ZooParc de Beauval

What it's like here

ZooParc de Beauval is one of France's largest zoos, set in the Loire valley south of Blois. It holds some 35,000 animals across a sprawling site that began as a bird park in 1980 and has grown into a major collection. The zoo is best known for its giant pandas — the only ones in France — and the scale of what's here often surprises first-time visitors. This is genuinely a full day or more, not an afternoon outing, and the site keeps opening into new sections as you walk through African savanna, tropical glasshouse biomes, and various enclosure areas.

The layout is built around several standout zones. Large glass-roofed tropical houses contain free-flying birds and lush planting; the African savanna section is substantial, with hippos among other species; and there's a nocturnal house and dedicated big cat areas. The zoo also hosts daily demonstrations — bird-of-prey and sea lion shows are popular and draw crowds well before they start, so timing your route around showtime matters. Beyond the animals themselves, the pandas attract peak-season queues, which is worth knowing if you're planning your visit.

Infrastructure here is built for longer stays. On-site hotels and restaurants mean you can split the visit over two days if you want to explore thoroughly without rushing. Parking is available on the grounds. Facilities include cafés, picnic areas, baby-changing facilities, and toilets throughout. The site does involve considerable walking, and much of it is on slopes — comfortable shoes make a real difference to your experience.

Booking in advance is strongly advised, particularly during summer and school holidays. The zoo operates a capacity limit, and peak times can mean restricted entry. It's located near Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, roughly 35 km south of Blois, making it accessible as a day trip or part of a wider Loire valley itinerary. Photography is permitted, which matters if you're hoping to capture the animals and the spaces they inhabit.

Young children can visit, though the long distances make a pushchair practical for smaller ones. The educational value and variety of habitats appeal to families, couples, and groups of friends alike, though the walking distance and sprawl mean it suits people with reasonable mobility and stamina.

Highlights

• Giant pandas — the only ones in France
• Tropical glasshouse biomes with free-flying birds
• African savanna and hippo areas
• Daily bird-of-prey and sea lion demonstrations
• On-site hotels and restaurants for multi-day visits

Good to know

Allow a full day at minimum; many visitors take two days. Book tickets online in advance for summer and school holidays, as the site limits capacity. There is substantial walking on slopes, so comfortable shoes matter. The zoo is located near Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, roughly 35 km south of Blois, with on-site parking. Show times are fixed and popular — plan your route around them. Photography is allowed.

You might also like

Zoo

Toronto Zoo

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From CAD 23

Zoo

Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo)

Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands

Safari park

Wow Safari Peaugres

Peaugres, Ardèche, France

From EUR 29.9

Wildlife sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin, Queensland, Australia

Questions people ask

Attributes & facilities

Last verified: September 3, 2026