Visiting Beauval Zoo: the complete guide

Wooden path under the glass roof of a tropical greenhouse at ZooParc de Beauval

ZooParc de Beauval is not just a family day out: it is a full day, ideally two, in the most visited zoo in France. To really make the most of it, it pays to prepare. Here is our complete guide: key facts, must-see territories, shows, English-language information and our tips so you miss nothing.

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📋 Key facts

Address Avenue du Blanc, 41110 Saint-Aignan, France
Opening Every day of the year from 9am, bank holidays included
Parking Free, 8 car parks, 4,000 spaces in total
Animals Around 800 species, 24 territories
Size About 46 hectares
Recommended time One full day minimum, two days recommended
Accessibility Wide shaded paths, wheelchair hire, see our accessibility guide

🇬🇧 Is information available in English?

Yes, largely. According to the ZooParc, the map, the visitor's guide and most of the educational signs are translated into English.

Audio and text presentations on a selection of species are also available in English via QR codes inside the ZooParc. The official website and online ticketing have an English version too.

Good to know: download the map before you leave, and bring a charged phone for the QR codes. Our guide: the ZooParc map.

🌍 What makes Beauval special

  • The only giant pandas in France: the twins Huanlili and Yuandudu, born at Beauval in 2021, are staying until at least January 2027
  • The only zoo in France with wombats
  • Two shows, birds and sea lions, included in the ticket
  • Immersive territories and large spaces for the animals
  • A cable car with a view over the park, included in the ticket
  • Themed hotels just outside the park
The pandas in 2026: the founding pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi returned to China on 25 November 2025. Their daughters, the twins Huanlili and Yuandudu, born at Beauval in August 2021, are staying until at least January 2027. Full guide: the giant pandas of Beauval.

🗺️ The must-see territories

The tropical greenhouses

Beauval has four tropical greenhouses, plus the Equatorial Dome: the Gorilla Greenhouse, the Orangutan and Chimpanzee Greenhouse, the Bird Tropical Greenhouse and the Koala Greenhouse. Perfect on a rainy day.

The Heights of China

The twins Huanlili and Yuandudu live here, alongside the red pandas. The pandas are usually more active in the morning: the best time to see them.

The African Savannah

Elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions and hippos all live at Beauval, but in several separate territories, not all together in the African Savannah. Check the map to plan your route.

The Equatorial Dome

A huge tropical greenhouse home to birds, reptiles, giant otters and manatees, among others.

Les Terres Rouges and the Koala Greenhouse

Two separate territories: Les Terres Rouges, opened in 2026 with the wombats and kangaroos, and the Koala Greenhouse.

Le Nuage de Beauval cable car

The cable car gives an aerial view of the park and links its southern and northern parts. It is included in the entry ticket.

🎪 Shows and activities included

Two shows are included in the ticket, from late March to mid-November:

  • Les Maîtres des Airs: a free-flight bird show
  • L'Odyssée des Lions de Mer: a sea lion show

Every day, the programme also includes educational talks by the ZooParc's mediators, at times displayed at the entrance and in the app. All the details: shows and activities.

🗓️ How to prepare your visit

Tickets

Always book online, in advance, for a set date. It is cheaper (from €39 per adult, €32 per child) and you skip the ticket office. Tickets and prices 2026.

How much time?

One full day minimum. To see all the territories and both shows without rushing, two days is the ideal pace. One day or two at Beauval?

When to go?

Spring and early autumn, outside French school holidays, offer the best balance between weather and crowds. Avoid July-August and French bank holiday weekends in May. When to visit Beauval.

Food

Picnics are not allowed inside the zoo. A covered picnic area for 300 people is near the main entrance, and another for 50 at the North entrance. A re-entry stamp lets you go out and come back. Picnics at Beauval | ZooParc restaurants.

Getting there and staying nearby

From the UK, plan at least one night nearby. Getting to Beauval | where to stay.

Coming from the UK?
Beauval packages combine your hotel, breakfast and ZooParc entry.

See holiday packages →

💡 Our tips for a perfect day

  • Arrive at opening time: the animals are more active in the morning, and it is quieter before 11am
  • Comfortable shoes: the zoo covers 46 hectares, expect several kilometres of walking
  • Download the app: interactive map and show times
  • Travel light: sun cream, water bottles, snacks for the children
  • Pick Sunday over Saturday at weekends: Saturday is usually busier

All our advice in detail: 10 tips for a perfect visit to Beauval | full planning checklist | our suggested itinerary

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