Refuge de l'Arche

Refuge de l'Arche is a sanctuary for wild and exotic animals in Château-Gontier, in the Mayenne department of France's Pays de la Loire region. Unlike a conventional zoo built around breeding and display, this is a rescue centre for animals abandoned, illegally kept, or worn out by careers in circuses, laboratories or poorly run zoos.

How do you get there?

The sanctuary sits south of central Château-Gontier, along the road to Ménil, on 23 hectares of grounds shaded by mature trees. The town lies in the southern tip of Mayenne, close to the border with Maine-et-Loire, making it a convenient base for exploring the Mayenne river valley. Arriving by car is easiest — there is on-site parking, and the walking trails through the enclosures are laid out to be accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs.

What will you see?

The sanctuary is run by CEPAN (Club d'Étude et de Protection des Animaux et de la Nature), an association recognised as a public-interest organisation since November 2014. Its story goes back to 1974, when the site opened after several years of preparation, born out of a response to cases of animal cruelty. Today it cares for more than a thousand animals from around 120 species worldwide — tigers, lions and other big cats, wolves, foxes, bears, snakes and other reptiles, birds of prey, raccoons, herbivores, and numerous species of monkeys and other primates. Many arrived after years in unsuitable conditions: as illegally kept pets, former circus performers, or laboratory animals. Because of how accustomed they became to humans, or the lasting effects of earlier mistreatment, a return to the wild is not an option for them, so the sanctuary provides lasting care for the rest of their lives.

At the entrance, visitors can scan a QR code for a free audio or text-guided tour on their own phone, narrating individual animals' stories and the keepers' daily work. Children aged 6 to 10 can pick up the "Apprenti soigneur" (Trainee Keeper) activity booklet, which introduces the animal-keeper profession through games. An on-site restaurant, "La Becquée d'Isis", serves food daily from March to October. The sanctuary also runs educational workshops for groups and individual visitors on animal welfare and the illegal trade in exotic species.

When should you visit?

Opening hours change with the season. In January the sanctuary opens weekends only, 10am to 5pm (closed 1 January). From February to March it operates daily from 10am to 6pm, and from April to August — the peak season — daily from 10am to 7pm. September and October return to 10am–6pm, while November and December bring weekend-and-holiday-only opening, 10am to 5pm (closed 25 December). Last admission is always an hour before closing, and the sanctuary may close for safety reasons during severe weather. Spring and summer are the best times to visit, since longer opening hours and milder weather make it easier to see the whole site at a relaxed pace — plan on at least two to three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Refuge de l'Arche different from a regular zoo? It is a rescue sanctuary rather than a zoo built for breeding or shows — animals arrive through confiscations, abandonment, or the end of careers in circuses and laboratories, and the goal is to give them a dignified life rather than to put them on display.

How many animals can you see there? The sanctuary cares for more than a thousand animals from around 120 species, including tigers, lions, wolves, bears, snakes and primates.

How much does admission cost? A standard adult ticket (age 12 and up) costs 15 euros, children aged 4 to 11 pay 9 euros, and children under 4 enter free. Students and job seekers pay 13 euros, and visitors with disabilities pay 8.50 euros.

Is there somewhere to eat on site? Yes, the on-site restaurant "La Becquée d'Isis" is open daily from March to October.