Best zoos, animal parks and farms in Paris and Île‑de‑France

Major zoos in Paris

Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes

Founded in 1794, this historic menagerie covers five hectares and houses more than 500 animals, including rare species such as red pandas and snow leopards.
Address: 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris.
Hours: Open daily 10:00–18:00, until 18:30 on Sundays and public holidays; 10:00–17:00 from November to February; closed on 25 December.
Getting there: The easiest way to reach the menagerie is by metro line 7 or 10 (stations Jussieu or Gare d’Austerlitz). Several bus lines (24, 57, 61, 67, 89, 91) and the RER C also stop nearby.

Parc Zoologique de Paris (Zoo de Vincennes)

This 14.5‑hectare park is organised into five bio‑zones (Patagonia, Sahel‑Sudan, Europe, Guiana and Madagascar) and is home to around 2 000 animals. Its landmark is the Grand Rocher rock.
Address: Avenue Daumesnil/route de la Ceinture‑du‑Lac, 75012 Paris.
Hours: February–March and October–December 10:00–17:00; April–June and September 09:30–18:00; July–August 09:30–19:00; closed in January.
Getting there: Take metro line 8 to Porte Dorée; the main entrance is about a ten‑minute walk away. Arrive early and book tickets online to avoid queues.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

A blend of amusement park and small zoo, featuring aviaries, farm animals, deer and camel rides.
Address: Carrefour des Sablons, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00–18:00; Wednesday, weekends, public holidays and school vacations 10:00–18:00 (until 19:00 in high season).
Getting there: Take metro line 1 to Les Sablons (exit 2) and walk about seven minutes to the entrance. Use the park’s picnic areas for a relaxed day out.

Animal parks around Paris

ZooSafari de Thoiry

A 150‑hectare site combining a drive‑through safari and a walk‑through zoo with lions, elephants and even a dinosaur trail.
Address: 2 rue du Pavillon de Montreuil, 78770 Thoiry.
Hours: Open daily from March to early November 10:00–17:00, with extended closing at 18:00 or 19:00 depending on the season.
Getting there: Without a car, take bus 78 from Saint‑Quentin‑en‑Yvelines or Mantes‑la‑Jolie; it stops at the zoo. Start early and allow a full day.

Parc Zoologique de Lumigny (Parc des Félins & Terre de Singes)

This 70‑hectare park is split into two sections – one for big cats and one for primates – with semi‑open enclosures. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Address: Domaine de la Fortelle, 77540 Lumigny‑Nesles‑Ormeaux.
Hours: February–March and October–November 10:00–17:00; April–June and September 09:30–18:00; July–August 09:30–19:00; closed December and January.
Getting there: Take a train (RER D to Melun, Transilien P to Verneuil l’Etang or Coulommiers, or RER E to Tournan) and then bus Seine‑et‑Marne Express n° 1 to the stop “Lumigny – Parc des Félins”, about 300 m from the entrance.

Parrot World

Two giant aviaries recreate the Amazon and Patagonian ecosystems, allowing visitors to walk among free‑flying parrots and grazing capybaras.
Address: Route de Guérard, 77580 Crécy‑la‑Chapelle.
Hours: Open March–October 10:00–17:00, with later closing (18:00 or 19:00) in the high season; closed in winter except for certain holidays.
Getting there: Take the RER A to Marne‑la‑Vallée/Chessy and then a taxi or bus 59 to Crécy‑la‑Chapelle. Arrive early to watch animal feedings.

Zoo du Bois d’Attilly

A 20‑hectare forested zoo with about 300 animals, picnic areas and playgrounds; perfect for young children.
Address: Route de Chevry, 77150 Férolles‑Attilly.
Hours: March–October daily 10:00–17:00 (weekdays) and 10:00–18:00 (weekends), up to 19:00 in summer; November–February open only on Wednesdays, weekends and school holidays 10:00–17:00; closed 24/25 December and 31 December/1 January.
Getting there: The zoo is easiest to reach by car; free parking is available.

Espace Rambouillet

A 250‑hectare forest park focusing on European wildlife and birds of prey, with treetop trails and falconry shows.
Address: Route du coin du bois, 78120 Sonchamp.
Hours: Open from early April to early November with varying hours (10:00–18:00 on weekdays, 09:30–18:00 or 19:00 on weekends and during school holidays).
Getting there: Take a train from Paris‑Montparnasse to Rambouillet (about 35 minutes) and book the transport à la demande shuttle that will pick you up at the station and take you to the park.

Educational farms

Ferme de Paris

A municipal organic farm with fields, orchards and numerous domestic animals – a great outing for families.
Address: 1 route du Pesage, Bois de Vincennes, 75012 Paris.
Hours: Open on weekends and certain school holidays. April–September: Saturday/Sunday 13:30–18:45; October & March: 13:30–17:45; November–February: 13:30–16:45. Admission is free.
Getting there: Take bus 77 to Plateau de Gravelle; the farm is a two‑minute walk from the stop. Alternatively, the RER A to Joinville‑le‑Pont provides access via a pleasant stroll through the Bois de Vincennes.

Ferme du Parc de la Villette

A small farm inside the park de la Villette featuring donkeys, goats, chickens and rabbits, with educational workshops for children.
Address: Parc de la Villette, 211 avenue Jean‑Jaurès, 75019 Paris.
Hours: Open every weekend 15:00–18:00 (winter) or 15:00–19:00 (summer); free entry.
Getting there: Use metro line 5 to Porte de Pantin; bus lines 75 and 151 and tram 3B also stop there.

Ferme de Gally (Saint‑Cyr‑l’École)

A large working farm with a petting zoo, pick‑your‑own fields and weekend workshops; very popular with families.
Address: Route de Bailly (CD 7), 78210 Saint‑Cyr‑l’École.
Hours: Wednesdays 14:00–18:00 and weekends 10:00–18:00 year‑round; additional weekday openings during school holidays.
Getting there: From Saint‑Cyr‑l’École station (2.5 km away), take bus lines 6251, 6254 or 6288 to the stop “Ferme de Gally” or tram 13 to “Allée Royale”.

Ferme du Piqueur

A small educational farm showcasing domestic animals and teaching about environmental stewardship.
Address: Pavillon du Piqueur, Domaine national de Saint‑Cloud, 92210 Saint‑Cloud.
Hours: Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:30–18:00; admission fee applies.
Getting there: Take bus 189 and get off at Gabriel Péri; it is a short walk to the farm. Combine your visit with a picnic in the nearby Saint‑Cloud park.