Alligator Bay

Alligator Bay is a reptile zoo in Beauvoir, just minutes from Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, home to one of the largest groups of alligators in Europe. Altogether the park houses more than 700 animals representing species from five continents.

What can you see at Alligator Bay?

The heart of the park is a tropical greenhouse, where a wooden walkway takes visitors through dense vegetation above pools inhabited by alligators, crocodiles and caimans. This is also where the park's rarest residents live — a small group of white alligators, one of the most unusual color variants of the species anywhere in the world. The warm, humid air of the greenhouse recreates the animals' natural habitat and lets visitors observe them at close range, often without glass separating them from the enclosures.

A separate section, the Dragon Labyrinth, holds one of the largest reptile collections in France and in Europe. Terrariums here contain boa constrictors, iguanas, chameleons and monitor lizards, and the layout of the path is designed as an interactive trail that appeals equally to children and adults.

The third main area is the Turtle Farm, set within a wooded part of the grounds. It is home to more than 400 turtles from a wide range of species — aquatic and terrestrial, herbivorous and carnivorous — ranging in weight from around half a kilogram to as much as 250 kg, so visitors can see both tiny hatchlings and true giants side by side.

When is the best time to see the animals active?

On weekends, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 pm, the park holds a crocodile feeding session — a moment when these usually slow, motionless reptiles show off their sudden speed and reflexes as they strike at food. It is one of the park's most popular scheduled activities and a good reason to plan a weekend visit.

How do you get there, and where exactly is the park?

Alligator Bay is located at 62 route du Mont-Saint-Michel in Beauvoir, in the Manche department (postcode 50170). The location is convenient for anyone visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, since the famous abbey is only about a 5-minute drive away, making the park a natural addition to a day spent in this part of Normandy.

Who is this attraction suited for?

The park is designed as a family destination — the walking trails, the pontoon above the tropical enclosures, and the Dragon Labyrinth are all easy to navigate for visitors of any age. Close encounters with the reptiles, open enclosures in several parts of the greenhouse, and the variety of species on show mean a typical visit lasts about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on pace and how long you linger at each enclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see white alligators at Alligator Bay? Yes, the park houses a small group of white alligators, one of the rarest color variants of the species, visible in the tropical greenhouse area.

What time is the crocodile feeding? Crocodile feeding sessions take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 pm.

How far is Alligator Bay from Mont-Saint-Michel? The park is located in Beauvoir, about a 5-minute drive from the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey.

How many turtles are there at the Turtle Farm? The Turtle Farm is home to more than 400 turtles of various species, both aquatic and terrestrial, weighing anywhere from half a kilogram to 250 kg.