Parc des oiseaux

Parc des Oiseaux is a bird park in Villars-les-Dombes, in the Ain department of France. Open since 1970, it ranks among the oldest ornithological parks in the country and has spent more than five decades building a reputation as one of the region's leading nature attractions.

What can you see at Parc des Oiseaux?

The park houses a collection of more than 3,000 birds representing species from every continent. Visitors follow paths winding through aviaries and open enclosures, spotting both exotic species and birds typical of European wetlands. The setting is no coincidence — Villars-les-Dombes sits at the heart of the Dombes, a region famous for its thousands of ponds and rich wetland ecosystem that naturally draws birdlife.

How large is the park?

The full reserve spans 380 hectares, though only part of it is open to visitors — a 35-hectare section laid out with paths, aviaries, and viewing areas. The remaining land functions as ecological buffer and habitat, letting the park combine its role as a visitor attraction with genuine species and habitat conservation.

Why visit Parc des Oiseaux?

The park draws an average of around 250,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the Ain department. It suits families with children as well as nature enthusiasts looking to observe birds in close-to-natural conditions. Given the size of the visitor area, a full visit typically takes several hours, so it's worth setting aside a whole day — especially with kids in tow, who tend to linger at each new aviary.

The site is listed in France's general inventory of cultural heritage, underlining its significance beyond nature tourism — it stands as one of the country's pioneering projects of its kind. Its half-century-plus history shows in how the visitor paths were designed, blending nature education with the landscape aesthetics characteristic of the Dombes.

How do you get to Parc des Oiseaux?

The park is located in Villars-les-Dombes, a small town in the Ain department between Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse. The Dombes region has good road connections, making the park an easy day-trip destination both for Lyon residents and for travelers exploring eastern France.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many birds can you see at Parc des Oiseaux? The park displays a collection of more than 3,000 birds from around the world.

How much of the park is open to visitors? Visitors can access 35 hectares within a much larger 380-hectare reserve.

When was Parc des Oiseaux founded? The park opened in 1970, making it one of the oldest bird parks in France.

How many people visit the park each year? The park welcomes an average of around 250,000 visitors annually, confirming its status as one of the Dombes region's major attractions.