Juraparc — Attraction in Vallorbe

A wonderful park for those who love bears. The park has other animals too, but not many - two wolves, some bisons, some goats and lamas. But the bears are the stars of the show. There are two small cubs with their mum in one enclosure (a big space that is set in the wilderness of the Jura National park), then there are two other bears in the second enclosure - one is a real fun as he likes to stand on the tree stump to observe the surroundings - a poser and an explorer. His compatriot, the second bear int he enclosure is more of a quiet creature, just lying leisurely on the grass. The third enclosure has only one bear - a restless soul, or perhaps a stressed one as he walks up an down the same path, looking somewhat unhappy. The last enclosure has a bear that likes to hide and observe people from the safety of his 'nest' up on the slope of a small mountain. All you can see is his face. The wolves are supposed to be in the same enclosure but they were nowhere to be seen during out visit. The bisons were also absent, maybe went for a long walk to a different pasture. The area is big and the enclosures are connected between each other with wooden bridges so the visitors can observe the bears from a safe distance but close enough to admire them. Lamas and goats are in a completely separate area near the restaurant. The restaurant serves good lunches, mostly meaty ones, so vegetarians will find it difficult to choose anything edible. There are many dishes with bison meat. The interior of the restaurant is a Swiss rustic one and the personnel is friendly and...

Visited while on holiday and it was the highlight of the trip. The Parc is arranged so visitors can stroll along a raised wooden walkway and look into enclosures on either side (though one half is just for the bison and donkeys. The other half is split into smaller enclosures, about 6-8, each with either wolves or bears. These enclosures exist due to the presence of a vegetated cliff at the back, creating a natural barrier, and the walkway at the front. Due to being in the small mountain top valley, full of grass, shrubs, trees and plants, and not having any roof, the animals are effectively in their natural habitat. There are no buildings or cages, just open air and a fenced walkway. The enclosures are large (compared to most zoos), so the animals do not seem as encased and therefore freer to roam. The wolves have a natural cave in the cliff wall. A very natural feeling zoo indeed. The animals did not look distressed, though obviously this is still a zoo. We did not witness the restless pacing by the walls / glass you see in so many zoos. Instead we witnessed bears stretching, and wandering around casually, talking a dip in the ponds, and foraging for food. The design is perfect, and seeing these animals in their natural habitat while still being able to see them clearly, a truly...

Was ok. I went there in September and it wasn't that amazing. There were only a few animals and for the most part didn't really see them. There is a TON of space for the animals which is great, but you don't really see them so you walk a lot for nothing really. The price is fair for what it is but I would not go back there - hence the 3 stars. We had more fun at the little parc with the kids (they did at least which is the most important thing for us) and...