Beauval Zoo: the most visited wildlife park in France
It is 9 a.m., the gates are opening, and the air already smells like the damp earth of the tropical greenhouses. Somewhere in the new Chinese sector, a golden monkey with a flamboyant coat leaps from branch to branch. Further along, a Komodo dragon keeps watch under the artificial canopy of the Dôme. Welcome to Saint-Aignan, where the largest zoological park in France shelters species from across the globe on 45 hectares (about 111 acres).
Why visit Beauval Zoo?
The story began in 1980 with Françoise Delord, an enthusiast who collected exotic birds in her Parisian apartment. Housing 300 birds between four walls proved difficult, so the family moved to the Loir-et-Cher region and opened an ornithological park at the site known as Beauval. At the time, the aviaries housed up to 2,000 birds.
Forty-five years later, the park has grown beyond all expectations. Ranked among the most beautiful zoos in the world, it now hosts more than 35,000 animals divided into 800 species. Each year, nearly 2 million visitors walk its shaded paths to encounter creatures not found anywhere else in France.
The park stars and their territories
Golden monkeys, the new stars of the park
At the end of 2025, Beauval turned a page in its history with the return to China of the giant pandas that had driven its reputation since 2012. But the zoo has not lost its privileged connection with the Middle Kingdom. An even rarer species has taken over: the golden monkeys, or golden snub-nosed monkeys.
This is the first time that this primate with a copper coat has left Asia to settle in a Western zoological park. These Chinese national treasures live in a space completely reimagined to recreate the mountainous forests of Sichuan.
The Equatorial Dome
Inaugurated in 2020, this glass giant is 38 meters high (125 feet) and covers nearly one hectare (2.5 acres). The temperature remains constant at 26°C (79°F) all year round. Inside, a spiral path of more than one kilometer (0.6 miles) winds between waterfalls, pools, and lush vegetation. You will encounter Komodo dragons, West Indian manatees, pygmy hippos, and giant otters. More than 200 species coexist in this tropical biotope where scarlet ibises and roseate spoonbills fly freely above visitors.
Pro tip: Visit the Dôme at the end of the day. The light fades, the crowds evaporate, and the animals become more active. The experience becomes almost contemplative.
Highlights of a day at Beauval
Two shows punctuate the visit from late March to mid-November. The Masters of the Air brings together parrots, pelicans, eagles, and sacred ibises in a free-flight ballet. The Sea Lion Odyssey showcases the agility of sea lions in an aquatic amphitheater. These performances are included in the admission ticket.
The Nuage de Beauval cable car connects the Land of Lions to the Elephant Territory. At 35 meters (115 feet) high, it offers an aerial view of the African plains and allows you to rest your legs after several hours of walking.
Immersive activities
To extend the adventure, Beauval offers paid optional programs:
- Keeper for a day: a full day alongside the animal care teams, to get close to the animals and participate in daily care
- Junior keeper: a version for children aged 6 to 10
- MonstroZoo: an immersive night trail available from October to March
Planning your trip
One day is rarely enough to see everything. The zoo itself recommends a two-day visit. Five themed hotels adjoin the park: a Balinese atmosphere at Les Jardins de Beauval, an Asian decor at Les Pagodes de Beauval, an African safari at Les Hauts de Beauval, and a Mexican atmosphere at Les Rivages de Beauval. Vacation packages include accommodation, breakfast, and unlimited access to the zoo for the duration of your stay.
For more information on accommodation, consult the ranking of the best hotels at Beauval Zoo.
The quietest periods correspond to spring outside of school holidays and the autumn. The attendance calendar, available on the official website, helps in choosing the least crowded dates. Arriving at 9 a.m. remains the best strategy, as the animals are active and the paths are still clear.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Even though I am not a big fan of zoos, the one at Beauval is particularly well done. The animals seem to have enough space, which is a good point. The zoo is really very big. You will need at least the whole day if you want to see everything.