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 are traveling with kids and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
Rebuilt in 2014 around immersive 'biozones', it's a spacious, well-designed zoo with a giant greenhouse and a famous artificial rock.
Our read - 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.
Our read - 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 are traveling with kids
With kids, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) works.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) works.
You want time outdoors
For nature & scenery, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) delivers.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, skip Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) — the spend outweighs the payoff.
You only have one day
Short on time? Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) can wait.
You are traveling solo
Solo, it depends on the day.
You want context, not just the photograph
For depth & learning, Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique) is hit or miss.
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.