Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine: 1,900 animals in the former falun quarries.
The Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine is the world’s only troglodytic zoo, set within former falun stone quarries in the Maine-et-Loire region. Spanning 17 hectares, the park is home to more than 1,900 animals from around 130 species, living in striking mineral and plant-filled surroundings that recreate their natural habitats. Beyond this unique visual experience, the park has also established itself as a recognized leader in the conservation of endangered species. The site, its residents, its commitment: here is everything you need to know before your visit! A perfect destination to explore during your stay at our campsite near Angers!
Key points to remember
- The Bioparc is located in Doué-la-Fontaine, in the Maine-et-Loire region, within former falun stone quarries.
- It is the world’s only troglodytic zoo, open since 1961.
- The park is home to more than 1,900 animals across around 130 species.
- The first private French zoo to become a permanent member of the EAZA, it is home to 30% endangered species.
- Allow around 4 hours for a visit, or even a full day to see everything.
A unique troglodytic zoo in the world, set within former stone quarries.
The adventure of the Bioparc began in 1961, when Louis Gay reopened an old falun stone quarry to establish the Zoo des Minières. This marine sedimentary rock, formed millions of years ago when the sea covered Anjou, was long quarried to build local abbeys, castles, and houses before finding a second life as the site of the park. Renamed Bioparc in 2011, the site now spans 17 hectares while preserving its unique geological character.
Concretely, visitors wander through underground galleries, cliffs sculpted by stone extraction, and vegetated areas taking root among the mineral blocks.
It is this dual dimension, both mineral and organic, that makes it a truly unique place on a global scale and a valuable climatic asset, maintaining a constant natural coolness during periods of intense summer heat.
Traveler reviews: this uniqueness does not go unnoticed by visitors, who unanimously highlight the distinctive character of the setting. Many describe the feeling of being cut off from the world in tunnels carved directly into the rock, and appreciate the coolness of the underground passages during periods of intense summer heat.
More than 1,900 animals and 130 species to discover
Le Bioparc accueille des espèces de plusieurs continents, présentées dans des enclos spacieux pensés pour reproduire la diversité de leurs milieux d'origine. Voici quelques pensionnaires phares qui rythment votre parcours de découverte :
- Snow leopards and spectacled bears represent mountain and Andean wildlife.
- On the African side, Central African giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, and black rhinoceroses inhabit the largest enclosures.
- More discreetly, pygmy hippopotamuses and okapis offer a rare encounter with equatorial forest wildlife.
- Red pandas, lions, and numerous bird species complete this panorama.
The visit to the South American large aviary is also a highlight of the experience, with hundreds of birds moving in near freedom around visitors.
Traveler reviews: feedback highlights the great diversity of species and the sense of closeness to the animals, without intrusive barriers or fences. The South American aviary receives particularly warm praise for its immersive effect, and visitors commend the beauty of the enclosures designed to resemble natural habitats.
A strong commitment to the conservation of endangered species
The Bioparc plays a pioneering role in animal conservation in Europe. A trailblazer since the 1980s, when it became the first private French zoo to join the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), it now coordinates two European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs). This commitment is also reflected in the park’s very composition: according to the Bioparc, nearly 30% of its animals are listed on the IUCN Red List, placing reproduction and reintroduction at the heart of its mission. Beyond the site itself, the “Projets Nature” programme has helped allocate more than €5 million to 40 conservation projects worldwide since 2001.
“Our holidaymakers often come back struck by the park’s transparency regarding the funds allocated to conservation. It’s a detail that makes all the difference,” our team says.
In short, this commitment turns a simple visit into a meaningful contribution to biodiversity!
Traveler reviews: this concrete commitment to the conservation of endangered species and the transparency regarding the funds allocated are consistently praised. Many also highlight the passion of the keepers—approachable, educational, and caring—who make the ethical dimension of the visit very tangible.
Practical information to help you best prepare for your visit
Before setting off to explore the Bioparc, here is the essential information you need to calmly plan your day:
- The exact address is 103, rue de Cholet, in Doué-la-Fontaine (49700 Doué-en-Anjou), with a reception desk reachable at 02 41 59 18 58.
- The park is open every day from February to November, with an annual winter closure.
- As for opening hours, the park generally operates from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the height of summer, with shorter opening times in spring and autumn.
- Expect to pay from €28 for an adult and from €22 for a child aged 3 to 10, with free admission for children under 3.
- Allow at least 4 hours for a visit, or even a full day to fully enjoy the site.
- On site, parking is free, the park is accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs, and several food outlets allow you to have lunch with views over the enclosures.
Traveler reviews: visitors recommend allowing between 4 and 7 hours for the visit and appreciate the free parking, pushchair accessibility, toilets located throughout the park, and the option to leave for lunch and return afterwards. The restaurant facing the giraffes is universally praised.
Are you planning to spend a few days in Anjou to discover the Bioparc, the Château de Brissac, and the banks of the Loire? Settle in at our campsite with a swimming pool near Angers, about 25 minutes from the park. You’ll find here an 8-hectare natural setting, ideal for easily exploring the most beautiful sites in the region.
Sources :
- Bioparc, official website : https://www.bioparc-zoo.fr/
- Bioparc Zoo de Doué-la-Fontaine, Anjou Tourism: https://www.anjou-tourisme.com/fr/voir-faire/activites/parcs-animaliers/le-bioparc-zoo-de-doue-la-fontaine
- Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park: https://www.parc-loire-anjou-touraine.fr/destination-parc/visiter/les-sites-de-visite/bioparc-zoo-de-doue-la-fontaine
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