Summer school holidays are here, offering grandparents the joy of quality time with grandchildren. Zoos top the list of kid-favorite attractions, thanks to their love for animals. As experienced family travel experts, we've curated the top 10 most stunning zoos in France for memorable outings. This list highlights exceptional parks prioritizing animal welfare and immersive experiences—though not exhaustive.
Near the Loire Valley châteaux, ZooParc de Beauval ranks among the world's finest and France's largest. Welcoming 450 births annually, it ensures animals thrive in spacious habitats. Explore vast exhibits, catch two must-see shows, and join daily activities. With 15 dining spots and two picnic areas, it's family-friendly. Spot over 800 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, including:
The star attraction? The beloved panda duo, captivating all ages. This year, Huan Huan, the female panda, is expecting twins in summer.
Just 15 km from Narbonne, this reserve surrounds the stunning 'Eye of Ca' pond. Opened in 1974, it's one of France's premier parks. Drive for an hour amid animals roaming freely—ostriches may tap your windows (keep them closed for safety). Admire:
In vast, natural enclosures, proceed to the lion and Tibetan bear park, then the final zone with:
Continue on foot for 2.5 hours, spotting cheetahs, camels, chimpanzees, chameleons, meerkats, reptiles, wolves, flamingos, and more. Dine onsite, picnic, or upgrade to a VIP minibus safari or VIP discovery day with workshops.
Near Royan in a pine forest, La Palmyre Zoo lets you wander amid 110 animal species across six categories:
Animals flourish here, with recent births of cheetahs, red ruffed lemurs, chimpanzees, zebras, mandrills, Brazza's monkeys, and more.
In central Sarthe, discover 120 species organized by continent—from Africa to Oceania. See elephants, cheetahs, monkeys, hippos, otters, seals, polar bears, wolves, red pandas, panthers, kangaroos, and more. Enjoy shows like penguin snacks, sea lion presentations, tiger encounters, giraffe feedings, and elephant meet-and-greets.
In a 17-hectare natural park near Metz, home to 2,000 animals amid bamboo and banana trees. View the world's largest holographic cinema and rare species like lovebirds panthers, cheetahs, pinché tamarins, and tamanduas. Actively conserving species, it celebrates frequent births. Must-sees: Sky Predators, Jungle Orangutan, Tropical Vivarium, Gorilla Camp, Peruvian Bay, Amazon Jungle, Sea Lion Bay, African Plain.
Near Paris, embark on a mini-safari by car amid over 100 free-roaming animals. Safely view lions up close via a glass tunnel. Explore the castle, plant maze, playgrounds, activities, and a little train. Dining includes self-service (Feb-Dec), sandwiches, and picnics.
Housing over 1,200 animals across 25 hectares, it specializes in Arctic fauna: polar bears, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, great gray owls. Also spot lemurs, South American primates, Asian big cats, and birds. Features a mini-farm for petting, plus snacks and picnics.
Spanning 60+ hectares in Hermival-les-Vaux, explore on foot, by small train, or mini-safari. Over 1,200 animals roam semi-freely: lions, giraffes, zebras, cervids, rhinos, antelopes, brown bears. Mini-farm delights kids; catering and sheltered picnics available.
Near Amboise in Val-de-Loire, ride the Autrèche safari train to see stags, boars, Corsican moufflons, deer, emus, rheas, ostriches, wallabies, bison. Dine on game at the inn, enjoy themed evenings, picnics. The baby ostrich nursery—from eggs to chicks—enchants all.
Minutes from Nantes, immerse in a 4x4 safari with lions, rhinos, ostriches, giraffes, impalas, cheetahs, tigers, black bears, bison, zebras, gnus, elephants, dromedaries, camels, hippos. Stay in lodges for sunset views from private terraces.
These zoos promise magical holidays, with well-cared-for animals receiving expert daily attention and species-appropriate diets. Grandkids will love feeding lambs or birds. Book now for the nearest park and create cherished memories.
