Top 8 most beautiful zoos in Ile-de-France2026 ranking

I loved the Parc des Félins de Nesles, so I was really looking forward to discovering this new park dedicated to monkeys. I was not disappointed, because just like with the felines, the enclosures are relatively large and allow the animals to truly thrive. You can discover many different species of primates while walking along the built-in footbridges, which makes the experience really pleasant.

Right in the heart of the Trocadéro gardens, this nice aquarium with a kind of sad-looking entrance houses way more species than you would think. The layout, organized by geographic zones, is very easy to follow and takes you on a real odyssey of the marine world. It was the big shark tank, with the underwater cave, that impressed my nieces the most, but for me, I love the Médusarium. I am always totally hypnotized by that little round room where you are surrounded in the dark by a bunch of floating jellyfish. Plan on a good two hours for the visit. Pro tip, if you book online for a specific day and time, you can get a discounted rate.

This aquarium is in the basement of the Val d Europe shopping center, in its leisure and relaxation area. It is very nice to stroll through this aquarium after a day of shopping. The species on display are varied, and there are many observation points that let you enjoy them. The visit is fun and informative. The sets are sometimes grand (and a bit dusty at times), and they add a little sense of adventure to the visit. It is hard to imagine such a place in the basement of a shopping mall, so do not hesitate to go!

It is one of the closest zoos to Paris, and it is also the very first one I discovered as a child. I have been back several times since, and I have to say that my opinion is mixed. Compared to other parks, especially the Parc des Félins in Nesles, the Vincennes Zoo is not very big. Above all, the animals have really small enclosures, which does not always make the visit pleasant. There is, however, a nice diversity of species, so I still recommend it.

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.

I went for a day and really enjoyed this large park dedicated to felines. Cheetahs, leopards, lions, lynx, wildcats, tons of felids are presented with educational signs within five continental zones. Unlike other zoos, the animals are not placed in narrow enclosures but in real stretches of prairie or forest. This allows you to observe them in a place close to their natural environment, from panoramic terraces or walkways. Unfortunately, you still have to be able to find them! I recommend going in the morning, because in the afternoon, the vast majority of these big cats are sleeping! I have a very fond memory of the white tiger wandering through the thickets. Right next door, the Terre de S…

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I have great memories of the Thoiry Zoo from when I lived in the Paris region. During the holidays, they put on a light display in the gardens with giant animal figures. It is truly magical. As for the animals, the safari section is interesting (depending on when the animals are active) and the part with the enclosures takes up half a day. It is ideal for couples or families.

Thanks to its wide open spaces and mountain scenery, this zoo offers a real change of pace right at the gates of Paris. Ostriches, giraffes, lions, sea lions, and penguins are presented along a route that is both fun and educational. I loved the large tropical greenhouse, it is very immersive. Being in contact with the birds, reptiles, and vegetation, you really feel like you are in a forest. I was surprised by the size of the park, count on at least two hours to walk around it.