Best zoos and animal parks in Paris and Ile-de-France

Major Zoos in Paris

Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes

The oldest scientific zoo in the world is set inside the botanical gardens on the Left Bank. Founded in 1794, it keeps many of its original 19th-century enclosures, and families come to see rare species of primates, big cats and reptiles. Address: 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris. Open daily.

Paris Zoological Park (Vincennes Zoo)

After a major renovation, the Parc Zoologique de Paris offers large biozones that evoke the plains of the Sahel, Amazonian rainforest and European forests. Its 65-metre artificial rock is a landmark for eastern Paris. Address: Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

Part amusement park, part zoo, this family attraction in the Bois de Boulogne offers a menagerie with farm animals, birds of prey and tropical aviaries alongside rides and gardens. Address: Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris.

Animal parks around Paris

Thoiry ZooSafari

West of Paris, this pioneering safari park mixes a 150-hectare drive-through reserve with a classic zoo. You can observe lions, giraffes and bears from your vehicle and then explore the chateau and gardens. Address: Rue du Pavillon de Montreuil, 78770 Thoiry.

Lumigny Zoological Park

Halfway to Provins, Lumigny includes two complementary parks: the tiger-focused Parc des Felins and Terre de Singes, dedicated to macaques and lemurs. Expect large wooded enclosures and themed trails. Address: D402, 77540 Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux.

Parrot World

An immersive wildlife park dedicated to parrots and Amazonian fauna, Parrot World recreates a South American jungle with free-flying macaws, capybaras and giant otters. Address: Route de Guerard, 77120 Crecy-la-Chapelle.

Bois d’Attilly Zoo and Espace Rambouillet

Other options near Paris include the family-friendly Bois d’Attilly zoo, with giraffes and zebras roaming grassy paddocks, and Espace Rambouillet, a forest reserve known for its birds of prey shows and deer encounters.

Educational farms

In addition to zoological parks, several educational farms let children meet farm animals and learn about sustainable agriculture. The Ferme de Paris in the Bois de Vincennes, Ferme du Parc de la Villette in the north, Ferme de Gally (Versailles and Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole) and Ferme du Piqueur in the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud welcome visitors throughout the year.