Discover the animal parks of Provence and the Côte d'Azur
You're looking for a family activity in Provence and wondering if there's a zoo or wildlife park near your holiday destination. Here is the list of zoos and animal parks in Provence:
List of zoos and animal parks in South France
Zoos et parcs des Alpes Maritimes
MarineLand, Le Parc de la Mer in Antibes on RN7
The greatest marine show in Europe with dolphins, orcas and seals. Aquariums, Marine Museum, 30m long shark tunnel. Orques et otaries. Open every day all year long.
Tel : 04 93 33 55 77
La Petite Ferme in Antibes RN7
In a park of one hectare find all the well known farm animals, a puppet theater, a children workshop, a magic tunnel, minigolf... Open every day all year long.
Tel : 04 93 33 55 77
La Jungle aux Papillons in Antibes RN7
Tropical greenhouse with butterflies, an ant farm, reptile house, sea turtles. Discover the insect world in the world of lush tropical forests...
Open every day all year long
Tel : 04 93 33 55 77
Zoo Cap Ferrat in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
All types of animals in a unique setting of tropical and Mediterranean vegetation...
Open all year long.
Tel : 04 93 76 04 98
Jardin animalier in Monaco, Les Terrasses de Fontvieille
Founded in 1954,this garden is home to many species
wildlife and tropical African.
Open all year long.
Tel : 00 377 93 25 18 31
Alpes de Haute Provence
Parc animalier domestique in Gréoux les Bains
Created especially for children, the park includes 12 ha goats freedom and nearly 250 rare pets.
Pony ride in, playground, video games, picnic area, gift shop, snack.
Tel : 04 92 78 88 25
Bouches du Rhône
Zoo La Barben in La Barben
600 species of animals in a park of several hactares : rhinoceros, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles. A little train takes you around. Open all year round.
Booking online
Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gan - Saintes Maries
In this park dedicated to the birds of the region, come discover many of the birds who live or migrate to Camargue.
Open all year round
Zoos and animal parks in Var
Le Village des Tortues in Gonfaron
In a park of 2 hectares watch tortoises roaming about free in the center for protection and study of the tortoises from Ermann . Open every day from March to November.
Tel : 04 94 78 26 41
Parc zoologique et Safari in Fréjus
A zoo with 20 hectares of mediterranean vegetation. See the elephants, giraffes, monkeys, zebras, birds and great wildcats. Open every day all year long.
Tel : 04 94 40 70 65
Jardin d'oiseaux exotiques in La Londe
Many rare birds in a well set up park.
Open every day all year long .
Tel : 04 94 35 02 15
Jardin exotique et Zoo in Sanary
Many animals and exotic birds all together
Open all year long except on Sunday morning in the winter.
Tel : 04 94 29 40 38
La Ferme de Beaugensiers in Belgentier
Educational farm around a 16th century building. You will find sheep, rams, pigs, rabbits and ducks, dwarf horse, geese and chickens, ponies, goats, and the goats, cows and our friend the donkey.
Educational workshops during the week - Sunday Visits
Tel : 04 94 48 94 44 - 06 19 55 89 95
Zoo du Mont Faron in Toulon
A unique center for the reproduction of great felines
Open every day all year long
Tel : 04 94 88 07 89
Espace Autruches Azur in Hyeres
4 ha park with deer, monkeys and ostrich farm in a beautiful park planted with trees.
Tel : 04 94 66 71 82
Institut océanographique Paul Ricard in Six Fours
Mediterranean aquarium.
Ecological museum.
Tel : 04 94 34 02 49
Where to see animals in the PACA region?
Discover the biggest and best animal parks and zoos in the Provence Côte d'Azur region. From La Barben to Fréjus to the Jardin Zoologique Tropical, each site offers a unique experience. Whether you're passionate about South American animals, looking for an educational farm for a family outing or simply looking for a day out in the great outdoors, the PACA region has something for everyone. Get ready for an adventure in the heart of nature, up close to the animals.
La Barben zoo : a must-see in Provence
Located between Salon-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence, the La Barben zoo covers 33 hectares of Mediterranean vegetation. It is home to over 700 animals of 130 different species.
Visitors can explore several themed areas: the Plateau, the Vallon des Cascades and the Bois des Pins. The park also offers educational activities and workshops for children, providing a fun way to discover the fauna.
For a gourmet break, a snack bar is available in the heart of the park, offering refreshments and light meals. A shaded picnic area is also available for families.
To facilitate your visit, it is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season. The park is open all year round, and offers reduced rates for children, students and the unemployed.
The Tropical Zoological Garden: a change of scenery guaranteed
The Jardin Zoologique Tropical invites you to discover a wide variety of exotic animals. The six-hectare park is home to over 250 species, including squirrel monkeys, rare lemurs and hornbills with impressive beaks. Visitors can also admire a wealth of exotic flora, including cacti, palms and eucalyptus.
For families, the park offers a mini-farm where children can approach and pet donkeys, goats and peacocks. A playground is also available, offering a peaceful place to relax after a visit.
Daily animations, presented by animal caretakers, allow visitors to learn more about the animals' behaviors. Finally, the park is equipped with picnic areas and toilets for the comfort of visitors.
Mont Faron: a zoo with a breathtaking view
L'Arche Méo: an animal park to discover in Marseille
L'Arche Méo, located in Mollégès near Marseille, is an ideal wildlife park for a family outing. This 7-hectare park is home to a wide variety of animals, from goats and sheep to zebus and llamas. It also offers interactive activities such as animal feeding and creative workshops for children.
For the little ones, there's a 3,000 m² playground with an inflatable course, trampoline and water games. Nature lovers will appreciate the park's ponds and green spaces. In summer, you'll be able to take advantage of the misting systems to cool off.
The park also offers special activities, such as becoming an animal keeper for a day, a unique experience for animal lovers. Finally, picnic tables are available for spending a full day outdoors.
Aquarium de la Côte d'Azur: an underwater adventure
The Aquarium de la Côte d'Azur offers a fascinating immersion in the marine world. Located in the heart of the PACA region, this site is home to an impressive diversity of marine species.
Visitors can observe majestic sharks, elegant rays and exotic fish in beautifully landscaped basins. One of the star attractions is the underwater tunnel, offering a 360° view of the sea creatures.
To enrich the experience, feeding sessions are held daily. These provide detailed information on the animals' feeding habits.
Families will also appreciate the interactive activities, such as educational workshops and dolphin shows. For those who wish to extend their visit, relaxation areas and picnic sites are available, offering a pleasant setting for an outdoor break.
Car safari: an immersive experience
Car safaris offer a unique immersion in the animal world, allowing you to observe animals at close quarters without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. This experience is particularly popular in reserves such as Thoiry, where you can admire lions, giraffes and elephants roaming freely.
The routes are designed to ensure the safety of visitors while offering spectacular views. You can also enjoy special moments, such as feeding the animals, often accompanied by explanations from the caretakers.
For adventure-seekers, some reserves even offer night-time excursions. These safaris allow you to discover the wildlife from a different angle, when the animals are more active. Don't forget binoculars and a camera to immortalize these magical moments.
Educational farms in the PACA region: learning while having fun
Var educational farm: a day in contact with animals
You can take part in a variety of fun and educational activities:
Watch cows being milked
Feed farm animals such as chickens, rabbits and goats
Take part in cheese-making workshops
Children will love donkey rides and picking fresh fruit and vegetables.
For the more inquisitive, there are guided tours to discover the secrets of beekeeping and organic gardening techniques.
The farm also offers seasonal activities, such as lamb bottle-feeding in spring.
Finally, for a gourmet break, don't miss the tasting of local products, carefully prepared by local producers.
Bouches du Rhône educational farm: an immersion in the rural world
The Bouches du Rhône educational farm offers a variety of activities for all ages. Children can take part in discovery workshops, such as feeding the animals or milking the cows. These activities are often accompanied by detailed explanations from passionate farmers.
For lovers of local produce, cheese and honey tastings are regularly organized. You can also stroll through the orchards and vegetable gardens to learn more about organic farming.
Visitors can explore several themed areas:
The farmyard, where chickens, ducks and rabbits live in semi-liberty.
Enclosures for classic farm animals such as sheep and goats
An area dedicated to market gardening
These educational and entertaining visits provide a better understanding of the world of agriculture, while spending a pleasant moment with the whole family.
Vaucluse educational farm: a place of learning and discovery
The Ferme pédagogique du Vaucluse offers a multitude of enriching activities for visitors of all ages. Children can take part in hands-on workshops, such as bread-making or fruit and vegetable picking.
Families will appreciate the guided tours that shed light on the daily lives of farm animals. Interactive activities such as feeding the goats or brushing the ponies are also available.
For those wishing to deepen their knowledge, the farm organizes educational sessions on organic farming and the preservation of biodiversity. These sessions are led by passionate experts, guaranteeing an instructive and entertaining experience.
Last but not least, the farm also features picnic and relaxation areas, perfect for a break in the great outdoors after a busy morning.
Zoos in the Alpes Maritimes: animals from all horizons
Fréjus Zoo: an animal park in the heart of Provence
Fréjus Zoo, located on the Côte d'Azur, is home to around 600 animals representing 110 different species. It is set in a natural Mediterranean setting, offering an immersive experience with vegetation typical of the region. You'll discover impressive mammals such as lions, cheetahs and elephants, as well as a wide variety of birds and reptiles.
To make your visit even more enriching, the zoo offers educational activities such as the “Soigneur d'un jour” program. This experience allows visitors to accompany the caretakers in their daily tasks. Children as young as 6 can participate, making the activity accessible to the whole family.
Park facilities include relaxation areas:
Shaded picnic areas
Snack bar facing the Lemur Jungle
Terrace near the boutique
These facilities guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
La Londe Les Maures Zoo: a place of wonder for young and old alike
La Londe Les Maures Zoo is a haven of peace for nature lovers. Nestled in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, this zoo offers a unique immersive experience thanks to its exceptional collection of exotic animals and plants.
Among the most remarkable species are lemurs, squirrel monkeys and African tortoises. While visiting the park, families can also enjoy the mini-farm, where children love feeding the miniature goats and donkeys.
The zoo is also a center for the preservation of endangered species, actively participating in breeding programs. Lovers of botany will not be outdone, with paths lined with cacti and succulents.
For a relaxing break, picnic areas are available to extend the visit.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Zoo: an exceptional setting for observing animals
The Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Zoo is nestled in the heart of a verdant peninsula, offering an exceptional setting for observing animals. The park is home to over 300 species, ranging from majestic lions and tigers to colorful birds such as parrots and flamingos.
Visitors can wander through various themed areas:
The African plain, home to zebras and antelopes
The grotto, home to fascinating nocturnal animals
The aviary, an immersive space for admiring a multitude of birds.
To make the experience even more enriching, the zoo offers interactive activities such as animal feeding and educational workshops, particularly popular with families.
Picnic areas and relaxation areas are also available, allowing you to make the most of this getaway close to nature.
The best zoos in the South of France
Zoo de la Barben, nestled between Salon-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence, is a must-see with its 33 hectares of Mediterranean vegetation. You'll find a multitude of animals, from rhinoceroses to red pandas.
For a marine experience, theInstitut océanographique Paul Ricard in Six-Fours-les-Plages is perfect. This Mediterranean aquarium offers fascinating exhibits on marine life and educational programs for all ages.
Another site not to be missed is the Jardin Zoologique Tropical in La Londe Les Maures. This park offers a guaranteed change of scenery with its exotic animals and tropical plants. Visitors can see lemurs, squirrel monkeys and African tortoises.
Finally, the Parc Alpha, located in the Boréon valley, is dedicated to wolves. Here you can observe several packs in semi-liberty, offering a unique and educational experience.
Map of zoos in the PACA region: plan your visit
To help you plan your visit to the zoos in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, here's an interactive map to help you locate the region's main animal parks. You'll also find practical information such as opening times, prices and services available on site.
Some zoos not to be missed
Zoo de la Barben, ideal for a family day out
Parc zoologique de Fréjus, perfect for observing a wide variety of animals
Jardin Zoologique Tropical, offering a complete change of scenery with its exotic species.
The map also shows picnic areas and available parking, making it easy to organize your day.
Practical tip: don't forget to check the weather forecast before your visit for an even more pleasant experience.
The diversity of animals in PACA region zoos
The PACA region is home to an impressive diversity of animals in its many zoos. At the Parc zoologique de Fréjus, you can meet species from all five continents, including giraffes, elephants and chimpanzees. The Zoo de La Barben, meanwhile, boasts a varied collection including rhinoceroses, zebras and red pandas.
For lovers of marine animals, Marineland in Antibes is a must. This park combines zoo and aquarium, offering views of orcas, dolphins and even sharks.
Other zoos, such as the Jardin Zoologique Tropical de La Londe Les Maures, enhance the experience with exotic species such as squirrel monkeys and African tortoises.
Each park makes it a point of honor to participate in the conservation of species and to provide suitable environments for their residents.
Zoos in the PACA region: an unforgettable family outing
For an unforgettable family outing in the PACA region, a number of zoos stand out for their diverse offering and activities suitable for all ages. Among the options not to be missed, Marineland d'Antibes offers a unique experience with its dolphin and orca shows, as well as its impressive shark tunnel.
For a more terrestrial adventure, the Village des Tortues in Carnoules is a sanctuary home to over 1,600 land and sea turtles, representing more than 50 species from around the world.
Visitors can also discover :
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Zoo, with its 300 animal species
Parc Zoologique de Fréjus, perfect for observing giraffes, elephants and chimpanzees
Jardin Zoologique Tropical in La Londe Les Maures, ideal for seeing lemurs and African tortoises.
These parks offer picnic and relaxation areas, guaranteeing an enjoyable day out for the whole family.
Which zoo has the most different animals in the South of France?
La Barben Zoo, located between Salon-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence, is the zoo with the largest number of different animals in the South of France. With over 130 species and around 700 animals, the park is a veritable haven of biodiversity.
Visitors can discover a wide variety of animals, from large mammals such as elephants and rhinoceroses, to reptiles and exotic birds.
The park also offers educational events and interactive workshops, enabling families to learn more about the species present and their way of life.
For a pleasant break, picnic areas are available, as well as play areas for children, making the visit both enriching and entertaining.