Top 5 Zoos with Giraffes in France 2026

ZooParc de Beauval, commonly known as Beauval Zoo, is a renowned zoological park located in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Established in 1980 by Françoise Delord, the zoo began as a bird park and has since grown into one of the largest and most diverse animal collections in France and Europe. Today, Beauval Zoo spans 40 hectares and is home to over 35,000 animals representing 800 species, including rare and endangered species such as giant pandas, okapis, tree kangaroos, and koalas. The zoo is famous for being the first in France to present leucistic big cats like white tigers and white lions, which significantly boosted its popularity. Visitors can explore a variety of themed zones, including expansive greenhouses for birds and great apes, large plains for African and Asian herbivores, and unique attractions like a free-flight bird show and a sea lion basin. Beauval Zoo is also a leader in conservation, participating in European Endangered Species Programmes and supporting wildlife reintroduction efforts.

Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a zoological park located in Ardes-sur-Couze, in the heart of the Auvergne volcanic region, about 40 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. The zoo is unique in its mission, being the first in the world to dedicate itself 100% to threatened species, with 75% of its 60 species classified as endangered. Visitors can expect to see around 350 animals, including iconic species such as the red panda, Amur leopard, Rothschild's giraffe, African lion, Sudan cheetah, and Mishmi takin. The park offers immersive experiences like nocturnal visits, animal keeper activities, and even the chance to stay overnight in the 'Manoir des Rêves Sauvages' for a unique experience among the animals. Open from February to December, the park welcomes about 100,000 visitors annually and is recognized as one of the 21 emblematic sites of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

La Palmyre Zoo, located in Les Mathes, Charente-Maritime near Royan in southwestern France, is one of the country's most renowned zoological parks. Founded in 1966 by Claude Caillé, the zoo began with just 60 animals on three hectares and has since expanded to cover 18 hectares, including 14 hectares of landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore over 4 kilometers of pathways and observe more than 1,600 animals representing 145 species from around the world. The zoo is set in the scenic forest of la Coubre, offering a natural and immersive environment for both animals and guests. Over the decades, La Palmyre Zoo has become a major attraction, known for its commitment to animal care, innovative exhibits, and participation in international conservation efforts.

The Paris Zoological Park, also known as Parc zoologique de Paris or Vincennes Zoo, is a major zoological facility located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It was established in 1934 as a complement to the historic Ménagerie du Jardin des plantes, with a focus on providing animals with more suitable and naturalistic environments. The zoo is renowned for its iconic 65-meter-high artificial rock, known as the "Big Rock," which is a prominent feature visible from afar and a symbol of the park. Covering 14.5 hectares, the zoo houses around 1,000 animals representing 180 species, and includes a 4,000 square meter greenhouse simulating a tropical rainforest climate. After closing for extensive renovations from 2008 to 2014, the zoo reopened with modernized habitats grouped into five major natural environments, or biozones, designed to meet contemporary standards for animal welfare and visitor experience.

Zoo Parc de Touroparc is a zoological park located in France, offering visitors a unique blend of animal encounters, amusement attractions, and a water park. Established over 60 years ago, the zoo spans 12 hectares and is home to more than 600 animals representing over 140 different species. Visitors can stroll along scenic paths to observe animals living in spacious, naturalistic habitats designed to suit their needs and behaviors. The park is family-friendly, with activities and attractions suitable for all ages, including opportunities to meet animal keepers and participate in special experiences such as getting close to elephants, lemurs, and giraffes. In addition to its animal exhibits, Touroparc features a water park with slides and water games, making it a popular destination during the summer months.