Covering an area of 14 hectares, the Doué-la-Fontaine Bioparc is a vast area dedicated to the presentation and preservation of animals from all around the world.

An exceptional troglodytic setting

Just 17 km from the town of Saumur and about 50 km from the Château des Briottières the Doue-la-Fontaine zoo stands on the site of a former sedimentary stone quarry, and it’s this mineral that gives it its particularly attractive appearance. The different enclosures are located on escarpments and in caves and have been designed to recreate a lush, exotic setting. The first visitors came to the zoo in 1961.

Today, the zoo extends over 14 hectares and houses 1,000 animals representing one hundred species. During your visit, you can’t fail to be impressed by the natural settings created for each species. This accuracy also facilitates effective implementation of conservation programmes.

Get really close to the animals

The different enclosures have been designed to ensure the wellbeing of the animals whilst allowing visitors to get close to them. It is the admirable work of a family of enthusiasts and the different areas that make up the Bioparc are real masterpieces. The big valley of the black rhinos required the clearing of two hectares of land and the planting 1,500 trees. At the Giraffe Camp, there is a restaurant built in the style of a camp house overlooking the living space of these impressive mammals.

The great South American Aviary brings together 500 birds, including penguins. The Okapi Sanctuary is home to one of the world’s rarest species on its African-style savannah. The Asian Zone, with its tigers, the Scavengers Pit, the Leopard Canyon…are all waiting to be explored. A visit to Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo offers you a round the world tour in a few hours.

Privileged access for keepers and VIPs

You can become a keeper for a day and join the zoo-keepers who work with the animals every day. You can find out more about how they ensure that each species lives as naturally as possible. By becoming a VIP visitor, you get access behind the scenes.

After visiting the park, don’t forget to visit the troglodyte houses near Saumur. They are also built into the limestone rock.