Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique)
A modern, biozone-based zoo in the Bois de Vincennes — a solid family half-day.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling with kids and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) worth it?
Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Rebuilt in 2014 around immersive 'biozones', it's a spacious, well-designed zoo with a giant greenhouse and a famous artificial rock.
- 02
A reliable win for families with younger kids and a green break from the city, though it's out east and a real time commitment.
- 03
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 - 04
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
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Paris
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.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) is an easy yes.
You want time outdoors
Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) rewards a trip built around nature & scenery.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Save the money. Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) does not return enough for the price.
You only have one day
Leave Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) for a longer trip.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) needs the right timing and tolerance.
You want context, not just the photograph
Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) offers some depth & learning, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- €20 (children €15)
- Timing
- Mild, dry days; arrive at opening for active animals and to beat the family crowds. Allow roughly half a day.
- 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.
- Allow
- Half day
- Accessibility
- The post-2014 park is broadly accessible with paved, mostly level paths between biozones, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Getting there
- Métro Porte Dorée (line 8) is closest, on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes east of central Paris.