ZooParc de Beauval, located in Saint-Aignan, is one of the most renowned zoos in Europe and the largest in France. Founded in 1980 by Françoise Delord as a bird park, it has rapidly expanded, welcoming big cats, primates, and unique species such as okapis, koalas, and giant pandas. Today, it covers 40 hectares and is home to more than 35,000 animals from approximately 800 species, offering immersive experiences such as the gigantic Equatorial Dome and the hippopotamus reserve.
France: The history of giant pandas at ZooParc de Beauval
The arrival of the panda couple Yuan Zi (male) and Huan Huan (female), born in Chengdu, China, was the culmination of five years of negotiations between France and China. Since 2012, these pandas have become the park's iconic attraction and the symbol of friendship between the two countries. Huan Huan gave birth to three cubs in two historic births: Yuan Meng (the first giant panda born in France), August 2017, transferred to China in July 2023 as per international agreements), and the twins Yuandudu and Huanlili (born on August 2, 2021), now grown up and in perfect health.
Opening hours
The park is open every day of the year, including holidays and weekends:
- Winter (November – February): 9:00 – 17:30
- Spring (March – June, September): 9:00 – 19:00
- July and August: 9:00 – 20:00
We recommend at least two days of visiting to see all the attractions, shows, and themed areas.
Ticket prices
- 1-day admission: adults €35, children (3-10 years) €28
- 2-day admission: adults €56, children €44
- Annual pass available (ZooPass)
- Other services: access to shows, free parking, picnic area, food court
Prices and offers may vary depending on the season and any promotions active on the official website. For more information, visit the official website directly. of the zoo in France.
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How to get to ZooParc de Beauval
- By car: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes from Paris (A10, A71, A85, exit 12 St-Aignan) or 1 hour from Tours (A85).
- By train: Blois SNCF station (45 min from the park), St Pierre-des-Corps (55 min), St Aignan-Noyers TER (8 km from the park) by taxi, car sharing or shuttles.
- By shuttle bus: seasonal service between Blois SNCF and ZooParc de Beauval.
Ample free parking and areas equipped for campers, bicycles, and disabled guests.
Giant pandas today: Yuan Zi, Huan Huan, Yuandudu and Huanlili
Here is a complete summary of the giant pandas that have been housed at ZooParc de Beauval in France:
- Yuan Zi (male) and Huan Huan (female): Arrived in 2012 after five years of negotiations with China. They were the first giant pandas hosted in France and became the park's star attraction.
- Yuan MengBorn on August 4, 2017, he was the first giant panda born in France. His name means "dream come true." Yuan Meng was transferred to China in July 2023, in line with international cooperation agreements on panda conservation.
- Yuandudu and HuanliliTwins were born on August 2, 2021, to Huan Huan and Yuan Zi. The two females are still residents of the zoo and represent the new generation of giant pandas at Beauval. Le gemelle torneranno in Cina nel 2026.
These pandas have played an important symbolic role in the conservation of the species and in scientific cooperation between France and China. Their births and management at the zoo have attracted considerable media interest and have helped make ZooParc de Beauval a leading destination for giant panda watching in Europe.
Currently, the pair Yuan Zi and Huan Huan remain the main attraction among the giant pandas. After Yuan Meng's transfer to China in 2023, the twins Yuandudu and Huanlili continue to live in the park, participating in numerous conservation and scientific research projects, alongside conservation education programs for visitors from around the world. At the end of November, however, the historic couple will return to China due to health problems.