About this place
ZooParc de Beauval is a French zoological park in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, in the Centre-Val de Loire region on the banks of the Cher river. Spread across 40 hectares, it is home to more than 35,000 animals, making it one of the largest animal collections in France and in Europe — a destination that pairs serious wildlife conservation with a day out the whole family can enjoy.
Where exactly is Beauval located?
The park sits in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, a small town in the Loir-et-Cher department, right in the heart of the Loire Valley — a region famous for its châteaux, but for decades also known for this zoo. That location makes Beauval a natural stop for anyone touring the Loire Valley's castles and vineyards.
How did this zoo come to be?
ZooParc de Beauval was founded in 1980 by Françoise Delord. From modest beginnings it grew into one of the largest zoological parks on the continent. Today it is run by her son, Rodolphe Delord, with management staying firmly in the family, which holds the majority of the company's capital. That kind of multi-generational continuity is unusual among large zoos — most big parks today belong to corporations or public institutions, while Beauval has been shaped by the same family for over four decades.
What explains the scale of this place?
More than 35,000 animals across 40 hectares means a density and variety of exhibits that can easily fill a full day without ever feeling repetitive. Beauval's scale regularly puts it among the largest zoological collections in Europe. For visitors, that translates into the chance to see species rarely displayed at smaller facilities, and the sprawling grounds encourage a slower, more exploratory pace — it's worth planning a full day rather than a quick visit.
Who is this park for?
Beauval draws families with children first and foremost, but also wildlife lovers and photographers, for whom the large, varied enclosures offer a chance to observe animals in settings closer to their natural habitats. The scale of the park makes it a demanding outing — comfortable shoes, time, and patience help — but also an especially rewarding one for anyone who values direct contact with such a broad range of fauna from around the world.
How do you get there, and when should you go?
Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher is within easy reach of Tours and Blois, making Beauval a convenient day-trip destination for anyone exploring the Loire Valley. The region is well connected by road, and the proximity of other attractions — châteaux, vineyards, riverside towns along the Loire — makes it easy to combine a zoo visit with a broader itinerary of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is ZooParc de Beauval located? The park is in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, in the Loire Valley.
How many animals can you see at Beauval? The park is home to more than 35,000 animals across 40 hectares, making it one of the largest zoos in Europe.
Who founded the park, and who runs it today? The zoo was founded in 1980 by Françoise Delord. It is now run by her son, Rodolphe Delord, with the Delord family retaining ownership.
Is Beauval a good day trip from the Loire Valley châteaux? Yes — its proximity to Tours and Blois means many visitors combine a day of château-hopping in the Loire Valley with a full-day visit to Beauval.
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