Zoos and aquariums have been a favorite excursion of adults and children for generations.
Many of these locations focus on educating visitors while allowing them to explore the gems of our planet and save species from the destruction of man.
Other zoos and aquariums treat and care for injured animals so they can be released back into the wild once healthy.
The best zoos and aquariums balance animal welfare with research and education while delivering enjoyment and delight to visitors worldwide.
France has a variety of excellent zoos and aquariums that visitors and locals should not miss when traveling to different areas of the country.
Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos and aquariums in France!
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Best Zoos and Aquariums in France
11: Aquarium du Perigord Noir
As the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, the Aquarium du Perigord Noir features over 6,000 fish swimming in open-air pools.
Visitors can upgrade their experience with VIP tickets, including a fun and interactive fish-feeding experience.
On the 25th anniversary of the park in 2014, the aquarium opened a Louisiana swamp, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with scary animals like alligators, crocodiles, sharks, and other sharp-toothed animals!
10: Mulhouse Zoological Park
Situated in the Grand Est region, the Mulhouse Zoological Park was first launched in 1868 and was purchased by the city of Mulhouse in 1893.
In 2014, the zoo was rated the 11th largest in the country, with over 400,000 visitors annually.
The park is nationally known as the “remarkable garden” because of its extensive botanical collections, including rhododendrons gardens, peonies, irises, and incredible trees.
The park is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
The park boasts over 900 animals across 170 species on display and 3,500 plant varieties.
Combining flora and fauna on a single property is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how nature works as an interdependent ecosystem.
9: Cerza Safari Park
Also called the Cerza Zoological Park, this zoo is in the Normandy region of the country and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
From 2004 to 2014, the zoo had an average attendance of 274,000 visitors, which continues to grow today.
Founded in 1986 by Thierry Jardin, the Cerza Safari Park is well-maintained and hosts countless species for a full day of family fun.
The grounds feature large paths that are well-designated, so guests don’t get lost.
Popular animals include giraffes, hippos, lions, and tigers in native habitats.
One of the most popular park attractions is the 25-minute train ride that winds through the property
. Other animal encounter opportunities include giraffe feedings and meetings with goats and kangaroos.
In addition, the tropical greenhouse with snakes, turtles, fish, and alligators cannot be missed.
8: Safari de Peaugres
Located in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, Safari de Peaugres is one of the area’s largest and most visited attractions.
Opening in 1974, the park features 1,000 total animals representing 134 species from four continents.
These include gazelles, zebras, bush pigs, polar bears, sea lions, cheetahs, tigers, and elephants.
The zoo is part of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, which means the animals are treated humanely and have a high standard of living.
Fun children’s activities include Safari challenges, water games, and 4 Pencils, alongside extensive educational activities.
The newest park attractions are 4 x 4 vehicles to get close to the African animals, moonlight walks, and a treasure hunt, which is a great bonding experience for families.
7: Parc Zoologique de Paris
As part of the National Museum of Natural History in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Parc Zoologique de Paris was created to complement the Menagerie du Jarin des plantes and allow visitors to observe animal behavior in a natural environment.
Opened in 1934, the park boasts an artificial 200-foot rock, which offers a stunning view of the property.
The zoo also includes a massive greenhouse sheltering various tropical plants and generating an artificial rainforest climate.
Animals are housed in five biozones, including Africa, Amazonia-Guyana, Europe, Madagascar, and Patagonia.
The zoo boasts many attractions and activities like discovery tours, overnight camps, animal feeding, wildlife meetings, and guided tours.
6: Le Zoo de la Palmyre
Founded in 1966, La Palmyre Zoo is one of the busiest attractions within the Charente-Maritime region.
Over 700,000 guests visit the zoo every year to discover the 1,600 animals that call the park home.
These animals range from carnivorous species from Asia and Africa, like lions, tigers, and cheetahs, to marine mammals, like sea lions, polar bears, and otters.
In addition, various reptiles can be found within the retile sections of the park.
The zoo also offers visitors the opportunity to view a colorful variety of birds, including royal cranes, ostriches, flamingos, and penguins.
Le Zoo de la Palmyre also organizes shows throughout the day and plays a critical role in the conservation of endangered species and providing environmental education and scientific research.
5: Planet Ocean
In Montpellier‘s Odysseum shopping center, Planet Ocean is a watery voyage mixed with a space odyssey.
Children love the interactive nature of the exhibits, which will hold their attention throughout the day.
One of the best attractions includes a cargo ship simulation battling stormy ocean waters.
The aquarium also offers tours of fish tanks and stargazing in the International Space Station exhibition.
Cost 18 Euros for adults and 12.50 Euros for children, this is one of the unique aquariums in France and a do-not-miss when in the area!
4: Reserve Africaine de Sigean
Started in 1974 in Sigean in the south of France, the Reserve Africaine de Sigean is home to over 3,800 animals across 160 species.
It is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, both of which help the zoo maintain high standards.
This location boasts four massive spaces dedicated to the African savannah and large animals like lions and bears.
Another area within the park features meerkats, wild dogs, and chimpanzees.
Since 1974, the zoo has had a whopping 10,000 births across countless animals.
The most popular attractions include the polar bear show, the parrot show, and the massive gorillas.
3: Zoo de la Fleche
Opened in 1946 between Anger and Le Mans in La Fleche, the Zoo de la Fleche is one of the five largest in France and a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria as well as the Association Francaise des Parcs Zoologiques.
Additionally, since 2014, the zoo has been on the television show Une Saison au zoo, which has helped boost the park’s reputation, doubling attendance.
Zoo de la Fleche has one of the largest collections in the country, with 1,600 animals representing 160 species.
Some of the most popular species include turtles, anacondas, Chilean flamingos, giant anteaters, chimpanzees, white lions, grizzly bears, Sumatran tigers, black panthers, and white wolves.
In 2019, the zoo opened the Tigers of Sumatra space on the Asian plain.
2: Nausicaa Aquarium
With over 60,000 marine animals, the Nausicaa Aquarium is the largest in Europe and one of the biggest in the world.
Some of the aquarium’s most popular residents include hammerhead sharks and stingrays that whip past visitors while walking down the underwater tunnel.
The primary focus of the aquarium is highlighting the degradation of the global marine environment and the importance of aquatic conservation.
Visitors receive extensive education on the various animals at the aquarium in a fun and interactive environment rivaled by other massive global aquariums.
1: ZooParc de Beauval
With over 900,000 annual visitors since 2012, the ZooParc de Beauval is located in the stunning Loire region, which can be visited within a day from Paris.
As the most visited attraction in the region and one of the country’s five most visited zoological institutions, this zoo is considered one of the top 10 in the world.
With over 3,000 rare animals ranging from koalas and giant pandas to giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and other exotic animals, the ZooParc de Beauval was the first zoo in the country to present leucistic big cats, like white lions and tigers, during the 1990s.
Interesting attractions in the zoo include On China Heights, the Hippos Reserve, and the Sea Lion Basin.
11 Best Zoos and Aquariums in France – Summary Table
| Zoos and Aquarium | Address |
|---|---|
| Aquarium du Perigord Noir | 99 All. Paul-Jean Souriau, 24260 Le Bugue, France |
| Mulhouse Zoological Park | 111 Av. de la 1ère Division Blindée, 68100 Mulhouse, France |
| Cerza Safari Park | D143, 14100 Hermival-les-Vaux, France |
| Safari de Peaugres | D821, 07340 Peaugres, France |
| Parc Zoologique de Paris | Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France |
| Le Zoo de la Palmyre | 6 Av. de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes, France |
| Planet Ocean | Centre commercial Odysseum, All. Ulysse, 34000 Montpellier, France |
| Reserve Africaine de Sigean | 19 Ham. du Lac D6009, 11130 Sigean, France |
| Zoo de la Fleche | Le Tertre Rouge, 72200 La Flèche, France |
| Nausicaa Aquarium | Bd Sainte-Beuve, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France |
| ZooParc de Beauval | Av. du Blanc, 41110 Saint-Aignan, France |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest zoo in France?
The ZooParc de Beauval houses the country’s largest collection of animals and species.
Located in the center of the country, the Zoo parc de Beauval boasts over 5,700 animals representing 600 species, making it an excellent destination for adults and children to explore nature.
Is the Paris Zoo worth visiting?
Paris is steeped in beautiful architecture, extensive history, and top-notch food.
While visiting and enjoying the sights and sounds, you should not miss the Paris Zoological Park.
Featuring different biozones, the park helps visitors discover various ecosystems while learning how to respect the animal’s natural environment.
Which aquarium is considered the best in Europe?
Besides being the biggest in Europe, the Nausicaa Aquarium is also considered the best because of the 58,000 marine species that call the location home.
Visitors can spend days at the aquarium to catch a glimpse of every aquatic creature.
What is the largest aquarium in France?
With over 10 million liters of tank space, the Nausicaa Aquarium is the largest in France and the entire European continent.
Best of all, it’s located in Boulogne-sur-Mer in the stunning northern section of France.
