ZooParc de Beauval — Attraction in Romorantin-Lanthenay

Beautiful and modern zoo with (mostly) spatious enclosures for their animals, many rare species to see, and various successful breeding programs. Amongst the unusual species you'll find here are a pair of giant panda - the zoo's star attraction - as well as snow leopards, white tigers, jaguars, koalas and manatees, to name a few, in addition to more commonly encountered species such as lions, panthers, tigers, elephants, rhinos, hippos, penguins, giraffes, crocodiles, gorillas, flamingos, parrots, and much, much more. The enclosures in which you'll find the animals have, for the most part, been designed such that they not only mimic the animals' natural habitat, but moreover provide an area for the animals to retreat to from the eyes of the public. As such, it can be difficult to spot the small and coy red pandas amongst the leafy branches of the trees in their enclosure, the rhinos in the distance of their "savanna", or the jaguars (including a melanistic one) on their platform. Most enclosures, however, have been built to provide the viewer with a broad spectrum of the animals' behaviour while remaining as unintrusive as possible. The hippo-enclosure is a perfect example of this, as the adjoining building offers views from three different levels: underwater, ground level/level to the water-surface, and from above. Similarly, the white tigers can be viewed from above; the penguins on both ground level and underwater; and the lions from both inside (by means of a viewing-tunnel) and outside of their enclosure.

It's obvious that plenty of attention has also been paid to the design of the rest of the park, as most sections of the zoo are beautifully and thematically decorated, with numerous intertwined pathways guiding visitors along hillside pathways, raised walkways, and more. Plants play an important part in this theming too, with some stretches of the park feeling narrow and confined amongst trees, while others feel like the open landscape of the savanna. As such, the zoo presents its visitors with an immersive experience that can easily compete with the best of theme-parks - all the while remaining respectful towards their animals. How impressive this all is, is best appreciated from the gondola that carries people from one end of the park to the other.

With unlimited photo-opportunities and various playgrounds, Beauval has a lot to offer - no matter whether you're a couple, family with kids, or single....

Wow!

This is an amazing zoo! I've been to several zoos in the world and this is up there with one of the best. What makes it great are the enclosures. Many of the animals have very larger enclosures with both and inside and outside area, but rather than having just a small dingy cage that is hardly viewable for the inside, many of the inside enclosure are huge, well designed and have several viewing areas.

They incorporate many different animals to make the best use of the interior enclosure, for example the huge gorilla enclosure has a river with stingrays, and a pond with crocodiles. The orangutan enclosure is connect to the vivarium. They do so much to incorporate many animals close together to maximize the viewing experience.

The massive structure at the top of the hill that houses the manatees is a beautiful building on its own, on top of the fact that it houses a giant manatee aquarium, a river otter aquarium, and an enclosure with bats that you can walk through.

The huge netted bird enclosure with the "parkour" bridges is equally impressive, with the fun experience of looking down upon the bird habitats below. Both the hippo and lion enclosures are not to be missed, with multiple viewing vantages.

You don't have to walk more than the next exhibit to find a food concession, and what makes the eating experience all the more worthwhile is that wherever you sit and dine, you can relax and just view the closest animal enclosure. I will say that the crepe restaurant we chose to eat at took exceptionally long (25 minutes) which was a disappointing waste of time for a simple meal, but this is France.

What is missing from this zoo that is often available in other zoos is a train for the kids. They do have a gondola, but it would have been nice if the gondola was closer to the exit so when you are ready to go you could just take the gondola instead of the long hike to the exit. Additionally, of note is the absence of seating. There aren't many benches to rest on except in the dining areas, so get ready to be on your feet for...

This is by far and away the best zoo I have ever been to. Full stop. It is an assault on your senses in every way and if you are a first time visitor, be prepared to be blown away. The animals all have spacious enclosures and the zoo offers you multiple viewing angles and perspectives. So where do I start? Well the Pandas are without doubt the stars of the show. But so many other animals command attention. For example, the Elephants, the Koalas etc etc. The zoo is a masterpiece. Its expensive to get in, but by the end of your stay you will feel it was worth it.

Be prepared to do a lot of walking as the site is enormous and spread across quite a deep valley so the cable car offers you a spectacular and quick way from one side to the other. But it is fully accessible with lifts and ramps where needed. We managed to do it in one day but, one very tiring 10.5 hour day. If you can spare two days then it will make it more leisurely.

The dome is just incredible. Its easily seen from miles around and is home to bats, birds, aquatic animals and so much more. We sat in it and had an ice cream with bats roosting a few feet over our heads. Where else do you get that?

The flying show? I simply have no words. Just go and see it. Half an hour of some spectacular, well trained birds in a natural environment. If its hot, be aware there is no cover in the flying area and to get the best seats you'll need to be in and sat down about half an hour before the show starts. But pack suncream, a hat, some water and you'll be in for a treat I promise you.

Parking was surprisingly easy and straightforward for such a big site and there are plenty of food options. Nowhere else can you sit and have a drink or something to eat and have an African Elephant stood just metres away. Again, where else do you get that?

This is by far the best zoo I have ever been to in every respect, from the range of animals and their welfare, facilities etc. If you are in this region, don't even think....just go and see it. And prepare...