About this place
Zoo La Barben in La Barben is one of the largest zoological parks in Provence, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department between Salon-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence. It is the closest zoo to Marseille, making it a popular day-trip destination for both locals and visitors to the city.
Where exactly is the zoo and how did it start?
The park occupies grounds next to the Château de La Barben, a castle that belonged to the Forbin family for five centuries. In 1963, the estate was bought by André Pons, who opened it to the public and began developing it as a tourist attraction. Six years later, in 1969, a small zoological park was created on the neighboring land, and it officially welcomed its first visitors in 1970. Until summer 2021 the site operated under the name Zoo de La Barben; it is now officially known as Parc animalier de La Barben.
How big is the park and how many animals live there?
The zoo covers 33 hectares, with visitors following 9 kilometers of shaded paths through the grounds — enough to fill a full day rather than a quick stop. The park is home to several hundred animals representing over a hundred species from five continents. Residents include bears, monkeys, tigers, lions, ostriches, yaks, llamas, giraffes, elephants, zebras, oryx, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses, giving visitors a single-visit overview of wildlife from Africa, Asia, and South America alike.
What makes this zoo stand out in the region?
La Barben takes an active role in European breeding programs (EEP) for endangered species, including Niger giraffes, tapirs, white rhinoceroses, and Goeldi's tamarins. This gives the park a genuine conservation function rather than making it a purely entertainment-driven attraction. It draws more than 300,000 visitors a year, including around 13,000 schoolchildren on educational trips, placing it among the most visited attractions of its kind in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Who is this destination best suited for?
The spacious, shaded grounds and the sheer variety of animals make La Barben a strong choice both for families with young children and for adults looking for a full day out exploring wildlife from different continents. The neighboring Château de La Barben also makes it easy to combine the zoo visit with a tour of the historic castle on the same outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the zoo located? The park is in the commune of La Barben in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, between Salon-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence, and is the nearest zoo to Marseille.
How many animals can you see at the park? The park is home to several hundred animals representing over a hundred species from five continents, including elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions, and rhinoceroses.
Does the zoo take part in conservation programs? Yes, it participates in European breeding programs (EEP) for species such as Niger giraffes, tapirs, white rhinoceroses, and Goeldi's tamarins.
How much time should visitors plan for a visit? Given the 33-hectare grounds and 9 kilometers of walking paths, a full day is recommended to see the park properly.
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