Verdict
Destinations
Attraction · Paris

Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique)

A modern, biozone-based zoo in the Bois de Vincennes — a solid family half-day.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Nature lovers
Depends
  • Solo travellers
  • The genuinely curious
  • Anyone here to unwind
Not for
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day

Worth it for families with kids, couples and nature lovers; not for travellers on a budget.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The 65-metre artificial Grand Rocher has crowned the park since 1934 — its iconic, instantly recognizable silhouette over the Bois de Vincennes.
en.wikipedia.org
A full 2011–2014 rebuild reorganised the park into five geographic biozones that abandon traditional categorisation in favour of authentic ecosystems — animals in landscapes, not enclosures.
en.wikipedia.org
Across 14.5 hectares it houses over 3,000 animals of 255 species, from Patagonian sea lions and Humboldt penguins to a tropical greenhouse.
en.wikipedia.org
It's ideal for a family outing, with workshops like 'Up Close and Personal with an animal' and 'Breakfast with the giraffes.'
parisjetaime.com
Honest visitors note it's good for a couple of hours max — a half-day outing rather than a full day, and a trek from central Paris.
tripadvisor.com
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • With kids

    Purpose-built for kids — large naturalistic enclosures, well-cared-for animals and hands-on workshops including breakfast with the giraffes.

    ideal for a family outing where kids can see around one thousand animals and participate in fun workshops like 'Up Close and Personal with an animal' or 'Breakfast with the giraffes'

    parisjetaime.com
  • For photos

    The biozone design and the towering Grand Rocher give you animals against landscaped backdrops rather than bars — a far more photogenic zoo than most.

  • On a budget

    A free English mobile app and audio guide come included, so you can skip the €3 paper mini-guide and still get the full self-guided tour.

  • First-timers

    A modern, well-organised park that doubles as a green escape into the Bois de Vincennes — set aside roughly half a day and pair it with the surrounding park.

    if you need a day outside with the kids, this is good for a couple hours max

    tripadvisor.com
What people say

Straight from the reviews

remarkable for its large artificial 65 m high rock, iconic scenery of the park, popularly called the 'Big Rock'

en.wikipedia.org

ideal for a family outing where kids can see around one thousand animals and participate in fun workshops

parisjetaime.com

if you need a day outside with the kids, this is good for a couple hours max

tripadvisor.com
Good to know

Before you go

Cost
€20 (children €15)
Time
Half day
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Mild, dry days; arrive at opening for active animals and to beat the family crowds. Allow roughly half a day.
Getting there
Métro Porte Dorée (line 8) is closest, on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes east of central Paris.
Hours
Generally open daily with seasonal hours (longer in summer, shorter in winter); confirm closing time before you go.
Booking
Buy timed tickets online to skip the queue; a free English app and audio guide are included, with a €3 paper mini-guide optional.
Accessibility
The post-2014 park is broadly accessible with paved, mostly level paths between biozones, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →