Parc zoologique de Bordeaux Pessac

Bordeaux Pessac Zoo sits on the edge of Pessac, right next to Bordeaux, tucked inside the Bourgailh forest about 20 minutes from the city centre. Across 5 hectares the park is home to roughly 250 animals from dozens of species spanning five continents.

What can you see at the zoo?

The zoo first opened its gates in 1976 and underwent a major relaunch in 2018 under new management, shifting away from a traditional cage-based layout toward smaller, more naturalistic enclosures. Highlights include an underwater viewing area where jaguars can be watched swimming, a walk-through habitat with ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies hopping freely across open lawns, and rainbow lorikeets showing off their vivid plumage. A farmyard section rounds out the visit, giving younger children animals they can approach more closely.

Sleeping among the predators

The zoo's signature feature is its overnight lodges, built directly alongside the predator enclosures. Guests can spend the night in a cabin overlooking jaguars or white tigers. In 2024 the park added the Lions Lodge, set next to an enclosure housing four lions rescued from poor conditions in Ukraine — Flori, Nila, Kiara and Gyz. It's an unusual way to combine a regular zoo visit with an after-hours, up-close encounter with large carnivores.

How do you get there?

The easiest option is bus line 77, which stops at "Zoo de Pessac," about 900 metres from the entrance. Tram line B also runs to Pessac Centre, from where a short bus connection completes the journey. Visitors arriving by car will find free, shaded parking on site.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

During summer, from 4 July to 31 August, the zoo opens daily from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. Outside the school holidays the park closes on Mondays and keeps shorter hours — in winter, visiting is generally possible from either 10:00 am or 1:30 pm through to 5:30 or 6:00 pm, depending on the day of the week. The zoo is closed on 25 December and 1 January. A standard adult ticket costs €19.50, children aged 3 to 11 pay €14.50, and children under 3 enter free. Reduced rates apply for visitors with disabilities — €14 for adults and €10 for children. Plan on spending 2 to 3 hours to see the park properly.

Frequently asked questions

How many animals live at Bordeaux Pessac Zoo? The park is home to around 250 animals representing anywhere from several dozen to a hundred species from five continents, spread across 5 hectares.

Can you stay overnight at the zoo? Yes. The park offers lodges built next to the jaguar, white tiger and lion enclosures — the Lions Lodge opened in 2024 — letting guests observe the animals up close after hours.

How do you reach the zoo without a car? Bus line 77 stops at "Zoo de Pessac," roughly 900 metres from the entrance. Alternatively, take tram line B to Pessac Centre and connect with a local bus.

How long does a visit take, and when is the zoo closed? A typical visit lasts 2 to 3 hours. The zoo is closed on Mondays outside school holiday periods, as well as on 25 December and 1 January; during summer it opens every day.