Where to go to see animals in and around Paris

You don’t need to go to the other side of the world to see sharks, rhinos, panthers, red pandas, and jellyfish — you just need to know where to look for them in and around Paris! Here are our tips for a safari-style getaway.

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• Zoo de Vincennes or Paris Zoological Park
• Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
• Thoiry Safari Park
• Parc des Félins 
• Aquarium du Trocadéro
• Sea Life Aquarium
• Ferme de Paris Vincennes
• Bois d’Atilly Zoo
• Jardin d’Acclimatation

Paris Zoological Park, more commonly known as Zoo de Vincennes, is an ideal place to discover the animal world. The zoo is divided into 5 ecosystems so the animals can feel as close as possible to their natural habitat. Head over to the Africa ecosystem to find white rhinos, zebras and lions. In the Amazon-Guyana ecosystem, you can catch a glimpse of anteaters, tapirs and jaguars, as well as sloths and even tarantulas.

Good to know: it is often possible to feed some of the animals and follow zookeepers behind the scenes to find out more about caring for the animals!

This small haven of peace is located in the heart of Paris, close to Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon. The Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes allows you to discover hundreds of different species of animals. The buildings, listed as historic monuments, are part of the charm of this menagerie and attest to the antiquity of the zoo.

Did you know that the Ménagerie is one of the oldest zoos in the world? Here, you can find many endangered species such as the Arabian oryx, the red panda and the snow leopard. These animals are part of a breeding programme at the Ménagerie to protect them from extinction.

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Meet the animals in their natural habitat with this safari near Paris. Set off in your car or aboard the safari shuttle and travel around this 8 km track, winding your way between bears, giraffes and elephants. You feel as though you’re in their home, like guests discovering their daily life in complete discretion. You can also discover parts of the safari on foot, an experience equally as memorable. In addition to the different areas of the zoo, be sure to pass through the more classic but very interesting glass tunnel, where lions, tigers and hyenas roam in close proximity to you!

Good to know: following your visit to the zoo, the Château de Thoiry welcomes you to explore the castle and its gardens.

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A little further out from Paris, this park is a true paradise for lovers of big cats and all kinds of felines. Follow along four walking trails where you will find the felines grouped by continent. Meet famous felines such as lynx, servals, tigers, panthers, lions, cheetahs and jaguars, as well as lesser known felines in France such as: sand cats, jaguarundis, manuls, oncillas and pumas.

Bonus: the park is also home to more than 40 lemurs, as well as domestic animals such as ponies, pygmy goats and alpacas.

Head to the 16^th arrondissement of Paris to find the world’s first aquarium. That’s right, the Aquarium de Paris, also known as Cinéaqua or Aquarium du Trocadéro, opened its doors in 1867!

Many species of fish, marine mammals and corals can be found here.  From starfish to sharks, to the giant guitarfish or soldierfish, there is something for everyone. And for those who have always wanted to touch a fish, a touch pool allows you to do just that. Pass your hand through the water and get ready to meet some fearless goldfish, koi and ide.

Not to be missed:

• The remarkable jellyfish tank: wonderfully presented and featuring lots of different types of jellyfish.
• The magical spectacle of a mermaid who dives into a pool and captivates us with her singing.

Discover a small piece of Antarctica, right in the heart of a shopping centre. We are of course talking about penguin island, with the penguins being only one of the 350 species waiting to be discovered in this park, located just 35 min from Marne La Vallée!

You will travel under water, through 8 themed zones, marvelling at the contents of 50 tanks filled with 13 shark species, sea tortoises, seahorses, rays, piranhas, tropical fish and many more. This aquarium also aims to raise awareness among young people about the importance of protecting marine species, with the help of an adventure trail and the opportunity to feed some of the animals.

Located in the heart of the Bois du Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Ferme de Paris is sure to please your little adventurers.

This small farm also exists for educational purposes and is operated according to organic farming practices. Numerous animals are taken care of here, and the farm also acts as a bucolic space for Parisians yearning for a break in the countryside.

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If you decide to visit the Zoo du bois d’Atilly, it’s not only monkeys, tigers, bears, hippos and cheetahs that you’ll be seeing. There’s so much more! It’s a true haven of peace where your little ones even have the chance to become a zookeeper for the day — just book a private immersion experience with a real zookeeper!

The advantage of this zoo is its location. Situated in the heart of the woods, it allows visitors to meet the zoo’s 300 animals, or 75 wild species, in an environment similar to that of their natural habitat.

Very well known to Parisians, the Napoleonic-style Jardin d’Acclimatation offers you a real break from the noise and hustle and bustle of the city. Experience an original day out with no chance of boredom in this adventure filled park located on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne.

It’s a place full of surprises. Among the attractions, you can also discover the Petite Ferme de Paris, Ferme Saint-Hilaire, which is free to enter once in the garden. This charming hamlet is home to rabbits, guinea pigs, Rove goats, Ouessant sheep, donkeys, a henhouse and an apiary.  You can also admire 40 species of birds from around the world in a spectacular aviary.

For lunch, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for in one of the 12 restaurants offered by the garden. 

New feature: Wild Immersion, the first virtual animal reserve in the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The whole family is invited to get involved with this 360° nature reserve thanks to a 100% virtual reality experience!