres Safari (Ardèche): one of France's finest zoos
One of the most beautiful zoos in France: take a safari in Ardèche to discover exotic animals and the wealth of biodiversity to be preserved. The 900 animals at the Safari Parc de Peaugres are either born on site or come from zoos in France and abroad. The park raises public awareness of ecological issues, campaigns for the environment and denounces threats to biodiversity. Peaugres covers some 80 hectares and offers visitors two routes: one by car and one on foot. By car, you can approach the animals in their natural environment. On foot, the show is just as fascinating, with animals from every continent, an aquatic area, a vivarium and a glass tunnel in the feline enclosure.
The article to read: What to do and see in Ardèche The 15 most beautiful places
Book your ticketstake advantage of our partner's by booking here your tickets for the Peaugres Safari.
How do I get to Peaugres Safari?
Take the A6 freeway towards Lyon, then continue on the A7 towards Valence. Then take the A7 towards Marseille, then exit 12 towards Tain-l'Hermitage. By train, get off at Valence TGV station and take a shuttle.
14. Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark: the world's only cave zoo!
The Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine deserves its place in our top list of the most beautiful zoos in France. The Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine is the only troglodytic zoo in the world , and was even voted 2nd most beautiful zoo in Europe! Committed to the protection of endangered species, over 1,800 animals live here in an exceptional natural setting , with lush vegetation, waterfalls and tunnels carved into the cliffs. Take a look at the animals' natural behaviours: there's no training here, just the spectacle of nature! Several areas, including the Carnivore Crater, offer spectacular views of Africa's most emblematic wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, meerkats, otocyons..
Must-read article: Tips and tricks for organizing your day at the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark
Book your ticketstake advantage of our partner's by booking here your entrance tickets to the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark.
How do I get to the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark?
Take the A81 freeway towards Le Mans, then the A11 towards Angers (or directly the A11 towards Nantes or Paris, depending on your point of departure). Take exit 18 for Saumur, then follow the signs for Doué-la-Fontaine and the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark. By train, get off at Angers, then take a TER train to Saumur, and finally a shuttle bus.
15. Branféré animal and botanical park in Le Guerno
This park is a place of wonder, offering visitors of all ages an unforgettable day out in nature. A wildlife and botanical park, Branféré is home to 1,400 semi-liberty animals from all five continents. The program includes a free-flying bird show, an exploration of the primate archipelago, a visit to the marine area with the giraffes of the African plain and the rhinoceroses of the Indian valley, and a stopover with the popcorn-loving wallabys. Feeding times are indicated in front of each enclosure, giving you the opportunity towatch the caretakers interact with their protégés. The more adventurous can venture into the Parcabout, with its 3,500 m² of suspended nets.
Read the article: What to do and see in Morbihan and its Gulf? Top 11 most beautiful spots
Book your ticketstake advantage of our partner's special rates by booking your tickets for Branféré animal and botanical park here.
How do I get to Branféré animal and botanical park?
- From Nantes, take the A83 freeway towards Vannes, then continue on the N165 towards Lorient. Take exit 37 for Muzillac.
- From Rennes, take the A84 freeway towards Caen, then exit 40 towards Vannes.
By train, get off at Vannes station , then take a shuttle to the animal park.
