Zoo de la Boissière du Doré, a park in transition near Paris
The crunch of dry leaves underfoot, the scent of a damp forest floor, and then, the steady gaze of a lion through the brush. Zoo de la Boissière du Doré does not feel like the flashy, modern animal parks you might expect. Here, the enclosures blend into a forest of ancient oaks, dotted with ponds where the silhouettes of birds are reflected on the water. Open since 1966, it is one of the oldest zoos in the Paris region. Since new owners took over in 2016, the park has undergone a deep transformation that is now nearing completion.
Why visit Zoo de la Boissière du Doré?
Located just 20 minutes from Paris, this park spans over 20 hectares and is home to about 500 animals representing roughly 100 species from five continents. You will find lions, tigers, giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees, African wild dogs, and wolves. To be honest, compared to other zoos in France, it is not the most spectacular. However, its forest setting offers a peaceful walk that large, concrete-heavy parks struggle to replicate.
The renovation work carried out over the last several years has allowed for larger enclosures and better animal welfare. A new feature for 2025 is an immersive rainbow lorikeet aviary where visitors can enter and come into direct contact with these brightly colored parrots.
Highlights of your visit
Animal feedings
In the early afternoon, keepers distribute meals in front of the public. Giraffes, hippos, meerkats, chimpanzees, and wolves are fed one after another. This is when the animals are most active and the interactions with the keepers are the most informative. Children are often glued to the glass watching the meerkats, which stand on their hind legs to keep watch for their rations.
Keeper for a day
For the most dedicated visitors, the park offers a 3-hour experience shadowing a zookeeper. Preparing food rations, cleaning enclosures, and close-up observation offer a practical look at the daily life of the profession. This activity requires advance booking and is open to both children and adults.
What to know before you go
The loop takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Not all paths are paved, so if it has rained, bring appropriate footwear. The park provides free all-terrain strollers and baby carriers, which is a significant help for families. A restaurant and picnic areas are available for lunch.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening time at 10 a.m. The animals are more active in the morning and the park is nearly empty. Save the animal feedings for the afternoon, as that is the second highlight of the day.
The pros
- Calm and shaded forest setting, which is rare for a zoo in the Paris region
- Pricing is more accessible than larger regional parks
- Animal feedings provide a privileged moment with the keepers
- Free parking and loaner all-terrain strollers
- Open year-round, including winter
Limitations to keep in mind
- Renovation work is still visible in some areas
- Paths are not paved and can get muddy in rainy weather
- Fewer species than major zoos like Beauval or Thoiry
- Road signage to find the entrance is almost non-existent
- Possibility of closure without notice in winter due to bad weather
Estimated ticket prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 21 EUR (about $23) |
| Teenager (12-18 years old) | 17.50 EUR (about $19) |
| Child (3-11 years old) | 14 EUR (about $15) |
| Family package (2 adults + 2 children 3-11 years old) | 58 EUR (about $63) |
| Student / job seeker / senior (75+ years old) | 17.50 EUR (about $19) |
| Under 3 years old | Free |
Estimated prices subject to change
Opening hours
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.