ZooParc de Beauval
Museum Large French zoo noted for giant pandas
In Saint-Aignan, ZooParc de Beauval hosts a broad species collection, large enclosures and well-known giant pandas; families visit for animal shows, conservation programs and extended walking paths.
ZooParc de Beauval is a large zoological park in Saint-Aignan, Centre-Val de Loire, France, recognized nationally for its breadth of species and major conservation programs. It is particularly well known in France for housing giant pandas on international loan.
Exhibits span mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic species with a mix of indoor and outdoor enclosures and several animal presentations and demonstrations each day. The pandas are a central attraction, supported by conservation messaging and dedicated viewing areas.
Founded in the late 20th century, the park expanded over decades into one of France’s most-visited zoos through successive development of exhibit complexes and participation in international breeding and conservation programs. Its collection and visitor facilities have grown steadily since opening.
Located in the village of Saint-Aignan in the Loire Valley, the zoo sits within the Loir-et-Cher department of central France and is accessible by road from nearby towns and the broader Loire region.
- Giant pandas: Noted for hosting giant pandas on loan from China, which are among the zoo's headline animals and conservation partners.
- Animal demonstrations: The park stages daily demonstrations and shows, including birds and marine mammal presentations that highlight species behavior and conservation.
How to Get to ZooParc de Beauval #
By car: ZooParc de Beauval is near Saint‑Aignan in the Loire Valley - about a 1‑hour drive south from Tours and roughly 2.5-3 hours from Paris. From the motorway network follow signs for Saint‑Aignan/Beauval (A85 and connecting departmental roads from Tours; from Paris use the A10/A71/A85 corridor). Ample on‑site parking is available.
By public transport: the closest local rail stops are Saint‑Aignan-Noyers and Montrichard (regional TER services). From either station take a taxi or local transfer service (the zoo is a short drive - typically 10-20 minutes - from those stations).
Tips for Visiting ZooParc de Beauval #
- Buy timed-entry tickets online and aim to arrive at opening-Beauval fills up quickly, especially at the giant panda enclosures, and early arrival gives the best chance to see active animals before midday crowds and heat.
- Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and animal presentations when you enter; planning your route around those short events lets you see highlights without backtracking and avoids peak-line times for popular enclosures.
- If you want quieter viewing, visit on a weekday outside French school holidays-weekends and July-August are the busiest periods and the park can be significantly more crowded then.
Best Time to Visit ZooParc de Beauval #
Best to visit in spring or early autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds, avoiding the peak summer school-holiday rush.
Weather & Climate near ZooParc de Beauval #
ZooParc de Beauval's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (690 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
