Micro Zoo de Saint Malo

Micro Zoo is a small animal park built right into the old ramparts of Saint-Malo — easy to walk past while exploring Intra Muros, yet one of the more distinctive family attractions in this Breton corsair city.

Where is it and what makes it different?

The zoo sits at 9 Place Vauban, occupying roughly 150 metres of the northern curtain wall of the walled city. Rather than a purpose-built modern building, the enclosures and terrariums are tucked directly into the stone passageways of the fortifications. It opened in April 2020, and the whole concept revolves around presenting live animals in habitats that mimic their natural surroundings instead of standard cages.

What will you see inside?

Expect roughly a hundred species and several hundred individual animals across the visit: reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and a handful of crocodile species, including small dwarf crocodiles. Giant Madagascar geckos and green tree pythons are among the standout residents. One of the most memorable stops is a colony of around 40,000 ants, visible in action through glass-walled formicariums.

Less expected is the zoo's entomological archive — around 80 display cases holding more than 1,500 preserved insects gathered since the late 19th century. It's an unusual pairing for a modern animal park and worth slowing down for, especially with kids curious about insects and natural history.

The visit has a clear educational thread running through it: signage around the enclosures explains each species' role in its ecosystem and the conservation pressures it faces, so the experience blends entertainment with a genuine biodiversity message.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

Micro Zoo opens every day of the year, though hours shift with the seasons — typically 10am to 7pm in January and from September through December, extending later in spring and summer, with the longest hours (until 7:30pm) in July and August. It's worth checking the current schedule before you go, since low-season hours can be shorter.

Admission is modest for a central Saint-Malo attraction: children aged 3 to 12 pay around €6.90, visitors 13 and up around €9.90, and students, job seekers, and visitors with disabilities get a reduced rate of about €7.90. Children under 3 get in free.

How long should you plan for a visit?

True to its name, this is a compact zoo, so most visitors spend somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour and a half inside, depending on how long you linger at the terrariums and the insect cabinets. It makes a good indoor break during a walk along the ramparts, particularly useful on a rainy day since most of the exhibits are sheltered.

Frequently asked questions

Is Micro Zoo suitable for young children? Yes — the small scale and close-up encounters with geckos, fish, and the ant colony tend to go down well with younger visitors. There are also crocodiles and snakes on display, which some parents prefer to mention beforehand.

Can I combine it with a walk along the ramparts? Easily — the zoo is literally built into the walls, so it fits naturally into any Intra Muros walking route.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? During the busy summer season in Saint-Malo, booking online can save time, though it isn't strictly necessary outside peak periods.

What sets this zoo apart from others? The combination of live animals with a century-old entomological collection, plus the setting inside the historic fortified walls, makes it distinct from typical modern zoos.