Zoo de La Boissière-du-Doré
A spacious zoo near Nantes featuring diverse animals from 5 continents, with a focus on conservation and impressive naturalistic enclosures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Zoo de La Boissière-du-Doré
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spacious zoo near Nantes featuring diverse animals from 5 continents, with a focus on conservation and impressive naturalistic enclosures.
"An absolute corker of a zoo...so lucky to have found it!"
🗺️ Grab a Map!
The zoo is large; a map is essential for navigating the extensive grounds and finding all the animals.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own picnic to save money and enjoy meals amidst nature.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Predator Enclosures
Plains of Africa
Expansive and impressive enclosures, particularly for predators and the stunning African Plains.
Orangutan & Brown Bear Habitats
Home to a captivating group of orangutans and majestic brown bears, offering unique viewing opportunities.
Bird Show Spectacle
Don't miss the daily bird show, a highlight for many visitors, showcasing impressive avian displays.
Children's Play Area
A fantastic, well-equipped play area provides a fun break for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Navigate with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Map!
The zoo is large; a map is essential for navigating the extensive grounds and finding all the animals.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own picnic to save money and enjoy meals amidst nature.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Consider a stroller for kids and seek shade, as summer can be very hot.
🐦 Daily Bird Show
Catch the impressive bird show daily for an entertaining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Map!
The zoo is large; a map is essential for navigating the extensive grounds and finding all the animals.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own picnic to save money and enjoy meals amidst nature.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Consider a stroller for kids and seek shade, as summer can be very hot.
🐦 Daily Bird Show
Catch the impressive bird show daily for an entertaining experience.
🚗 Easy to Access
Conveniently located about 30 minutes from Nantes, making it a great stopover.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Zoo de la Boissière-du-Doré as a fantastic and unexpected gem, highlighting its large, beautiful enclosures, especially for predators and the impressive African Plains. The daily bird show and the children's play area are also frequently mentioned as highlights. Some find the zoo map a bit difficult to follow and note that the extensive walking can be challenging, particularly in hot weather.
"Fantastic zoo. Large, beautiful enclosures, especially for the predators. Lovely play area.
An unexpected gem to break up the journey to/from Rennes"
Paul D
"Its a very good zoo, with genuine awareness of the future protection of wildlife, Its a large park, with so many animals to see, We did find the map that provides a route around the park, a little difficult to follow unless you are aware of some of the structures that you have to walk through to get into another area"
J LG
"Great Zoo with a wide variety of animals. V good bird show every day. Well sheltered so especially good for the young in v warm weather. Not crowded and v easy to get arround"
Liam Sweeney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is conveniently located about a 30-minute drive from Nantes, making it an accessible destination for a day trip or a stopover.
Information on public transportation options is limited, so driving is generally the most straightforward way to reach the zoo.
The zoo is quite large, and while maps are provided, some visitors find the route a bit challenging to follow. Planning your path can help.
Currently, there is no mention of electric buggy rentals, so be prepared for a significant amount of walking, especially with young children.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission prices are reasonable, offering good value for the experience. Check the zoo's official website for current ticket prices.
While not explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended for popular attractions to save time.
Information on specific discounts for groups or families is not readily available, but it's worth inquiring directly with the zoo.
The zoo is a large park, and while many areas are accessible, some paths might be challenging. It's advisable to contact the zoo directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the large enclosures for predators, orangutans, and brown bears. The African Plains are also a significant highlight.
Yes, there is a petting farm area where visitors, especially children, can interact with some of the animals.
The zoo features a popular daily bird show that is highly recommended. Feeding times for other animals may also be scheduled.
There's a fantastic and well-equipped play area for children, providing a great space for them to burn off energy.
The zoo is extensive, and it can take up to 5 kilometers of walking to cover the entire park, so plan for a full day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo has a restaurant and likely other dining facilities offering refreshments and meals.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a popular option, allowing you to save money and enjoy your meal in designated areas.
Yes, there are picnic areas where visitors can enjoy their packed lunches.
The restaurant typically offers a range of options suitable for families, but specific menus can vary.
While not specified, most zoo restaurants offer some variety. It's best to inquire directly about specific dietary options.
📸 📸 Photography
The large, naturalistic enclosures, especially for predators and the African Plains, offer excellent photographic opportunities.
The spacious enclosures can sometimes make it challenging to get close-up shots, but patience and good timing can yield great results.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often best, as animals tend to be more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoos to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visitors appreciate the zoo's commitment to conservation and the engaging exhibits. The petting farm provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to interact with some of the animals. Planning your visit during weekdays or cooler parts of the day will enhance the experience by avoiding large crowds and extreme heat.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The admission price is generally considered reasonable for the extensive collection of animals and the well-maintained facilities. Visiting during off-peak times, like weekdays in the spring or autumn, can also contribute to a more relaxed and potentially less expensive overall trip, avoiding peak season pricing if applicable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Zoo de la Boissière-du-Doré
This focus on conservation extends beyond just housing animals; the zoo likely supports breeding programs and reintroduction efforts where possible. By visiting, guests contribute to these vital conservation projects, making their experience both enjoyable and impactful. The zoo aims to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and inspire a sense of responsibility towards the natural world.
Visitors often praise the zoo's genuine awareness of wildlife protection, noting that it feels like more than just an entertainment venue. This commitment to conservation is a significant aspect of the zoo's identity and a key reason for its positive reputation among visitors.
Navigating the Zoo: Tips for a Smooth Visit
For families with young children, bringing a stroller is a wise decision, particularly during warmer months. The extensive grounds can be tiring for little legs, and a stroller will make the experience more comfortable for everyone. While there isn't mention of electric buggy rentals, planning for a full day of walking is advisable.
Consider visiting on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid the largest crowds and the most extreme heat. This will allow for a more relaxed and enjoyable exploration of the zoo's diverse animal collection and beautiful landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit