Zoos and animal parks in Paris Region

Vincennes Zoo, which goes by the official name of Paris Zoological Park, has to be the capital’s most iconic zoo. Located in the Vincennes woods, this zoo offers an immersive experience with five biozones representing the world’s different ecosystems. Here you can see giraffes, lions, monkeys and many other fascinating species. The park also has information booths and organises educational activities for children as well as various shows.

If you love the idea of going on safari without leaving France, the Thoiry Safari Zoo is the ideal place. This animal park just an hour from Paris promises a unique experience. You’ll drive through the park’s different enclosures to see the animals roaming in semi-captivity. Imagine travelling among giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses and lions in the comfort of your own vehicle. The life of Tarzan on the outskirts of Paris, now that can’t be bad!

But the Thoiry Safari Zoo has even more to offer. Here, kids rule. They can whiz over the lions’ enclosure on a zipwire, play crazy golf, walk around the zoo or have fun in the play area and maze, for the ultimate immersive experience.

If you’d rather take to the woods, try the Bois d’Attilly Zoological Park in Seine-et-Marne. Set in a lovely peaceful haven of green, deep in the forest, this zoo is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Take a walk along the shaded paths and observe the lynxes, coyotes, bears and other animals in their well-adapted, spacious enclosures. Informative panels and educational activity stations are dotted along the route to tell you more about the different species.

In the heart of the capital city, the Jardin des Plantes features a charming little zoo that will delight children and adults alike, the Menagerie. This historical zoo managed by the National Natural History Museum is a unique place where you can see some rare and exotic species. Admire the Malayan tapirs, Caribbean flamingoes and Amur leopards, all in a peaceful, lush green environment.

The Jardin des Plantes also organises educational activities and guided tours to help you improve your knowledge about wildlife and plants. Children can join the interactive workshops and unveil the secrets of biodiversity. Besides the zoo, the Jardin des Plantes itself is an ideal place for a family outing.

For something more local and interactive, the educational farms of Île-de-France offer an immersive experience on the theme of agriculture and farm animals. The Paris Farm in the woods of Vincennes is perfect for a family outing. This is truly a peace haven where children can get close to the sheep, hens, rabbits and many more animals. Free activities and guided tours are organised on a regular basis, so children and adults can learn the secrets of life on the farm.

You can enjoy a similar experience, but with an even more educational focus, in Val-d’Oise, at the Écancourt Farm. Here, children can take part in gardening workshops, learn to milk the cows and even find out how cheese is made. Each visit is designed to be both informative and fun, to help children grasp the importance of farming while enjoying themselves.

Near Versailles, the Gally Farm is another destination that families love. This farm organises a whole range of activities for children, including fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, pony rides and opportunities to meet the farm animals. Walk through the vast gardens, learn about herbs and seasonal flowers, and join a workshop to learn to cook with fresh produce from the farm.

Last but not least, the National Sheepfold of Rambouillet is a historical place where you can get a feel for life on a French farm. The children can observe the sheep, see the birth of the lambs from September to February, or of the baby goats in spring. This exceptional site also hosts exhibitions and activities relating to the history of agriculture and livestock farming in France.
vreaux au printemps et d’agneaux de septembre à février. Ce site exceptionnel propose aussi des expositions et des animations sur l’histoire de l’agriculture et de l’élevage en France

For a truly unique and magical experience, the Butterfly House in La Queue-lez-Yvelines is an absolute must. This tropical hothouse is home to hundreds of exotic butterflies. Walking around, you can observe close up the butterfly’s lifecycle, from caterpillar to imago, and see a variety of tropical plants that create the perfect habitat for these vulnerable insects.

The Butterfly House also offers guided tours and activities for children eager to learn more about butterflies and the important role they play in the ecosystem. The surrounding gardens make a lovely peaceful setting* for a family walk. There are play areas and picnic spots where you can relax and enjoy the wonders of nature.

The cost of admission to the zoos and animal parks varies with the scale of the site and the services and facilities available. In general, admission costs between €15 and €35 per adult, and in many cases is reduced for children. Family rates and yearly season tickets are also available for many of these parks. Opening hours vary from season to season, so don’t hesitate to check the park websites before planning your visit.