Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine
Explore a zoo unlike any other, set within a prehistoric quarry, offering naturalistic habitats and a unique visitor experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a zoo unlike any other, set within a prehistoric quarry, offering naturalistic habitats and a unique visitor experience.
"One of the best zoos I've visited, with huge enclosures and thoughtfully laid out."
Book Ahead Online
Save money by booking tickets online in advance. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bird Aviary
Towards the end of the park
An immersive walk-through aviary offering incredible close-up views of various bird species.
Prehistoric Quarry Habitats
Throughout the park
Unique animal enclosures carved into the sedimentary rock quarry, offering naturalistic and impressive settings.
Lion and Cub Enclosures
Lion area
Witness the majestic lions and their cubs in spacious, thoughtfully designed habitats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead Online
Save money by booking tickets online in advance. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Animal Talk Times
Talks are in French, but animals are often brought out for viewing. :microphone:
Bring Water (if allowed)
Some reviews mention restrictions on outside food/drinks. Check current policy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead Online
Save money by booking tickets online in advance. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Animal Talk Times
Talks are in French, but animals are often brought out for viewing. :microphone:
Bring Water (if allowed)
Some reviews mention restrictions on outside food/drinks. Check current policy.
Allow a Full Day
The park is extensive; plan for a full day of exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine's stunning, naturalistic habitats set within a unique quarry landscape. The spacious enclosures and focus on animal welfare are frequently praised, making it a top-tier zoo experience. Some guests noted limited and expensive food options, and a desire for more English signage for talks.
"The zoo was very nice and green, lots of trees and vegitation. Also the caves are really nice, and the animal places are good for the animals. But there are not enough places where you can get something to eat or drink, and the places they have, are all closed or have only something to drink (and are very expensive) while you are not alloud to bring your own food or drinks. They can make their guests happier and earn more money."
Laura
"Absolutely fantastic place to visit. Well set out and plenty of rest areas as it is a big place. Food available around the zoo and a restaurant as well .Free parking all facilities are clean and well kept. Great selection of animals and good habitat with plenty of staff to look after them ."
simon deniel
"Wonderful zoo. English maps and signage available. All talks in French, but they brought the animals out. Lions and cubs amazing. Good wheelchair access. 5 cafe/bars spread around the Parc. Not cheap, but definitely worth a look. We spent all day there."
Sarah Tallentire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine is located in Doué-la-Fontaine, France. Driving is the most common method, with free parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus schedules if you are not driving.
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors. It can get busy, but the park is large enough that it doesn't feel overcrowded once inside.
Public transport options are not extensive. It's best to check local bus routes in the Maine-et-Loire region for potential connections, though driving is generally recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets online in advance to save a few Euros, or buy them at the entrance. Booking online is recommended for potential savings.
Booking tickets online in advance can offer a small discount. Check the official website for any seasonal promotions or group rates.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times for your planned visit.
Some reviews indicate that bringing your own food and drinks might not be allowed, and on-site options can be expensive. It's advisable to check the park's current policy before your visit.
Yes, the park is generally well-laid out with good wheelchair access throughout most areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the lions and cubs, the immersive bird aviary, and various animals in their unique quarry habitats. +1 Keep an eye out for leopards and other fascinating creatures.
Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park to see all the animals and enclosures.
While all talks are in French, the staff often bring animals out for closer viewing, making it an engaging experience even if you don't speak the language.
Yes, the park's naturalistic habitats and spacious enclosures are engaging for children. The layout is thoughtful, minimizing backtracking.
The park is thoughtfully laid out, so you can explore without much backtracking. Maps are available, and English signage is provided.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several cafes and bars spread around the park, offering food and drinks. However, some visitors have noted limited options or high prices.
Yes, there is a restaurant available within the park, in addition to several cafes and bars.
Some reviews suggest that picnics may not be permitted inside the park. It's best to confirm the current policy with the Bioparc.
Some visitors have found the on-site food and drink options to be quite expensive.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique quarry habitats offer dramatic backdrops. The bird aviary and spacious enclosures provide excellent opportunities for close-up shots.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animals in their larger enclosures. A wide-angle lens can be great for the unique quarry landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks if the park's policy allows, as on-site options can be pricey.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the incredible natural habitats and the diverse animal collection, which are the main attractions and don't cost extra once inside.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be aware of lighting conditions, especially in the quarry areas, and check for any restrictions on flash photography.
The late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Quarry Environment
This environment not only offers stunning visual appeal but also contributes to the well-being of the animals. The natural shelters and varied terrain mimic their native environments, allowing for more natural behaviors. Exploring these carved-out spaces feels like a true adventure, with many enclosures offering multiple viewpoints to observe the wildlife.
The 'walk-through' sections, particularly the bird aviary, are a testament to this innovative design. Here, visitors can feel completely surrounded by nature, with birds flying freely overhead. It’s an experience that blurs the lines between the visitor and the animal's world, making it a truly memorable aspect of the Bioparc.
Animal Welfare and Habitats
Visitors frequently comment on the impressive size of the enclosures and the visible care provided by the staff. Seeing animals thrive in such well-maintained and stimulating environments is a significant draw for many. The zoo aims to educate visitors about conservation and the importance of preserving these natural spaces for the animals.
From the majestic lions to the diverse bird species, each animal has been given ample space and a thoughtfully designed habitat. This commitment to animal welfare is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, contributing to the Bioparc's reputation as one of the best zoos visited.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
While the park offers a fantastic experience, some visitors have noted concerns regarding food and drink availability and pricing. There are cafes and bars, but options can be limited, and prices may be higher than expected.
Despite minor points about amenities, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors spend the entire day, highlighting the engaging exhibits and the sheer scale of the park as major draws.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit