About this place
Parc zoologique de Lisieux (widely known as Zoo Cerza) is one of the largest zoological parks in Normandy, located in Hermival-les-Vaux, just a few kilometres from Lisieux. Spread across 80 hectares, it is home to more than 1,500 animals representing around 120 species from all over the world.
What animals live at Zoo Cerza?
The park opened in 1986 and has expanded steadily ever since, developing spacious enclosures designed to reflect the animals' natural habitats. Residents include red pandas, lions, white tigers, polar bears, armadillos, striped hyenas and African wild dogs. A standout attraction is the babirusa, a wild "deer-pig" native to Sulawesi — Cerza is the only park in France to keep this unusual species. Animals are grouped by continent, making it easy for visitors to explore the wildlife of different regions of the world as they move through the park.
How do you explore the park?
Visitors can choose between two complementary ways of getting around, and most combine both. The first is a free safari train, included in the admission ticket, which tours the large enclosures and brings guests close to the animals without any walking required. The second option is a pair of marked walking trails, letting visitors stroll at their own pace between the paddocks and aviaries. The site also includes a mini-farm with domestic animals, ideal for younger children, and a tropical greenhouse housing reptiles and other species that need a warmer climate.
Who is this park suited for?
Cerza was built with families in mind, though it draws nature lovers of all ages. The combination of the safari train, walking trails and hands-on encounters at the mini-farm means a visit can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Free on-site parking and easy access from the main towns of the Calvados region make it a straightforward day-trip destination from Lisieux, Caen or Deauville.
When is the best time to visit?
The park is open daily from 1 February to 30 November, including public holidays. Opening hours vary by season: in summer, gates open as early as 9:30am and stay open until 7pm, while hours are shorter outside the peak season. It is worth checking the current schedule before visiting, as the zoo is closed during December and January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a safari train at Zoo Cerza? Yes, a free safari train is included with the entrance ticket and allows visitors to tour the large enclosures without extensive walking.
How many animal species can be seen at the park? The park is home to more than 1,500 animals from around 120 species, including the babirusa, a species found nowhere else in France.
Is the park suitable for young children? Yes, the site includes a mini-farm with domestic animals specifically designed for younger visitors.
Is the zoo open all year round? No, the park operates seasonally, open daily from 1 February to 30 November, and closed during December and January.
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