Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix
Discover over 100 species in spacious, semi-free habitats. Experience unique wolf lodges for an unforgettable overnight stay.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover over 100 species in spacious, semi-free habitats. Experience unique wolf lodges for an unforgettable overnight stay.
"This place is amazing! Probably my favourite zoo / animal park that I have ever visited."
🎯 Book Lodges Early!
Unique wolf lodges are incredibly popular. Book well in advance to secure your spot for an unforgettable stay .
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Restaurant food is often criticized. Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy better quality .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wolf Lodge Experience
Wolf enclosure
Spend a night in a unique lodge with direct views of the wolves. An unforgettable, immersive wildlife encounter.

Semi-Freedom Habitats
Various enclosures
Observe over 100 species in spacious, naturalistic environments that mimic their wild habitats.

Raised Observation Walkways
Throughout the park
Gain unique perspectives on animals from elevated paths, offering unobstructed views and a sense of immersion.

Baby Animal Sightings
Breeding areas
Witness adorable new arrivals like wolf pups, coyote kits, and reindeer, a testament to successful conservation efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Food & Drink: Pack Smart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Lodges Early!
Unique wolf lodges are incredibly popular. Book well in advance to secure your spot for an unforgettable stay.
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Restaurant food is often criticized. Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy better quality.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its many species. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
The natural light and animal behavior make for stunning photos, especially during twilight. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Lodges Early!
Unique wolf lodges are incredibly popular. Book well in advance to secure your spot for an unforgettable stay.
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Restaurant food is often criticized. Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy better quality.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its many species. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
The natural light and animal behavior make for stunning photos, especially during twilight. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow a Full Day
This park is large! Plan to spend the entire day to fully experience all the animals and exhibits. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix for its spacious, naturalistic animal enclosures and the unique opportunity to see animals in semi-freedom. The overnight wolf lodge experience is a major highlight, offering an unforgettable immersion. However, the park's catering services receive frequent criticism for low quality and high prices, leading many to recommend packing their own food.
"We went there for a day trip. This is one of if not the nicest animal park I have ever seen. It is spaceaus and beutiful for people and animals. The areas are very well looked after and tastefully created and decorated. Everywhere you look you see someone with true ability and style takes care of this. No kitch no nonsense- just a beatiful large park with a farm and some animals in it. Very nice playground for childre too.
The only negative I can say- they need to change their catering partners or make them do better job. I am yet to see at least average level of quality from Eurest anywhere but the main restaurant food is really very low quality and very overpriced for what you get. It looks sad and unloved. It's really a big contrast between the restaurant and the rest of the park. So pack your snacks and avoid the panoramic restaurant if you go there. The soup serving place next to the playground looked a little better though. But we only had coffee and ice cream there so I don't know about the food.
Nevertheless- for us it was more than 2 hour drive but it was totally worth it! Higly recommended, especially if you love animals and prefer to see them closer to their natural habitat instead of being placed into display boxes."
Tm Km
"This place is amazing! We came here from Les Trois Forets for a visit and it is fantastic. Probably mt favourite zoo / animal park that I have ever visited. It is really big, so plan to spend the whole day here. The animals have such large enclosures, it's more like a nature reserve than a zoo. Absolutely brilliant day out, definitely recommend."
Abigail Watson
"What a great day out. Lots of different animals, all in amazing enclosures, giving them space to roam as they might in the wild. Really enjoyed it and would highly recommend."
Paul Ella
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, France. It's about 1.5 hours from Strasbourg.
Driving is the most common method, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, so check local schedules if relying on buses or trains.Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's generally well-organized, but can fill up during peak seasons or weekends.
Absolutely! Many visitors come for a day trip and find it a fulfilling experience. However, to truly immerse yourself, consider an overnight stay in their unique lodges.
The park is accessible via major roads in the Grand Est region. Use GPS navigation for the most direct route to 'Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines'.
Some accommodations, like the chalets, offer shuttle services to take you to your lodging within the park premises.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by season and age. It's best to check the official Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book in advance, especially during busy periods.
Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase at the entrance. However, booking online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates.
The park often offers family packages or group rates. Check their website or inquire at the ticket office for current discount options.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season. Generally, the park is open daily, but it's crucial to consult the official website for the specific hours during your planned visit.
Yes! The park offers unique overnight stays in lodges, such as the popular wolf lodges, providing an immersive experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is home to over 100 species, including wolves, bears, coyotes, lynx, deer, and many more, all living in semi-freedom.
To fully explore the park and see most of the animals, plan for a full day. Many visitors find it takes at least 4-6 hours.
Yes, there's a very nice playground for children.
The immersive nature of the park also makes it engaging for younger visitors.Photography and videography are generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of the animals and other visitors, and avoid using flash photography which can disturb them.
The park is quite spacious, and while many paths are accessible, some areas might be challenging. It's advisable to check with the park directly for specific accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a main restaurant and other smaller food service points. However, reviews suggest the quality is low and prices are high.
Based on visitor feedback, it's generally recommended to pack your own food and snacks. The quality is often described as very low and overpriced.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to avoid the disappointing catering options.
While not explicitly mentioned, the spacious nature of the park suggests there are likely areas suitable for picnicking. It's a good idea to bring a blanket.
The main restaurant typically offers standard park fare, but reviews indicate a lack of quality and value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, avoid using flash, as it can disturb the animals. Always respect signage and staff instructions.
With animals in semi-freedom and elevated walkways, you can capture unique, naturalistic shots of over 100 species in their habitats.
The wolf lodges offer incredible opportunities for capturing animals in a unique setting.
The raised walkways also provide excellent vantage points.A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be great for landscape shots of the park itself. A good zoom lens is versatile.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples Seeking Unique Stays
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Wolf Lodge Experience
These lodges are highly sought after, often featured in contests and promotions. Visitors describe the experience as unforgettable, with everything being welcoming and beautiful, and the wolves being stunning to watch. It's a truly unique way to connect with nature and wildlife, offering a perspective far beyond a typical day visit.
Animal Welfare and Semi-Freedom
This dedication to creating a naturalistic environment is evident throughout the park, from the raised observation walkways that offer unobtrusive viewing to the successful breeding programs that have seen the birth of baby wolves, coyotes, and other species. It contributes to the park being described as more of a nature reserve than a traditional zoo.
Family Adventures and Vlogs
While some vlogs touch on the realities of traveling with young children, like dealing with illness, the overarching sentiment is one of a positive and memorable family outing. The park's immersive nature and diverse species make it an engaging and educational experience for all ages, fostering a love for wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit