Lumigny Safari Reserve: 26 cat species an hour outside Paris
A sand cat with oversized ears watches from its burrow. A few yards away, a 250 kg Siberian tiger stretches lazily on a rock. This striking contrast captures the ambition of Lumigny Safari Reserve: gathering the greatest diversity of feline species in the world across 71 hectares of forest in the Seine-et-Marne region.
Why visit Lumigny Safari Reserve?
Opened in 2006 on the La Fortelle estate, the park currently houses 26 feline species out of the 36 still existing on the planet. Giants like the Asiatic lion or the black jaguar stand alongside species little known to the general public: the margay from Central America, the clouded leopard from Southeast Asia, or the tiny rusty-spotted cat, the smallest feline in the world at 1.5 kg in adulthood.
The park actively participates in European breeding programs. In 2024, two Malayan tigers were born here, a first in France for this critically endangered species.
An immersion across five continents
The four walking trails cross themed territories organized by continent. The enclosures, sometimes several hectares large, replicate the natural habitats of the animals. Cheetahs thus have three hectares to reach their famous top speed.
This generosity of space has a downside: the felines hide. Patience and a sharp eye will be your best allies. Between 12 pm and 3 pm, most carnivores take a nap. Savvy visitors arrive at opening time or return in the late afternoon when activity picks up again.
Key highlights of the tour
- The cheetah plain and its 360-degree panoramic observatory
- The white tiger territory with its 400-meter elevated walkway
- The snow leopard enclosure, home to cats with thick winter coats
- The lemur island where 60 primates roam free around visitors
The Trans'Félins and activities
The Trans'Félins, a small train included in the ticket, offers a 25-minute tour with viewpoints inaccessible on foot. Certain enclosures can only be viewed from its cars. Audio commentary and sound effects punctuate the ride.
Daily activities fill the day: lemur feeding sessions commented on by keepers, and mobile educational sessions where zookeepers share stories and observations. The 4D cinema offers an eight-minute immersion alongside a family of Indian tigers.
Friendly tip: bring binoculars. In the largest and most heavily vegetated enclosures, they make all the difference for spotting a cat camouflaged in tall grass or curled up on a branch.
Terre de Singes: the ideal addition
Across the road, the optional Monkey Land circuit opens at 1:30 pm. Barbary macaques, golden lion tamarins, and geladas roam in semi-liberty there. The large immersive aviary lets you get very close to lories and macaws, and even feed them nectar. Allow an extra 2 hours and 30 minutes for this second route.
Opening hours
April-June and September: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
July-August: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Annual closure in December and January. The Terre de Singes (Land of Monkeys) circuit opens at 1:30 PM. Ticket offices close 2 hours before the park closes.
*Information subject to change
I go back almost every year and I am never disappointed. I haven't had the chance to check out the Terre de Singes park yet, but the feline park is simply incredible. The animals have very large enclosures where they can hide, climb trees, run, or just sleep. Sometimes you might think an enclosure is empty, but you have to look closely and try to find the cat or cats hiding inside. Don't worry, the number of species is large enough that you will have a great time, even if some animals stay out of sight.