Zoo de La Flèche
Experience an unforgettable wildlife adventure with immersive lodge stays and spacious, naturalistic animal enclosures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & see active animals
Zoo de La Flèche
Best Time
Beat the crowds & see active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience an unforgettable wildlife adventure with immersive lodge stays and spacious, naturalistic animal enclosures.
"This may be our favorite zoo of all time, with large enclosures and sufficient viewing areas."
🎯 Book Lodges Early
Unique stays near animals book fast! Plan ahead for an unforgettable night.
🎟️ Arrive Early for Cafeteria
Beat queues for better food selection at the main cafeteria.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Safari Lodge Stays
Various animal enclosures
Sleep steps away from lions or wolves for an unparalleled, immersive wildlife experience.

Grizzly Bear Cave
Bear enclosure
Watch grizzly bears in their expansive habitat, a hit with younger visitors.

Bird of Prey Show
Aviary amphitheater
Experience a top-notch free-flight exhibit with majestic birds of prey.

Otter Watching
Otter enclosure
Mesmerizing otters, one even spotted with a pacifier, captivate for hours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay for an Immersive Experience
Beat the Crowds for Prime Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Lodges Early
Unique stays near animals book fast! Plan ahead for an unforgettable night.
🎟️ Arrive Early for Cafeteria
Beat queues for better food selection at the main cafeteria.
☀️ Seek Shade for Shows
Grab shaded seats for the seal show on hot days.
🐾 Watch for Hidden Animals
Enclosures are spacious; animals may hide. Be patient for sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Lodges Early
Unique stays near animals book fast! Plan ahead for an unforgettable night.
🎟️ Arrive Early for Cafeteria
Beat queues for better food selection at the main cafeteria.
☀️ Seek Shade for Shows
Grab shaded seats for the seal show on hot days.
🐾 Watch for Hidden Animals
Enclosures are spacious; animals may hide. Be patient for sightings.
👶 Kid-Friendly Bear Cave
The bear cave is a huge hit with young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zoo de la Flèche is highly praised for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures and commitment to animal welfare, offering a superior visitor experience. Highlights include unique lodge stays, engaging shows, and successful conservation efforts, making it a top choice for families and wildlife lovers alike. Some visitors note that animals can occasionally be hidden due to the naturalistic design.
"Deserving of the accolades
Zoo de la Flèche offers excellent exhibits with enclosures that feel appropriate for the animals—plenty of space and enrichment, and you can see that the animals are well cared for. None of the cramped, depressing enclosures you sometimes see elsewhere.
Food options are very good. If you can, head for the main cafeteria rather than the snack kiosks; there’s a wider selection and better quality. Just be prepared to queue if you don’t arrive before midday.
Highlights of our visit included the grizzly bears—my four-year-old loved the bear cave and could have played there all day. The seal show was a lot of fun (try to get a seat in the shade for the best experience on hot days), and the bird of prey free-flight exhibit was top notch.
All in all, a fantastic day out. Highly recommended."
Martin Broadhurst
"Beautiful zoo. Clean and contented looking animals. We enjoyed the informative shows. We are on holiday from the UK but would return and recommend it."
Diane Smith
"A large zoo that takes a whole day to go round. The lodges are excellent with close-up views of your chosen animal. The upgraded meals are very good and worth the extra cost. The only downside was the animals in a lot of the enclosures are able to hide very effectively."
John Manley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zoo de la Flèche is located in the Sarthe department of France. It's about an hour's drive from the Loire Valley. Many visitors drive, and parking is generally available.
Check local transport options if you're not driving.Public transport options can be limited. It's best to check with local bus or train services for routes that might get you close to La Flèche. Renting a car is often the most convenient way to reach the zoo.
From Paris, driving is the most direct route, taking approximately 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Angers or Le Mans and then arrange for local transport or a taxi to the zoo.
Yes, the zoo itself offers unique 'Safari Lodges' for an overnight stay right next to animal enclosures, which are highly recommended.
There are also hotels in the nearby town of La Flèche.The drive from the Loire Valley to Zoo de la Flèche is typically around 1 hour, making it a popular day trip destination for those exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, especially for adults, children, and seasonal offers. It's recommended to check the official Zoo de la Flèche website for the most current pricing and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the zoo entrance. However, booking online in advance is often advised to save time and potentially secure better rates, and to guarantee entry during busy periods.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Always check the official Zoo de la Flèche website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for children, students, or families. Keep an eye on the zoo's official website or social media for any special promotions or offers.
While specific details about yearly passes should be confirmed on their website, many zoos offer annual memberships that provide unlimited access for a year, often with additional perks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the grizzly bears, the playful otters, and the immersive safari lodge experiences with lions and wolves.
Don't miss the rare fishing cat kittens!Yes, the zoo features popular live shows, including a highly-rated bird of prey exhibit and a fun seal show.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for specific times.Zoo de la Flèche is a large zoo that can easily take a full day to explore thoroughly.
If you're staying in a lodge, you'll have more time to enjoy the animals.Absolutely! The zoo is very family-friendly. The bear cave is a particular hit with younger visitors, and the spacious enclosures offer plenty of viewing opportunities.
The safari lodges offer a unique overnight experience, allowing you to sleep very close to animals like wolves or lions.
They provide an incredible opportunity for close-up views and a truly immersive stay.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers a main cafeteria with a wider selection and better quality food compared to snack kiosks.
Upgraded meals are also available for lodge guests and are considered worth the extra cost.While snack kiosks might be quicker, the main cafeteria offers better value and quality. Lodge guests can opt for upgraded meals, which are noted as being good.
Information on bringing outside food isn't explicitly detailed, but it's generally advisable to check the zoo's policy. However, the on-site dining options are well-regarded.
Specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan choices are not detailed in reviews. It's best to inquire directly with the cafeteria staff upon arrival or check the zoo's website for menu information.
The main cafeteria is recommended over snack kiosks for a wider selection and better quality food.
Lodge guests can also enjoy upgraded meal services.📸 📸 Photography
The safari lodges offer incredible opportunities for close-up shots of animals right outside your window.
The spacious enclosures also provide good viewing angles, though animals can sometimes hide.While enclosures are designed for animal welfare, they also offer sufficient viewing areas. Patience is key, as animals may choose to hide in their large, well-landscaped habitats.
Yes, telephoto lenses are recommended for capturing clear shots of animals, especially from a distance or when they are in larger enclosures.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for posted signs.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals. The golden hour can be particularly beautiful for capturing wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For an extra special treat, the Safari Lodges offer an unforgettable overnight adventure, allowing kids to feel like they're truly part of the wild. The popular seal and bird shows are also great for keeping children entertained and educated.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, perhaps catching a captivating show, and then retreat to your lodge for a truly special night. It’s an experience that blends adventure with relaxation, perfect for creating lasting memories.
🌍 Wildlife Enthusiasts & Photographers
Don't miss the bird of prey show, which is a highlight for its impressive free-flight demonstrations. While animals can sometimes be elusive in their large habitats, patience and a good telephoto lens will be rewarded with stunning images. The zoo's commitment to conservation, including rare births, also adds a significant layer of interest for those passionate about wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Safari Lodge Experience
Booking these lodges is essential, as they are extremely popular and tend to sell out well in advance. The lodges are designed to offer comfort while maximizing animal viewing opportunities, making them a highlight for many visitors. It's an investment that provides an unparalleled connection with the animal kingdom, far beyond a standard day visit.
Animal Welfare and Enclosure Design
This focus on creating naturalistic habitats contributes to the overall impression of contented animals. The zoo also actively participates in conservation efforts, as evidenced by the rare birth of fishing cat kittens, highlighting their dedication to protecting endangered species. This commitment to both visitor experience and animal well-being is a significant draw for many.
Conservation Efforts and Rare Births
Another heartwarming example is the recent birth of a male giraffe calf, a testament to the zoo's successful breeding initiatives and the care provided to its animals. These conservation stories add a deeper layer to the visitor experience, allowing people to connect with the importance of protecting wildlife. The zoo's dedication to these programs underscores its role as a responsible and impactful zoological institution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit