Zoo de la Boissière du Doré, a wildlife park transforming on the edge of Paris
The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, the scent of damp woodland, and suddenly the fixed gaze of a lion through the branches. Zoo de la Boissière du Doré is not one of those flashy, high-tech animal parks. Here, enclosures blend into a forest of centuries-old oaks, punctuated by ponds reflecting the silhouettes of wading birds. Open since 1966, it stands among the older zoos in the region. Since new owners took over in 2016, the park has been undergoing a thorough overhaul that is now nearing completion.
Why visit Zoo de la Boissière du Doré?
Just 20 minutes from Paris, this 20-hectare park shelters roughly 500 animals representing around 100 species from five continents. You will encounter lions, tigers, giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees, African wild dogs, and wolves. To be completely candid, when compared to major French zoos, it is not the most spectacular facility. Yet its wooded setting creates a calming stroll that sprawling, concrete-heavy parks struggle to match.
The multi-year renovation program has expanded habitats and elevated animal welfare standards. A 2025 addition features an immersive rainbow lorikeet aviary where visitors step right inside to interact directly with these brightly colored parrots.
Highlights of the visit
Animal feedings
In the early afternoon, keepers distribute meals in front of the public. Giraffes, hippopotamuses, meerkats, chimpanzees, and wolves receive their food in turn. This is when the animals show the highest energy and keeper interactions are most informative. Kids often stay glued to the glass or fence as meerkats stand tall on their hind legs watching for their rations.
Keeper for a day
For dedicated animal lovers, the park offers a 3-hour experience alongside a zookeeper. Preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, and observing up close make for a hands-on immersion into daily animal care. Advance booking is required, and the program welcomes both children and adults.
Know before you go
Walking through the park takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Pathways are unpaved in sections, so pack appropriate shoes if rain is in the forecast. The park offers free loans of all-terrain strollers and baby carriers, a genuine perk for families. An on-site restaurant and picnic areas allow visitors to settle in for lunch.
Friendly tip: arrive right at opening time at 10 AM. Morning hours bring active animals and a nearly empty park. Save the feeding times for the afternoon as your second main event of the day.
The pros
- A quiet, shaded forest environment, rare for a Parisian-region zoo
- More accessible pricing than larger regional parks
- Feeding times providing close interaction with keepers
- Free parking and all-terrain stroller rentals
- Open all year round, including winter
The limitations
- Renovation work still visible in spots
- Unpaved pathways turning muddy during rain
- Fewer species than major facilities like Beauval or Thoiry
- Scant road signage marking the entrance
- Potential unannounced winter closures during severe weather
Indicative admission ticket prices
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $24* |
| Teenager (12-17 years) | $20* |
| Child (3-11 years) | $16* |
| Family pass (2 adults + 2 children 3-11 years) | $68* |
| Student / job seeker / senior (75+ years) | $21* |
| Under 3 years | Free |
Indicative rates subject to change
Opening hours
High season (May-August): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Mid-season (March-April, September-October): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekends and school breaks.
Low season (November-February): Wednesdays, weekends, and school breaks only, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Closed December 24-25 and December 31-January 1. In winter, the park may close without notice due to bad weather.
How long for this activity
*Information subject to change
Not a very well known or very large zoo, but I was pleasantly surprised to find lions, giraffes, wolves, and hyenas there. You can even walk inside a parrot aviary.