Is ZooParc de Beauval worth the trip from the UK? Yes. We went as a family in August 2026 to see the new areas. Here is our honest review: what we loved, what to know before you go, and who it suits.
Dated tickets online
From €39 per adult and €32 per child, €4 less than at the gate.
Contents
🌟 Our review in brief
- The best bit: an animal collection unlike any other in France, around 800 species over 46 hectares
- What's new: Les Terres Rouges and Bucolia, two real successes in 2026
- Plan for: the budget, the summer heat and, ideally, two days
✅ What we loved
An animal collection unlike any other in France
The only giant pandas in France in the Heights of China, the only wombats in France in Les Terres Rouges, koalas, Sumatran tigers and white tigers, manatees in the Equatorial Dome... You will not find this variety anywhere else in France. See the ZooParc animals.
Les Terres Rouges
The change of scene works: red earth, eucalyptus, kangaroos right beside the path. Far more immersive than the old petting farm. Our Les Terres Rouges page.
Bucolia and Les Roches Vives
Bucolia is far more than a petting farm: it is a conservatory of old breeds that children love. When we visited, the carousel was free and you could feed the animals. Right next door, the Les Roches Vives water play area is exactly what the park was missing in summer. Our Bucolia page.
Le Canard Toqué
A building inspired by the farms of the Sologne, a terrace in the heart of Bucolia, regional produce: the right place for a proper lunch break.
The shows
Les Maîtres des Airs and L'Odyssée des Lions de Mer are included in the ticket. Check the times at the entrance to plan your day around them.
⚠️ What to know before you go
- The budget: €142 for a family of four with dated online tickets, €158 at the gate, before food (see the prices)
- The size: 46 hectares, one day means a brisk pace
- The wombats hide: they spend a lot of time in their burrows, come early or late in the day
- The summer heat: over 26 °C on average in the afternoon in July and August, bring water and caps
- The water play area: children come out soaked, bring a change of clothes
- Lunchtime: on busy days, eat before 12.30pm or after 2pm
Our solutions: our 10 tips and our crowd calendar.
🇬🇧 Is it worth the trip from the UK?
For a day trip, no: Beauval is too far from the Channel ports. For a long weekend or as part of a holiday in France, absolutely.
- The giant pandas: since Edinburgh Zoo's pandas returned to China in December 2023, they are one of the reasons British families make the trip
- Information in English: the map, the visitor's guide and most signs are translated, with English audio via QR codes
- The Loire Valley: combine the ZooParc with Chenonceau or Chambord for a full holiday
Getting there: from the UK, by car or train. Closer to Calais: Beauval or Pairi Daiza?
Our number one tip: two days with a night nearby
Less driving, more time with the animals.
Who is it for? 👪
- Families with children: the ideal audience, between Bucolia, the water play and the big animals
- Families with a baby: pushchair hire on site, see Beauval with a baby
- Animal lovers and photographers: plan two days
- People with reduced mobility: most paths are accessible, see our accessibility guide
🎯 Our verdict
ZooParc de Beauval is well worth the trip, and the 2026 additions give real reasons to go back. Just plan your budget, choose your dates carefully and, if you can, take two days.
To decide: one day or two? and which hotel to choose?