10 Best Zoos and Aquariums in Paris

The lesser-known side of Paris is a city full of green spaces and attractions for the whole family. Among these attractions are the zoos and aquariums, which are distributed throughout the city and which, with different themes, are a perfect alternative to enjoy the French capital with the kids.

Some of the best things to do in Paris include visiting the Parc Zoologique, visiting the picturesque Aquarium Tropical, marvelling at the ZooSafari de Thoiry and experiencing the Zoo du Jardin des Plantes. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy these sites.

The Parc Zoologique de Paris, also known as the Zoo de Vincennes, is one of the main zoos in France, located in the east of the French capital. While the site follows the typical format of animal shelters, it recreates ecosystems designed to mimic the natural habitats of the species and 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 of them, their emblematic animals. Each biozone faithfully simulates the natural environment of the species it houses, providing a complete experience that is ideal for a Paris itinerary with children

Highlights within the zoo include the Big Rock, an iconic structure that can be seen from afar, and the African Savannah, where you can observe 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 euros general admission.
• Location: Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
• Opening hours: daily from 9.30am to 6pm.

If you are a fan of marine animals and want to live a unique experience in the capital, then you cannot miss the Aquarium Tropical, which is located in the Palais de la Porte Dorée. This aquarium currently houses 5,000 animals of 300 different species, including fish, corals, amphibians and reptiles.

The history of the Aquarium Tropical 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 conceived 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 Immigration History, allowing visitors to combine the exploration of marine fauna with a cultural tour of France's history and diversity. The palace is also often included in the itineraries of the best guided tours of Paris.

Details of interest

• Price: from 12 euros general admission.
• Location: 293 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

The ZooSafari de Thoiry is one of the most interesting experiences you can enjoy in the outskirts of Paris, as it is a zoo that combines a driving safari with a traditional walking tour. There you will have the opportunity to drive through an extensive park, 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 to 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 rooms 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 can make the most of if you plan to visit Paris in winter.

Interesting details

• Price: from 32 euros for general admission.
• Location: Rue du Pavillon de Montreuil, 78770 Thoiry, France
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

The Zoo du Jardin des Plantes, 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 space steeped in history where you can discover a variety of animals in an intimate and friendly environment.

The zoo is home to around 200 species, many of which are endangered, underlining its focus on conservation. Among the animals to 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, tortoises 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.

Interesting details

• Price: from 13 euros for general admission.
• Location: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

If you want to combine tradition with nature you can visit the Aquarium de Paris, which is also considered one of the oldest in the world. Located under the Trocadero gardens, its rich history makes it an iconic place in the city, where generations of Parisians and visitors have learned about marine life and the importance of conserving aquatic ecosystems.

The Paris Aquarium houses around 10,000 marine species in its various tanks. The main attraction is its gigantic 33-metre-long tank that simulates an oceanic ecosystem, where sharks, rays and other large predators can be observed. The aquarium is divided into different themed zones representing the tropical seas, the waters of the Mediterranean and the river ecosystems of France.

A visit to the Paris Aquarium is recommended because it offers an oasis in the middle of the city. Also, being so close to the Eiffel Tower and other important monuments, the aquarium can easily be included in a travel itinerary. It is also one of the attractions included in the Paris Pass, so if you plan to buy the tourist card you can save money.

Interesting details

• Price: from 27.50 euros general admission.
• Location: 5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris, France
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

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 houses a wide variety of species from all continents, but also for all those who want to enjoy birdsong 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 arranged in different spaces that replicate their natural habitats, from tropical rainforests 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 Acclimatization Garden, where the aviary is located, is a historical and recreational park that combines nature, culture and entertainment for the whole family. This natural environment is ideal for a leisurely stroll while enjoying green areas, children's playgrounds, a small zoo and, of course, the Great Aviary. The park is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, and is easily accessible by public transport.

Interesting details

• Price: from 13 euros general admission.
• Location: Jardin d'Acclimatation, 1 Carrefour des Sablons, 75116 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

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 it does in other cities around the world, this aquarium franchise offers a complete experience where visitors can discover more than 5,000 sea 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 lovers. The SeaLife Aquarium tour is also divided into several themed zones representing different aquatic ecosystems of 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 pool full of sharks, rays and other marine species while feeling surrounded by the ocean. There is also an interactive touch pool where children can touch sea creatures such as starfish and crabs.

Interesting details

• Price: from 15 euros general admission.
• Location: Ccial Val d'Europe, 14 Cr du Danube, 77700 Serris, France
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm.

The Aquarium of the Cité des Sciences 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 centred on the marine world and aquatic ecosystems, integrating with the scientific focus of the museum.

In the aquarium you will find everything from freshwater fish to deep ocean animals. The ponds are designed to recreate aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes and seas, allowing you to explore the diversity of life underwater in a natural setting. It is also one of the few places in Paris where you can find sharks and jellyfish.

A visit to the Aquarium of the Cité des Sciences is not only about observing the marine fauna, but also includes activities and exhibitions related to the science of water 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 Philharmonie de Paris 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 euros general admission.
• Location: 30 Av. Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris, France
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 7pm.

House of Fishing and Nature is a space dedicated to fishing and knowledge of aquatic ecosystems. Located in the suburb of Levallois-Perret, this institution offers visitors an immersive experience of the biodiversity of the region's rivers and ponds, teaching about fishing techniques and the importance of preserving natural aquatic resources.

Here you can explore a variety of interactive exhibits 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 function and how humans can interact with them in a sustainable way.

The centre also organises outdoor outings and activities for school groups or families, teaching participants about traditional fishing techniques and deepening their understanding of aquatic ecosystems. It is also a great place to learn about the rich biodiversity of the Seine River and its importance in France.

Interesting details

• Price: from 3.50 euros general admission.
• Location: 22 All. Claude Monet, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France
• Opening hours: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

If you want to see a sanctuary specialising in the conservation of tigers and lions, then the Parc des Felins, located in the commune of Nesles, east of Paris, is not to be missed. This park, which covers over 70 hectares, offers a unique experience by focusing exclusively on felines from all over the world, from the most well-known to rarer and endangered species, such as the snow leopard and the jaguar.

A visit to the Feline Park consists of a tour of different themed areas representing the various regions of the world from which these animals originate, such as Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The enclosures are spacious and naturalised, offering the species a suitable environment for their development. One of the attractions of this sanctuary is to see these animals in action, hunting for food or interacting in herds.

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 the big cats, the park is also dedicated to the conservation of lemurs native to Madagascar.

Interesting details

• Price: from 19.90 euros general admission.
• Location: Domaine de, 77540 Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux, France
• Opening hours: daily 9.30am-6pm.