ZooParc de Beauval ; 2 Days in the Heart of the Animal World

Between pandas, big cats and rare species, the ZooParc de Beauval offers a unique 2-day immersion in the heart of the animal world.

ZooParc de Beauval ; A Unique Animal Park in France

In the heart of the Loir-et-Cher, a zoological park has become a national reference. Rare species and immersive settings make its reputation.

A Family Story Since 1980

Located in Saint-Aignan, the ZooParc de Beauval is among the most renowned zoological parks in France. Françoise Delord created it in 1980. It covers some forty hectares and is home to thousands of animals from all over the world. Over the years, Beauval built its reputation thanks to its rare species and innovative facilities. The park is often a pioneer in presenting certain animals in France.

In the 1990s, the park became famous for its white tigers and white lions. Several species remain exceptional in France. Giant pandas, koalas, okapis, manatees and Tasmanian devils are among its emblematic residents. In 2017, the park made history with the birth of its first baby giant panda. This birth was a major milestone for the conservation of the species. It also strengthened Beauval’s reputation as a key player in the animal world.

Today, the park is home to more than 35,000 animals across some 800 species. Rodolphe Delord, the founder’s son, now runs it. Through its Beauval Nature association, the ZooParc de Beauval also supports many conservation programmes. Protecting endangered species and scientific research are thus part of its missions.

An Immersion in the Heart of the Continents

Every path in the park opens the door to another continent. Careful settings and recreated landscapes set the pace of the walk.

The Emblematic Areas of the ZooParc de Beauval

Each area transports visitors into a distinct animal world. The zones recreate environments close to natural habitats and offer immersive settings. On the heights lies one of the most eagerly awaited areas. It is home to the famous giant pandas, true ambassadors of the park. Several species of monkeys, some very rare, also live there in a setting inspired by the Chinese mountains. The Terre des Lions then plunges you into the territory of the great African cats. The lions enjoy a space designed to meet their needs.

The Giant Pandas of the ZooParc de Beauval

Arriving from China in 2012, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi quickly became the stars of the park. Their first cub, Yuan Meng, was born in 2017, followed by the twins Huanlili and Yuandudu in 2021. The couple returned to China in November 2025, at the end of their stay in France. The twins are due to return to China in turn in the coming months. A new agreement nonetheless provides for the future arrival of a new pair of pandas at Beauval.

A few steps away, the hippopotamus reserve offers an impressive spectacle. The great plains are home to giraffes, rhinos, elephants and antelopes in vast open spaces. The tropical greenhouses offer a completely different experience. They reveal lush vegetation and fascinating species. Birds, reptiles, sloths and manatees occupy these different worlds. Each greenhouse creates a unique and exotic atmosphere. With its themed areas and varied landscapes, Beauval offers a discovery full of emotion. Each detour holds another animal encounter.

The Equatorial Dome and the Nuage de Beauval

Opened in 2020, the Equatorial Dome rises 38 metres high over nearly one hectare. Under its glass roof, the temperature stays around 26 °C all year round. Crocodiles, tropical fish and colourful birds live there amid a lush forest. The Nuage de Beauval gondola flies over the park 35 metres high. It links the Terre des Lions to the elephants’ territory, with a breathtaking view of the enclosures.

Visiting the ZooParc de Beauval in 2 Days

A two-day stay leaves time to appreciate each world. This formula perfectly suits the size of the park.

An Ideal Pace to Discover the Park

With its many areas, the park cannot be discovered in a few hours. Two days let you stroll along the paths and fully enjoy each encounter. The first day is devoted to the big discoveries. Giant pandas, big cats, elephants and varied worlds offer a true journey around the world. The second day takes a gentler pace, ideal for returning to certain areas. The animals can then be observed for longer. At Beauval, the most beautiful moments are not always the most expected. A look, a movement or an interaction between two animals sometimes makes the visit even more special.

Shows also punctuate these two days, from late March to mid-November. Les Maîtres des Airs features birds in free flight above the spectators. L’Odyssée des Lions de Mer reveals the agility and bond of the sea lions with their keepers. These shows, included in the ticket, easily fit into the day’s programme.

Between walks, discoveries and moments of wonder, two days offer the time needed to savour the experience. Several accommodations are close to the park to extend this interlude. The themed hotels continue the journey in an atmosphere inspired by different continents. Sleeping on site or a few minutes away also makes organisation easier. Arriving at opening time lets you enjoy the days without rushing. More than a simple visit, this stay at the ZooParc de Beauval offers true immersion in the animal world.

A Review of This Animal Experience

Two days on site make it possible to form a complete opinion. A largely positive verdict emerges from this getaway.

The ZooParc de Beauval ; A Visit Not to Be Missed

From the entrance, the change of scenery is immediate. The paths take visitors from one continent to another, species after species. Each stage holds lovely discoveries. Among all the encounters, the koalas remain the big favourite. Their presence offers a particularly endearing interlude. It becomes hard not to stay a few moments in front of them. Giant pandas, lions, elephants, giraffes and primates complete this animal journey. The tropical greenhouses also give a real sense of escape.

Over the two days, one impression stands out, that of having truly travelled. Beauval is not just a succession of enclosures. The park creates worlds that invite you to take your time and observe. The careful spaces and the attention paid to the animals enhance the quality of the visit. In the end, the experience is fully convincing. Two days are enough to enjoy the park without rushing. For a quality park and true immersion in the animal world, the visit is clearly worth the detour. The zoo is also the first stop of a road trip in France between Beauval and Troyes (in French).

Practical Information for the ZooParc de Beauval

By car, the A10 motorway leads towards Blois, before following signs for Saint-Aignan. The car parks of the ZooParc de Beauval are free. The nearest station, Saint-Aignan-Noyers, is about five kilometres from the park. Opening hours vary with the season, with later closing in summer. Several themed hotels, such as Les Jardins de Beauval or Les Pagodes de Beauval, are nearby. Two-day tickets finally let you enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace.

Avenue du Blanc, 41110 Saint-Aignan, France
Website

ZooParc de Beauval

Article written following an invitation from the ZooParc de Beauval