ZooParc de Beauval
Founded 1980 · France
ZooParc de Beauval (Saint-Aignan)
Founded 1980 · France
ZooParc de Beauval is one of France's most extraordinary wildlife destinations: 35,000 animals across 24 themed territories on 46 hectares in the Loire Valley. Born from the passion of Françoise Delord, who opened an ornithological park in 1980, Beauval has grown into a world-renowned institution and the only zoo in France to house giant pandas.
Spectacular bird and sea-lion shows, the Nuage de Beauval cable car above the savanna, and five on-site themed hotels make it far more than a day visit. Ranked among the most beautiful zoos in the world, Beauval welcomes around two million visitors each year.
Highlights
- 35,000+ animals across 24 themed territories on 46 hectares
- Only zoo in France with giant pandas
- Maîtres des Airs — one of the world's great bird of prey shows
- Odyssée des Lions de Mer — spectacular sea-lion experience
- Nuage de Beauval — unique cable car offering aerial views of the park
- 5 themed hotels and 3 classic hotels on site
- Ranked 4th most beautiful zoo in the world
- ~2 million visitors per year
- Beauval Nature foundation active in 19+ countries
- Open daily — shows included with every admission ticket
Animals you'll meet
- Giant pandas
- Koalas
- Manatees
- Hippos
- Gorillas
- White lions
- Komodo dragons
- Sea lions
- Rhinoceros
- Giraffes
- Okapi
- Red pandas
About the zoo
Signature Habitats
Within 46 hectares, Beauval offers some twenty splendid territories designed for animal wellbeing.
- Les Hauteurs de Chine — giant pandas, snow leopards, red pandas and takins
- Le Dôme Équatorial — manatees, pygmy hippos, douc langurs and Komodo dragons
- La Savane Africaine — giraffes, rhinos and African wildlife on open plains
- Les Terres Rouges — wombats, red kangaroos and wallabies
- Les Ombres de l'Amazonie — jaguars and South American rainforest species
- Bucolia — heritage farm breeds and domestic biodiversity
Must-See Experience
Two flagship shows are included with every ticket. Maîtres des Airs brings birds of prey soaring overhead in a breathtaking aerial ballet. Odyssée des Lions de Mer showcases sea lions in an immersive aquatic theatre. Ride the Nuage de Beauval cable car for an unprecedented aerial view of the savanna below.
Conservation Impact
The Beauval Nature foundation implements conservation actions for global biodiversity and scientific research programmes. What began as one woman's passion for birds in 1980 has become a family institution dedicated to protecting animals and raising public awareness of the urgency of conservation.
Plan Your Visit
Allow a full day — or stay overnight in one of five themed hotels for total immersion. Combined zoo-and-hotel packages make it easy to extend your Loire Valley adventure. Arrive early for the flagship shows and plan your cable car ride for the afternoon.
History
- 1980
Françoise Delord opens an ornithological park with 2,000 birds at Saint-Aignan
- 2012
Giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi arrive — Beauval becomes France's panda home
- 2015
Equatorial Dome opens — one of the largest biodomes in Europe
- 2019
Nuage de Beauval cable car launches — first aerial zoo experience in France
- 2021
Birth of twin panda cubs — a historic moment for French conservation
- 2024
Over 45 years of history and approximately 2 million annual visitors
Conservation
Beauval Nature supports conservation actions for global biodiversity and scientific research, raising public awareness of the necessity of protecting animals and their habitats.
- Beauval Nature foundation
- International breeding programmes
- Conservation projects in 19+ countries
- Scientific research programmes
- Public awareness and education
Awards
- 4th most beautiful zoo in the world (international ranking)