Jaguars, monkeys and even all kinds of reptiles… the Paris zoological park is home to more than 180 different animal species. This zoo will take you all around the world with its different biozones which aim to imitate the animals’ living habitat with utmost accuracy. So is the visit worth it? Keep reading to find out what our opinion is!
Our opinion
We like it for:
- The park being divided in biozones to provide the animals with the same living conditions as their natural habitat
- The small signs which direct you to find the best observatory spots
- The in-depth information about the animals (age, name, diet…)
We like it less for:
- The slightly high prices
- The zoo can get very crowded during weekends so the animals might hide by fear
More about Paris zoo
The zoo is a 34.5 acres wildlife park with more than 2000 animals out of over 180 species. It was renovated and reopened in 2014.
The diversity is impressive: tapirs, big cats, reptiles, birds, girafes… You can also discover rather unknown species in enclosures which intend to replicate their natural living conditions.
The park is divided into 5 biozones: Patagonia, Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Amazon-Guyana and Madagascar.
These biozones allow you to take a trip around the world to discover the fauna and flora and the different ecosystems from all over the world.
Where is the Paris Zoological Park?
The Paris zoological park Paris zoological park is in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, on the Avenue Daumesnil, next to the Bois de Vincennes.
To get there by metro, take the line 8 and get off at the Porte Dorée station (a 7 minutes’ walk away from the park entrance). You can also take the line 1 and get off at the Château de Vincennes station. From there, you will have to take the bus 46 (Parc Zoologique station).
To get to the Paris zoological park by bus, take the bus line 46, 86, 201 or 325 (Parc Zoologique station) or line 77 (Porte de Reuilly station).
By tramway, take the line T3 (Porte Dorée station).
We advise you against going to the park by car because you will have to pay to park your car near the park. Besides, you will probably waste your time in traffic jams.
If you still want to go by car, here are the different parking lots close to the park:
- The parking garage Poniatowsk located at a 15 minute walk away from the entrance which costs €12 for 3 hours.
The address: 57 boulevard Poniatowski, 75012 Paris. - The parking public Valmy-Liberté is 15 minutes away from the zoo entrance and costs €8 for 4 hours.
The address: 139 rue de Paris à 94220 Charenton-le-Pont - The parking Elit Nation is located 30 minutes away from the park and costs €3.60 for 2 hours.
The address: 28 avenue de Saint-Mandé à 75012 Paris
Visiting the Paris zoo
Practical Information
Opening hours
The park is open every day. It opens at 9:30am and closes between 6pm and 8:30 pm depending on the time of the year.
To check the exact opening hours, click here
When You Should Go
Obviously, we advise you against going on weekends, days off and national holidays for a visit.
As well as being less pleasant, the visit could be ruined by the big crowds. The animals could be scared by the high number of visitors and decide to hideaway from you. It will make it more difficult to spot them.
Rates:
Normal rates:
- Adults (from 13 years old): €20
- Reduced rates: €17 (for people who have the Carte famille nombreuses/SNCF, Carte Cezam, Pass éducation, and special rates for works councils and tourism professionals)
- Children from 3 to 12 years old: €15
- Free for children under 3 years old
Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children:
- €65 for 4 tickets
- Applicable to 2 adults (at least one person older than 18) and 2 children from 3 to 12 years old, and providing the supporting documents
Annual pass:
- Adults (13 years old and above): €60
- Children from 3 to 12 years old: €45
You get free entrance all year round to discover the park throughout the year
Complementary information
Is the Paris zoological park suitable for children?
The answer is: yes, of course! Children will have fun looking at the animals during their visit.
Also, there are little informative signs hung on the enclosures. They state the animals’ age, their natural habitat, their diet… A fun way to learn new things!
Workshops are organized for kids according to their age, they will be asked to solve problems, answer quizzes and participate in mime shows. To learn more about these workshops, click here.
The park is suitable for strollers and some restaurants provide kids menus.
Is the Paris Zoological Park Suitable for Disabled People?
The park is accessible to everybody, including disabled people.
The staff will be attentive and ready to accompany them if necessary.
They can benefit from a free admission ticket.
Luggage Restrictions
Unfortunately, you can’t visit the Paris zoological park with luggage and there is no left luggage office nearby.
We advise you not to plan your visit right before your departure or after your arrival in town.
Is There any Food and Drink Venues?
The Paris zoological park has two restaurants: the Siam and the Zarafa. Many take-away stands are also available all over the park.
Plan a €20 meal to eat in one of the restaurants and about €10 for one of the take-away stands.More information about the restaurants and the take-away stand, click here
Dogs are not permitted within the park.
A Typical Visit
The Paris zoological park has 5 biozones which clearly highlight a particular ecosystem. They allow the animals to develop in their original habitat and they assure their well-being.
Start your visit with the Madagascar biozone. With its humid tropical forests and dry tropical forest, you may find a great number of colorful birds, lemurs, crowned sifakas, and even sloths.
This biozone is also home to tortoises, frogs and many kinds of fish. You’ll be taking off for Madagascar!
Continue with the Amazon-Guyana biozone. Manatees, armadillos and different kinds of monkeys will make you feel like you are living in the tropics.
Then, take a quick trip to Europe. Do you like birds of prey? Come and discover the Griffon vulture or even the Red kite. You might have the opportunity to observe the wolves, the lynxes and the wolverines. The otters in the waterfall will melt your heart!
The visit continues with Africa and the biozone dedicated to the Sahel-Sudan. It is the largest one in the park and provides a home to large mammals such as white rhinoceros, Grévy’s zebras, and lions.
Then end the visit with the Patagonia biozone. You can admire the stunning scenery and the rich and varied biodiversity: the Andes mountains’ rocky coastlines and the desert plains and steppes. Regarding the animals, you will find Emperor penguins, eared seals, pudús and cougars.
You can find the animals’ full list present in the park on the official website.
For shopping addicts, you have the souvenir shop selling stuffed toys, books and other souvenirs.
We advise you to take half a day (roughly 3 to 4 hours) for the visit. As you might have understood, it will take some time to see the large number of animals.
Nice places to go to near the Paris zoological park
To eat and drink
The park has two restaurants and take-away stands for a quick snack (see above). For those who do no want to eat there, here is our restaurant selection near the Paris zoological park.
Le Chalet des Iles Daumesnil
Bois de Vincennes, Ile de Reuilly, 75012 Paris
Located 300 meters away from the zoo, this little restaurant is located along the lake of the Bois de Vincennes.
The menu changes every 6 months depending on the season. You will find tomato and burrata salads, sea bass and even spicy cod fish cake.
Price: meals about €25
Opening hours:
Winter: from Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 5:30pm
Summer: from Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 12am
Phone number: +33 1 43 07 00 10
Reviews:
- Google: 4.1/5
- Tripadvisor: 3.5/5
Website (in French): http://www.lechaletdesiles.com
Le Bistrot de la Porte Dorée
5 Boulevard Soult, 75012 Paris
500 meters away from the park, this bistro offers French/European cuisine.
Regardless of your choice- calf’s head, duck liver paté or duck breast, you will, for sure enjoy these delicious meals.
The value for money is great: €42 for an appetizer, starter, main dish and cheese or dessert, wine and coffee with along with a pastry.
Price: €42 including everything
Opening hours: every day from 11:30am to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm
Phone number: +33 1 43 43 80 07
Reviews:
- Google: 4.3/5
- Tripadvisor: 4/5
Website: https://hoteldelaportedoree.com/en/bistrot-de-la-porte-doree~pid36
Other places to visit nearby
Walk Around the Bois de Vincennes
The zoo is located on one end of the Bois de Vincennes. This visit is perfect to discover the woods.
There are many walking trails and a biodiversity course is available to learn about the flora and fauna of these woods.
You will be able to participate in the BaladEngime walk: Download or print a log route and solve the mysteries and questions along the way.
More information about these walks, click here.
Les pavillons de Bercy – Musée des Arts Forains
53 avenue des terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
This is an original visit only a few blocks away from the park.
This museum will have you dive in this dream-like universe: A crystal chandelier hung on a green roof, curiosities office, elephant hot-air balloon and even unicorns playing the piano.
This museum is dedicated to the Fairground Arts and will leave you speechless.
You must reserve your visit beforehand.
Price:
Contact the museum directly for the rates and book your visit
Access:
10 minutes by bar
25 minutes by metro – line 8
Phone number: +33 1 43 40 16 22
Website: http://arts-forains.com/en
In conclusion
We advise you to visit the Paris zoological park. The biozones will help you discover different ecosystems and respect the animals’ natural environment.
This visit is suitable for everybody!
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