Beauval Zoo: reviews, price 2026 and practical tips

Beauval Zoo: France's Most Visited Wildlife Park

It is 9:00 AM, the gates swing open, and the air already carries the earthy scent of the tropical greenhouses. Somewhere in the new Chinese district, a golden monkey with a flamboyant coat leaps from branch to branch. Farther along, a Komodo dragon keeps watch beneath the artificial canopy of the Dome. Welcome to Saint-Aignan, where France's largest zoological park houses species from around the globe across 45 hectares.

Why Visit Beauval Zoo?

The story began in 1980 with Françoise Delord, an enthusiast who collected exotic birds in her Paris apartment. Housing 300 birds between four walls proved difficult. The family relocated to the Loir-et-Cher department and opened an ornithological park in the locality of Beauval. The aviaries welcomed up to 2,000 birds back then.

Forty-five years later, the park has grown beyond all expectations. Ranked among the most beautiful zoos in the world, it now houses over 35,000 animals spread across 800 species. Every year, nearly 2 million visitors walk its shaded pathways to encounter creatures found nowhere else in France.

The Park Stars and Their Territories

Golden Monkeys, the New Park Stars

In late 2025, Beauval turned a page in its history with the return to China of the giant pandas that had made its reputation since 2012. Yet the zoo has not lost its privileged connection with the Middle Kingdom. An even rarer species has taken over: the golden monkeys, also known as Roxellana's snub-nosed monkeys.

This marks the first time this copper-furred primate has left Asia to settle in a Western zoological park. These Chinese national treasures roam a completely redesigned space created to recreate the mountainous forests of Sichuan.

The Equatorial Dome

Inaugurated in 2020, this glass colossus stands 38 meters high and covers nearly one hectare. The temperature remains constant at 26°C year-round. Inside, a spiral pathway of over one kilometer winds between waterfalls, pools, and lush vegetation. Visitors encounter Komodo dragons, Caribbean manatees, pygmy hippos, and giant otters. More than 200 species coexist in this tropical biotope where scarlet ibis and roseate spoonbills fly freely overhead.

Friendly tip: Visit the Dome late in the day. The light fades, the crowds thin out, and the animals become more active. The experience turns almost contemplative.

Highlights of a Day at Beauval

Two shows run from late March to mid-November. The Masters of the Air gathers parrots, pelicans, eagles, and sacred ibis in a free-flight ballet. The Sea Lion Odyssey showcases the agility of sea lions in an aquatic amphitheater. These performances are included with the admission ticket.

The Nuage de Beauval cable car connects the Land of the Lions to the Elephant Territory. Rising 35 meters high, it offers an aerial view of the African plains and gives your legs a break 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, getting close to the animals and helping with daily care
• Keeper in Training: a junior version for ages 6 to 10
• MonstroZoo: an immersive nighttime trail available from October to March

Planning Your Stay

One day is rarely enough to see everything. The zoo itself recommends a two-day visit. Five themed hotels sit adjacent to the park, among them a Balinese atmosphere at the Jardins de Beauval, an Asian decor at the Pagodes de Beauval, an African safari at the Hauts de Beauval, and a Mexican vibe at the Rivages de Beauval. Stay packages include lodging, breakfast, and unlimited zoo access for the entire duration of the stay.

For more information on accommodations, check out the ranking of the best Beauval zoo hotels.

The quietest periods correspond to spring outside of school vacations and autumn. The attendance calendar, available on the official website, helps pick the least crowded dates. Arriving right at 9:00 AM remains the best strategy because the animals are active and the pathways are still clear.