More about: 10 Best Zoos and Aquariums in Paris
The lesser-known side of Paris reveals a city full of green spaces and attractions for the whole family. Among these attractions are zoos and aquariums, which are scattered throughout the city and, with different themes, are a perfect alternative for enjoying the French capital with children.
Among the best activities you can do in Paris are visiting the Zoological Park, discovering the picturesque Tropical Aquarium, marvelling at the Thoiry ZooSafari and enjoying the experiences offered by the Jardin des Plantes Zoo. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy these places.
1. Paris Zoological Park
The Paris Zoological Park, known as the Vincennes Zoo, is one of the main zoos in France, located east of the French capital. Although this site follows the typical format of animal shelters, it recreates ecosystems designed to mimic the natural habitats of the species, so it is home to a wide variety of animals, from lions and giraffes to penguins and flamingos.
The zoo is divided into five biozones: Patagonia, Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Amazon-Guyana and Madagascar, allowing visitors to explore different regions of the world and, in each one, its emblematic animals. Each biozone faithfully simulates the natural environment of the species it houses, providing a complete experience that is ideal for a trip to Paris with children.
Among the zoo's most notable attractions are the Great Rock, an iconic structure that can be seen from afar, and the African Savannah, where you can see giraffes, rhinos and ostriches in a large open space. There is also an aquarium containing marine species and an aviary where colourful tropical birds take centre stage.
Details of interest
- Price: from £22 for general admission.
- Location: 75012 Paris, France
- Opening hours: every day from 9.30am to 6pm.
2. Tropical Aquarium
If you are a fan of marine animals and want to enjoy a unique experience in the capital, then you cannot miss the Tropical Aquarium, located in the Palais de la Porte Dorée. This aquarium is currently home to 5,000 animals of 300 different species, including fish, corals, amphibians and reptiles.
The history of the Tropical Aquarium is closely linked to the Palais de la Porte Dorée itself, an Art Deco monument built for a Colonial Exhibition at the end of the 19th century. The aquarium was initially designed to showcase the aquatic fauna of the former French colonies and, over time, evolved into a centre dedicated to environmental protection and the conservation of endangered species.
In addition to the species on display, the aquarium's location makes it a special place, as the building also houses the National Museum of the History of Immigration, allowing visitors to combine exploring marine life with a cultural tour of France's history and diversity. The palace is also often included in the best guided tours of Paris.
Interesting details
- Price: from £12 for general admission.
- Location: 293 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.
3. ZooSafari de Thoiry
The Thoiry ZooSafari is one of the most interesting experiences you can enjoy on the outskirts of Paris, as it is a zoo that combines a car safari with a traditional walking tour. There you will have the opportunity to drive through a large park in your car, observing exotic animals in the wild, such as lions, giraffes, elephants and zebras, in an environment that recreates their natural habitat.
In addition, this site offers a pedestrian zoo area with specially designed enclosures where you can get up close to other animals and participate in interactive activities. What makes this zoo special, then, is its focus on conservation and animal welfare.
In addition to the safari, Thoiry offers a wide variety of attractions, such as an interactive farm where children can feed the animals and Noah's Ark, an educational facility that houses endangered species. There is also a traditional zoo with enclosures housing tigers, bears and red pandas, as well as a playground, which is ideal for the colder days of the year and which the little ones will be able to make the most of if you are planning to visit Paris in winter.
Details of interest
- Price: from £28 for general admission.
- Location: Rue du Pavillon de Montreuil, 78770 Thoiry, France
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
4. Jardin des Plantes Zoo
The Jardin des Plantes Zoo, also known as the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, it was founded in 1794 during the French Revolution and is a place steeped in history where you can discover a variety of animals in an intimate and pleasant setting.
The zoo is home to around 200 species, many of which are endangered, underlining its focus on conservation. Among the animals that can be found at the Ménagerie are primates, big cats such as snow leopards, exotic birds, reptiles and small mammals. Another attraction is the Reptile Pavilion, where snakes, turtles and other cold-blooded animals live together.
Nearby, you can also visit the National Museum of Natural History, which is part of the same complex and is considered one of the best museums in Paris.
Details of interest
- Price: from £13 for general admission.
- Location: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00.
5. Aquarium de Paris
If you want to combine tradition with nature, visit the Paris Aquarium, which is also considered one of the oldest in the world. Located beneath the Trocadero gardens, its rich history makes it an iconic city landmark, where generations of Parisians and visitors have learned about marine life and the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems.
The Paris Aquarium is home to around 10,000 marine species in its various tanks. The main attraction is its gigantic 33-metre-long tank that simulates an ocean ecosystem, where you can see sharks, rays and other large predators. The aquarium is divided into different themed areas representing tropical seas, Mediterranean waters and French river ecosystems.
A visit to the Paris Aquarium is highly recommended as it offers an oasis in the middle of the city. What's more, as it is so close to the Eiffel Tower and other important monuments, the aquarium can easily be included in your itinerary. It is also one of the attractions included in the Paris Pass, so if you are planning to buy the tourist card, you can save money.
Interesting details
- Price: from £27.50 for general admission.
- Location: 5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris, France
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 19:00.
6. Grand Aviary of Paris
The Grand Aviary of Paris is a space dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of exotic and native birds located within the Jardin d'Acclimatation. This aviary is an ideal place for bird and nature lovers, as it is home to a wide variety of species from all continents, but also for anyone who wants to enjoy the sound of birds singing in the open air.
The aviary is home to more than 200 species, including colourful parrots, flamingos, cranes, pheasants, toucans and pelicans. These birds are organised into different areas that replicate their natural habitats, from tropical forests to coastal areas and wetlands. In addition, the Great Aviary focuses on the conservation of endangered species, participating in international breeding and rehabilitation programmes.
The Acclimatisation Garden, where the aviary is located, is a historic and recreational park that combines nature, culture and entertainment for the whole family. This natural setting is ideal for a leisurely stroll while enjoying green spaces, children's playgrounds, a small zoo and, of course, the Grand Aviary. The park is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris and is easily accessible by public transport.
Details of interest
- Price: from £13 for general admission.
- Location: Jardin d'Acclimatation, 1 Carrefour des Sablons, 75116 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
7. SeaLife Aquarium Paris
I also encourage you to visit the SeaLife Aquarium, located in the Val d'Europe shopping centre, just a few minutes from Disneyland Paris. As in other cities around the world, this aquarium franchise offers a complete experience where visitors can discover more than 5,000 marine creatures, from sharks and rays to seahorses and jellyfish.
The aquarium is designed to provide an interactive and educational tour, perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts. The tour of the SeaLife Aquarium is divided into several themed areas representing different aquatic ecosystems around the world, such as coral reefs, the temperate waters of the Atlantic and the cold depths of the ocean.
One of the main attractions of this aquarium is the underwater tunnel, where you can walk under a tank filled with sharks, rays and other marine species while feeling surrounded by the ocean. There is also an interactive touch pool where children can touch some sea creatures such as starfish and crabs.
Details of interest
- Price: from £15 for general admission.
- Location: Ccial Val d'Europe, 14 Cr du Danube, 77700 Serris, France
- Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:30.
8. Aquarium of the City of Science
The Aquarium at the City of Science in Paris is an unmissable part of the complex known as the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the largest science and technology museum in Europe. This aquarium offers an experience focused on the marine world and aquatic ecosystems, integrating with the museum's scientific approach.
In the aquarium, you will find everything from freshwater fish to deep-sea animals. The tanks are designed to recreate aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes and seas, allowing you to explore the diversity of underwater life in a natural setting. It is also one of the few places in Paris where you can see sharks and jellyfish.
A visit to the Aquarium of the City of Science is not only about observing marine life, but also includes activities and exhibitions related to water science and the environment.
Located within the Parc de la Villette, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie and its aquarium are surrounded by other cultural attractions, such as the Paris Philharmonic and the Zenith, a popular concert venue, so it can easily be included in a 4-day itinerary in the French capital or even less time.
Details of interest
- Price: from £22 for general admission.
- Location: 30 Av. Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris, France
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 7 pm.
9. House of Fishing and Nature
The House of Fishing and Nature is a space dedicated to fishing and learning about aquatic ecosystems. Located in the suburb of Levallois-Perret, this institution offers visitors an immersive experience in the biodiversity of the region's rivers and ponds, teaching about fishing techniques and the importance of preserving aquatic natural resources.
Here you can explore a wide variety of interactive exhibitions on aquatic fauna and flora, including an aquarium with local species such as carp, perch and pike. The aquarium focuses on France's river ecosystems and, through workshops and hands-on activities, visitors can discover how these environments work and how humans can interact with them in a sustainable way.
The centre also organises outdoor trips and activities for school groups or families, teaching participants about traditional fishing techniques and deepening their understanding of aquatic ecosystems. It is also a perfect place to learn about the rich biodiversity of the River Seine and its importance within France.
Details of interest
- Price: from £3.50 for general admission.
- Location: 22 All. Claude Monet, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France
- Opening hours: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.
10. Feline Park
If you want to visit a sanctuary specialising in the conservation of tigers and lions, then don't miss the Feline Park, located in the commune of Nesles, east of Paris. This park, which covers more than 70 hectares, offers a unique experience by focusing exclusively on felines from around the world, from the best known to the rarest and most endangered species, such as the snow leopard and the jaguar.
A visit to the Parc des Félins consists of a tour of different themed areas representing the various regions of the world where these animals come from, such as Africa, Asia, Europe and America. The enclosures are spacious and naturalised, providing the species with a suitable environment for their development. One of the attractions of this sanctuary is seeing these animals in action, hunting for food or interacting in packs.
The park is home to more than 160 felines of 30 different species, making it one of the largest centres specialising in these animals in Europe. In addition to big cats, the park is also dedicated to the conservation of lemurs native to Madagascar.
Interesting details
- Price: from £19.90 for general admission.
- Location: Domaine de, 77540 Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux, France
- Opening hours: every day from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.