Zoodyssée

Zoodyssée is an animal park in Villiers-en-Bois, tucked inside the Chizé forest in the Deux-Sèvres department, roughly 30 minutes from Niort and the Marais Poitevin. It's one of the few parks in France built almost entirely around European wildlife — wolves, lynx, bears, marmots — rather than species imported from other continents.

What can you see at Zoodyssée?

The park covers several dozen hectares of wooded grounds and is home to more than 800 animals from dozens of species. The visit is organized into themed trails, called "odysseys," each leading through a different landscape and a different set of animals. Residents include the Eurasian lynx, grey wolf, brown bear, European bison, red deer, wild boar, and storks. Many of these species had disappeared locally in the past and were reintroduced to the park as part of European wildlife conservation and breeding programs.

What's new in 2026?

Starting in February 2026, the park introduces the wolverine — the largest member of the weasel family in Europe, often mistaken for a bear cub because of its stocky build. Come summer, a new zone dedicated to the wildlife of French Guiana opens, featuring jaguars, coatis, boas, and kinkajous. It's an unusual chance to see native European species alongside exotic residents of a French overseas territory in a single visit.

What else is there to do besides walking the trails?

Zoodyssée is more than a walk between enclosures. The grounds include a mini-farm with domestic animals, a playground, an on-site restaurant, and a gift shop. Every day in July and August, the park runs guided horse-drawn carriage rides and keeper talks where visitors can learn about the daily work of caring for the animals. For those who want a deeper experience, a "keeper for a day" program and birthday party packages are available, both requiring advance booking.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is open from February 7 to November 1, with opening hours that vary by season, so it's worth checking the current schedule before heading out. The fullest program of activities, including the daily carriage rides, runs during the summer months, while in spring and autumn the park may only be open on select days of the week.

How much does admission cost?

Ticket prices vary by season. A child's ticket (ages 3–12) costs between €9 and €11, while admission for anyone 13 and older ranges from €12.50 to €15.50. Given the size of the grounds and the number of themed trails, it's worth setting aside several hours for the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a visit to Zoodyssée take? Given the size of the park and the number of themed trails, plan for at least half a day — and a full day if you want to include a carriage ride or a keeper encounter.

Is food available on site? Yes, there's an on-site restaurant, and picnic areas are also set aside for visitors who prefer to bring their own food.

Is Zoodyssée suitable for a visit with young children? Yes, the park has a mini-farm and a playground, and the trails are stroller-friendly. In summer, carriage rides add an extra highlight for younger visitors.

Is the park open year-round? No, the season runs from February to November, and both opening hours and the days the park is open change depending on the time of year, so it's best to check the current calendar before visiting.