All animal museums to visit in France

Delve into the diverse world of animals at 67 animal museums in France. These museums showcase a variety of species, habitats, and the role of animals in our ecosystem.

Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in France? Here are your best options:

  1. Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau1

    Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau

     Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
    Come to this area to observe abundant wildlife. The reservation is a perfect birdwatching spot for its high number of bird species.
  2. Aquarium of Lyon2

    Aquarium of Lyon

     La Mulatière
    The Aquarium de Lyon is a private establishment located in the city of La Mulatière, within the metropolis of Lyon. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city and offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of aquatic life.
  3. Aquarium de La Rochelle3

    Aquarium de La Rochelle

     La Rochelle
    The Aquarium de La Rochelle is a family-owned public aquarium located in La Rochelle, France. It boasts a large surface area of over 8,445 m (90,901 sq ft) and contains 3 million litres of seawater. This expansive space allows for a diverse range of marine life to be housed and displayed.
  4. Lille Zoo4

    Lille Zoo

     Lille
    The Parc zoologique de Lille, often referred to as Zoo de Lille, is a zoo situated in the northern part of the French city of Lille. It is located in the Nord department, within the Hauts-de-France region. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city or the region.
  5. Natural History Museum of Nantes5

    Natural History Museum of Nantes

     Nantes
    The Natural History Museum of Nantes is a renowned institution located in the city of Nantes, France. It is a place where visitors can explore the wonders of natural history and learn about the diverse species and ecosystems that make up our world.
  6. Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park6

    Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park

     Mulhouse
    The Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park spans an area of 25 hectares. It is home to over 900 animals from 170 different species and boasts a collection of 3,500 plant varieties. This diversity offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about a wide range of flora and fauna.
  7. Zoological Museum7

    Zoological Museum

     Strasbourg
    The Musée zoologique de la ville de Strasbourg is a renowned natural history museum that manages and displays the zoological collections of the city of Strasbourg. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide range of zoological specimens, offering a unique insight into the natural world.
  8. Natural History Museum8

    Natural History Museum

     Le Havre
    The Natural History Museum of Le Havre is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Le Havre, in Seine-Maritime, Normandy. This French natural history museum offers a rich collection of exhibits and is a key destination for those interested in natural history.
  9. Zoo Thoiry9

    Zoo Thoiry

     Thoiry
    A large zoo with over 1000 animals, consisting of 150 different species. Among them such beauties as tigers, rhinos, lions and more.
  10. NaturOparc10

    NaturOparc

     Hunawihr
    A great place to go with children to admire animals in their natural habitat, especially the rare Alsace storks. There are shows and regular feedings that visitors can take part in.
  11. Natural History Museum11

    Natural History Museum

     Grenoble
    The Natural History Museum of Grenoble, founded in 1851, is a municipal museum located in Grenoble, France. It is a significant institution that has been presenting a rich natural heritage to the public since the opening of its building in 1855.
  12. Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle12

    Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle

     La Rochelle
    The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle is a renowned natural history museum situated in the city of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime region of France. It offers a rich collection of natural history and ethnography exhibits, making it a significant destination for those interested in these fields.
  13. Reserve Bisons Margeride Europe13

    Reserve Bisons Margeride Europe

     Sainte-Eulalie
    The European Bison Reserve of Sainte-Eulalie, also known as the Margeride, is an animal park situated in Sainte-Eulalie in Lozère. This reserve was established as an extension of the European bison rescue plan that has been in operation in Poland's Białowieża Forest since the 1920s.
  14. Great Aquarium Saint-Malo14

    Great Aquarium Saint-Malo

     Saint-Malo
    The Grand Aquarium of Saint Malo, established in 1996, is a significant public aquarium located at the entrance of the corsair city of Saint-Malo. It is situated in the heart of the Malouin basin, in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine in Brittany. This location makes it a convenient and accessible destination for tourists visiting the region.
  15. Aquarium of Reunion15

    Aquarium of Reunion

     Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
    Visit a huge aquarium full of reef fish and learn about marine wildlife in an entartaining and pleasant way.
  16. Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine16

    Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine

     La Champagne
    The Zoo de Doué, also known as Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, is a large zoo located in Doué-la-Fontaine, Maine-et-Loire, France. The zoo, which spans 14 hectares (35 acres), was established in 1961 and has since been a popular destination for animal lovers and tourists alike.
  17. Sea Life Val d'Europe17

    Sea Life Val d'Europe

     Serris
    Sea Life Paris Val d'Europe is a thematic and playful aquarium that offers a unique experience for its visitors. It is conveniently located in the international shopping center of Val d'Europe in Marne-la-Vallée, in the department of Seine-et-Marne, in Île-de-France. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike.
  18. Feline Park18

    Feline Park

     Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux
    Parc des Félins is a unique zoological park located in Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux, a commune in Seine-et-Marne, France. The park is approximately 53.6 km southeast of Paris and is dedicated to the breeding and conservation of wild members of the cat family. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about a wide variety of feline species in a setting that prioritizes their well-being and conservation.
  19. Animal Park of the Pyrenees19

    Animal Park of the Pyrenees

     Argelès-Gazost
    The Parc animalier des Pyrénées is a wildlife park that resembles a zoo, situated in the French municipality of Ayzac-Ost, in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of the Occitanie region. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife in a natural setting, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
  20. Zoo Guadeloupe and Botanical Garden20

    Zoo Guadeloupe and Botanical Garden

     Bouillante
    The Guadeloupe Zoo, also known locally as Parc des Mamelles, is a French zoological park situated on the island of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, within the municipality of Bouillante. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife of the region in a well-maintained and accessible environment.
  21. Musée des Confluences21

    Musée des Confluences

     Lyon
    Musée des Confluences is a science centre and anthropology museum in Lyon. It hold a collection of natural science, anthropology, and Earth Sciences and exhibits related to arts and crafts. The museum features 4 main exhibitions called 'Origins - Stories of the World', 'Species - the Web of life', '
  22. Hôtel Boyer d'Eguilles22

    Hôtel Boyer d'Eguilles

     Aix-en-Provence
    The Hôtel Boyer d'Éguilles is a private mansion situated at 6 rue Espariat in Aix-en-Provence, France. This historic building is a significant part of the city's architectural heritage and offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The mansion's construction began in the early 17th century and was carried out over several years, making it a fascinating study in architectural evolution.
  23. Zoo Amiens23

    Zoo Amiens

     Amiens
    The Zoo d’Amiens, also known as Zoo Amiens Métropole, is a popular destination located in the French city of Amiens. It is situated in the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and is a great place for families and animal lovers to visit.
  24. The Three Valleys Zoo24

    The Three Valleys Zoo

     Montredon-Labessonnié
    The Three Valleys Zoo, known as 'Les 3 Vallées' in French, is situated in the commune of Montredon-Labessonnié, within the Tarn department of France. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
  25. Amnéville Zoo25

    Amnéville Zoo

     Hagondange
    One of the largest zoos in France housing more than 2000 animals from 5 different continents. Fun for the whole day.
  26. Natural History Museum26

    Natural History Museum

     Rouen
    The Natural History Museum of Rouen is located in a building that was once the convent of Santa Maria, constructed in the 17th century. This historical building adds to the museum's charm and provides a unique backdrop for the exhibits. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and history of the building while exploring the museum's collections.
  27. Monkey Forest27

    Monkey Forest

     Rocamadour
    La forêt des singes, or Monkey Forest, is a French zoological park located in the commune of Rocamadour in the Lot department in Occitanie. This park is a great place for tourists who are interested in wildlife and nature. It offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with monkeys in their natural habitat.
  28. Montpellier Zoological Park28

    Montpellier Zoological Park

     Montpellier
    The Montpellier Zoological Park, locally referred to as Parc de Lunaret, is situated to the north of the French city of Montpellier, in the Hérault department of the Occitanie administrative region. This accredited member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is a significant destination for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
  29. Aquarium du Périgord Noir29

    Aquarium du Périgord Noir

     Le Bugue
    The Aquarium du Périgord Noir is recognized as the largest private freshwater aquarium in France, boasting a collection of over 6,000 fish. This impressive collection offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse aquatic life that thrives in freshwater environments.
  30. Animal Park of Merlet30

    Animal Park of Merlet

     Les Houches
    Various mountain animals live in this park with an area of more than 50 acres. See chamoises, marmots or deer!
  31. Museum Requien31

    Museum Requien

     Avignon
    The Requien Museum, located in Avignon, Vaucluse, is a natural history museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in botany, paleontology, and malacology.
  32. Seaquarium Institut Marin32

    Seaquarium Institut Marin

     Le Grau-du-Roi
    The Seaquarium du Grau-du-Roi, established in 1989, is a marine aquarium located in the commune of Grau-du-Roi, in the Gard department and the Occitanie region. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 200 species of Mediterranean and tropical fish, 25 species of sharks, as well as seals and sea lions.
  33. Safari de Peaugres33

    Safari de Peaugres

     Peaugres
    Safari de Peaugres is a safari park situated in the French city of Peaugres, in the Ardèche department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is approximately 50 kilometers north of the major city of Lyon. This makes it a convenient destination for tourists visiting the region, offering a unique opportunity to experience a variety of wildlife in a natural setting.
  34. Muséum de Toulouse34

    Muséum de Toulouse

     Toulouse
    The Muséum de Toulouse is a museum of natural history in Toulouse that holds a collection of over 2.5 million pieces that the museum partly displays in its 3,000 square metres of exhibition space. The permanent exhibition of Muséum de Toulouse is categorised in five different themes, namely: the nat
  35. Parc Zoologique et Forestier35

    Parc Zoologique et Forestier

     Noumea
    The Parc Zoologique et Forestier Michel-Corbasson, also known as Parc Forestier, is a green space, botanical garden, and zoo located on the heights of Mont Montravel in Noumea, New Caledonia. The park covers an area of 34 hectares and offers a unique combination of natural beauty and wildlife. It was established in 1962 with the aim of preserving a core of dry forest and some endemic species in the heart of the city.
  36. Zoological Park African Safari36

    Zoological Park African Safari

     Plaisance-du-Touch
    The African Safari Zoo is a renowned zoological park located in the scenic region of Occitanie, specifically in the town of Plaisance-du-Touch. This location is conveniently situated in the suburbs of Toulouse, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  37. Zoo de Maubeuge37

    Zoo de Maubeuge

     Maubeuge
    Zoo de Maubeuge, situated in the French city of Maubeuge, is a well-established zoo that first opened its doors to the public in 1955. Over the years, it has grown and evolved, providing a home for a diverse range of animal species and offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with the natural world.
  38. 38

    The Valley of the Monkeys

     Romagne
    A nice animal park specialized solely on monkeys. And they sure have a lot of them here - over 350. Great place.
  39. Grande Galerie de l'Evolution39

    Grande Galerie de l'Evolution

     Paris
    The Grande Galerie de l'Évolution (Great Gallery of Evolution) is part of the French Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, located in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. This museum focuses on the evolution of the animal and plant world. The first floor focuses on marine animal species. Land life is t
  40. Parc du Héron40

    Parc du Héron

     Villeneuve-d'Ascq
    Parc du Héron is a significant green space located in the heart of Villeneuve-d'Ascq. It is nestled between the districts of Brigode and Cousinerie, providing a natural oasis amidst the urban landscape. The park is also bordered by the urban park to the west and the Marque river to the east, offering a diverse range of landscapes for visitors to explore.
  41. Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve41

    Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve

     Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
    This cottage is an entrance gate to the Aiguilles Rouges Reserve. Familiarize yourself with the local flora, fauna and activities here.
  42. Estran Cité de la Mer42

    Estran Cité de la Mer

     Dieppe
    Estran Cité de la Mer is a scientific and technical cultural center that is located in Dieppe. The center is focused on the theme of the Upper Normandy coast. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the scientific and technical aspects of the sea and fishing.
  43. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature43

    Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

     Paris
    The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of hunting and nature) in Paris is a private museum that holds the collections of the Fondation de la Maison de la Chasse et de la Nature. Exhibits focus on the relationships between humans and the natural environment through the traditions and practice
  44. The Mountain Observatory44

    The Mountain Observatory

     Orlu
    The Mountain Observatory in Orlu is a unique facility that offers visitors the opportunity to discover the ecology of the mountain environment. It is conveniently located at the gates of the Orlu national reserve in the Ariège Pyrenees, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
  45. Phosphatières du cloup d'Aural45

    Phosphatières du cloup d'Aural

     Bach
    The Phosphatière du Cloup d'Aural is a historical site located in the municipality of Bach, in the Lot department. This site was once an open-air phosphate mine. It offers a unique glimpse into the mining history of the region and the importance of phosphate in agriculture and paleontology.
  46. Musée de l'atelier Rosa Bonheur46

    Musée de l'atelier Rosa Bonheur

     Thomery
    The Rosa Bonheur Workshop Museum, located in the Château de By in the commune of Thomery in Seine-et-Marne, was the home and workshop of renowned animal painter Rosa Bonheur for forty years starting from 1859. This private museum offers a unique insight into the life and work of the artist.
  47. 47

    Te Fare Natura

     Moorea-Maiao
    Ever wanted to touch dolphins and swim with them? Here you have the chance. Your kids will also love the shows.
  48. Aquarium of Lyon48

    Aquarium of Lyon

     Lyon
    The Aquarium de Lyon is a privately owned aquarium situated in the city of La Mulatière, within the metropolis of Lyon. It was inaugurated in 2002, following two years of construction. The aquarium was established by Maurice Chichportiche, who also owns the Aquarium d'Intra Muros in Saint-Servan/Saint-Malo and is the founder of the Grand aquarium Saint-Malo.
  49. Musée Gassendi49

    Musée Gassendi

     Digne-les-Bains
    The Gassendi Museum, situated at 64 Boulevard Gassendi in Digne-les-Bains, serves a dual purpose as a natural history museum and a fine arts museum. This unique combination allows visitors to explore a wide range of exhibits, from historical artifacts and natural specimens to beautiful works of art. The museum was established in the late 19th century and has since been a significant cultural institution in the region.
  50. 50

    Préhistorama

     Rousson
    Préhistorama is a museum situated in Rousson, a commune in the Gard department of the Occitanie region in France. The museum's primary focus is on Prehistory, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the past and explore the early stages of human civilization.
  51. Natural History Museum51

    Natural History Museum

     Dijon
    The Natural History Museum of Dijon is situated in the Arquebuse Park in Dijon. This location provides a serene and natural environment that complements the museum's focus on natural history. It's an ideal place for tourists who are interested in exploring the natural world and its history.
  52. Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes52

    Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes

     Paris
    The Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is located in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. It is a zoo that is part of the organization of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. The Ménagerie was opened in 1794, making it the oldest in the world after Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is located in Vienna. Ma
  53. Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy53

    Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy

     Paris
    The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy in Paris, in the Jardin des plantes, is part of the French National Museum of Natural History. The collections on display here came mostly from the great expeditions of the traveler-naturalists of the 18th and 19th centuries and from the Ménagerie,
  54. Natural History Museum54

    Natural History Museum

     Perpignan
    The Natural History Museum of Perpignan is housed in a unique location, a mansion known as Hôtel Çagarriga. This historic building is located in the city of Perpignan, nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France. The museum's location adds a layer of historical charm to the experience of exploring the natural history exhibits.
  55. Mont Grand Matoury Nature Reserve55

    Mont Grand Matoury Nature Reserve

     Matoury
    The Mont Grand Matoury National Nature Reserve, established in 2006, is a significant natural area in French Guiana. It spans over 2,123 hectares, primarily protecting a vast expanse of tropical rainforest. This reserve is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its unique and diverse ecosystems.
  56. Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie56

    Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie

     Cayenne
    The Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie, located in Cayenne, French Guiana, is a museum that offers a wide range of collections. These collections span various fields including natural history, archaeology, ethnography, and local history. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage of French Guiana.
  57. Maison de Payrac57

    Maison de Payrac

     Nages
    The Maison de Payrac is a unique space that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Nages region in Tarn. It also provides a glimpse into the peasant life of the past, showcasing the skills and products that were integral to their way of life.
  58. Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen58

    Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen

     La Barre-de-Monts
    The Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen, also known as "Le Daviaud", is a French ecomuseum that was established in 1982. Located in La Barre-de-Monts, this museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the local natural and historical heritage.
  59. Musee d'Histoire Naturelle59

    Musee d'Histoire Naturelle

     Marseille
    The Muséum d’histoire naturel de Marseille (the Natural History Museum of Marseille), is a natural history museum in Marseille that is housed in the Palais Longchamp. It holds a colleciton of around 83,000 zoological specimens, 200,000 botanical specimens, 81,000 fossils, and 8,000 mineral specimens
  60. Natural History and Ethnography Museum60

    Natural History and Ethnography Museum

     Colmar
    The Musée d’Histoire Naturelle et d’Ethnographie is a museum dedicated to natural history and ethnography, located in the French city of Colmar. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural world and diverse cultures through its extensive collections.
  61. Muséum de Besançon61

    Muséum de Besançon

     Besançon
    The Muséum de Besançon, located in the east of France, is a unique combination of a natural history museum and a public zoo. It is situated within the Citadel of the town of Besançon, offering visitors a rich blend of historical and natural attractions. The museum houses a wide variety of naturalized collections alongside diverse animal sectors, illustrating the complexity of the living world and its utility.
  62. Amana Nature Reserve62

    Amana Nature Reserve

     Mana
    The Amana Nature Reserve, also known as RNN138, is a national nature reserve situated on the seafront in the northern part of French Guiana. Established in 1998, the reserve spans an impressive area of 14,800 hectares, making it a significant site for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  63. Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle63

    Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle

     Nice
    The Natural History Museum of Nice (Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Nice) also known as the Barla Museum, is the oldest municipal museum in Nice. The museum contains heritage of more than one million specimens largely from the Mediterranean but also from South America, Africa and the islands of the I
  64. 64

    Musée de l'Aurignacien

     Aurignac
    The Musée de l'Aurignacien is situated in the town of Aurignac, in the Haute-Garonne region of France. It is conveniently located near the historic Aurignac cave, making it an ideal destination for those interested in prehistoric culture and history.
  65. Parc zoologique de Paris65

    Parc zoologique de Paris

     Paris
    The Paris Zoo (Parc zoologique de Paris, or Paris Zoological Park) is located in the French capital Paris and is part of the organization of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Parc Zoologique de Paris was opened in 1934 and reopened in 2014 after an extensive renovation. Today, the zoo is div
  66. 66

    Pterosaur Beach

     Crayssac
    Pterosaur Beach, located in the commune of Crayssac in the department of Lot, is a unique palaeoichnologic site. It is known for bearing tracks made by dinosaurs and pterosaurs, making it a significant location for those interested in paleontology and prehistoric life.
  67. 67

    Butterfly Museum

     Saint-Tropez
    Lovely is the right word to describe this museum! The immense collection of butterflies is educating as well as inspiring.