A Must-See Curiosity: ZooParc de Beauval
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# ZooParc de Beauval: an animal journey around the world in Saint-Aignan At ZooParc de Beauval, in Saint-Aignan in the Loir-et-Cher department, the sense of escape does not rest on a single attraction: it is built through successive passages between continents, landscapes and atmospheres. Across 45 hectares, the park is home to around 35,000 animals, in a succession of greenhouses, plains and themed facilities that make Beauval one of the most striking zoological sites in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Created in 1980 by Françoise Delord, the park is now run by her son, Rodolphe Delord, and remains family-managed. Its history is also one of a determination to introduce French visitors to species that were rarely exhibited to the public at the time. In the 1990s, Beauval notably became the first French park to display white tigers and white lions. Its reputation was subsequently built around animals that are rare in France—or even unique within the country. ## Why make the trip Beauval is worth the journey for the scale of its collection and the tangible diversity of its recreated habitats. Over the course of just a few routes, visitors move from broad plains devoted to African herbivores to areas dedicated to Asia, Australasia and China. The park is home to okapis, manatees, Goodfellow's tree-kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and Indian rhinoceroses—species seldom seen in French parks. It also houses animals described as unique in France: the giant panda, the golden snub-nosed monkey and the koala. The presence of giant pandas is one of its best-known hallmarks. In 2017, Beauval became the first French park and the fourth in the world to successfully breed giant pandas. This fact alone reflects the site's distinctive place in the French zoological landscape. The appeal also lies in the contrasts throughout the visit. The four greenhouses bring together, among others, birds, great apes, sloths, reptiles, manatees and Australasian animals. Outdoors, three plains host African savannah herbivores—including giraffes, white rhinoceroses, wildebeest and antelopes—as well as African elephants and Asian herbivores such as Indian rhinoceroses and Malayan tapirs. Among the most recognisable themed worlds are *Sur les hauteurs de Chine*, *La Réserve des Hippopotames* and *La Terre des lions*. The site also has a sea lion pool for *L’Odyssée des lions de mer* and an open-air theatre hosting the free-flight bird show *Les Maîtres des airs*. ## The best time to visit ZooParc de Beauval is most comfortably explored when visitors can take their time moving between outdoor areas and greenhouses. Mild days are conducive to walking and observing the animals on the plains, while the greenhouses make particularly appealing stops when the weather is less favourable. Visitor numbers and programming may vary depending on the period, so it is advisable to check the latest information with ZooParc before choosing a date, particularly regarding shows and visiting conditions. ## Preparing your visit Beauval is a large park: it is helpful to plan a visit around a few priorities rather than trying to see everything in a rush. The giant pandas, the large greenhouses, the African plains, the Chinese zone and *La Réserve des Hippopotames* can each serve as guiding threads, depending on your interests. The route alternates between outdoor spaces, buildings and themed areas. Clothing suited to walking and weather conditions will make the day more enjoyable. ZooParc also offers a substantial hotel selection; accommodation, booking arrangements and available services should be checked directly with the establishment. ## Access and points of reference ZooParc de Beauval is located in Saint-Aignan, in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is a notable stop in the south of the department, in an area also associated with the landscapes of the Cher Valley and the Loire châteaux routes. The landmark is simple: Beauval is close to Saint-Aignan. Before setting off, it is best to consult the access directions, parking arrangements and practical information updated by ZooParc.
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Where: Seigy — Centre-Val de Loire