8 weekend ideas at the Zoo de Beauval

Do you want to spend a few days in the center of France? So schedule a weekend at the Zoo de Beauval!

The center of France is full of quiet and beautiful places to spend the weekend. Tours, Blois, the Loire Valley... These emblematic places of the region Centre-Val de Loire Hold your arms. But why not take advantage of your trip to the area to spend a weekend at the Beauval Zoo?

It is one of the largest animal parks in France, and even in Europe! Located in the city of Saint-Aignan in the Loir-et-Cher , it presents more than 3,000 animals on 40 hectares. How to make great discoveries!

So, tempted? Here are 9 destinations to spend a weekend at the Beauval Zoo!

1. ♪ Châteaux de la Loire

Why not couple your weekend to the Zoo de Beauval with a visit to the Loire castles, present all over the region? In the heart of these majestic palaces that once housed the kings of France and their Court, you will take your eyes full!

The most impressive of them is probably that of Chenonceau . Indeed, its arches that envy the Dear are very famous and you should not miss going to admire them in person.

So your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval can turn into a real cultural getaway, and even on a journey in time.

2. Tours

Also called the "white and blue city", you would be wrong to pass next to Tours without stopping there during your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval. Indeed, bathed by the Cher and the Loire, the prefecture of Indre-et-Loire is really a beautiful city. Thus, it is called the “garden city” and it has the label “ City of Art and History " In addition, its historic centre is part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Are you gastronomes? More reason to make a crochet by Tours by going to spend a weekend at the Beauval Zoo! The city and the region are indeed renowned for their cheeses, cutters and wines. They are also crowned with many AOCs. For example: Vouvray, Chinon, or Bourgueil for the best known.

3. Blois

Your family lives in the Loir-et-Cher? So enjoy it to spend a weekend at the Zoo de Beauval and discover Blois with the same opportunity! Because this former French capital is today labelled “ City of Art and History Thanks to its beautiful historic city centre.

Thus, by wandering the streets, you can admire the castle, the cathedral and the old paved streets. Don’t hesitate to enter the gardens like that of Evêché with its magnificent rose garden for example. The Jardin des Lices, thought by Gille Clément is a must too!

Is it raining? Then turn to museums that will delight small and large. You can then marvel at the Maison de la Magie or discover the movement « fluxus » at the Fondation du doubt. And if you are not convinced, a great classic will put everyone in agreement: the Natural History Museum! You can then spend a wonderful weekend at the Zoo de Beauval with your family.

4. La Roche-Posay

Located about 70 km from Saint-Aignan, the Roche-Posay is a well-known city for its thermal water and cosmetics. This is a very good opportunity to make a stopover during a weekend at the Zoo de Beauval.

You will then have the opportunity to enjoy its pleasant waters for the skin, torch in its casino or to hit a few golf balls. What makes it a wonderful well-being weekend. Indeed, many spas and two thermal establishments offer you to relax after a long day of walk at the zoo.

In addition, La Roche-Posay is a cute little medieval town. Its steep streets, citadel, parks and gardens will end up delighting your heart and making this weekend a romantic time, relaxation and well-being.

5. Orleans

Orleans is a beautiful clear and majestic city that will not cease to delight you when you walk through the little pedestrian streets or the great shopping arteries. Indeed, the capital of the Loiret was a capital time of the kingdom of France. From the edges of the Loire to the districts of the Republic or Burgundy, from the Place du Martroi to the immense cathedral, to the Rue Royale and the houses with woods, Orléans is thus truly charged with History.

So, during your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval, don’t hesitate to make a call to spend the night there. You can then share your animal tour with a mini citytrip in the footsteps of Joan of Arc.

In addition, Orléans can also be a step if you decide to make a gastronomic journey in the region Centre-Val de Loire. After the Tourangeal vineyards, enjoy those of Orléanais (with moderation of course...). At the Halles you can also taste cotignac (a gelatin based on coings) or fruit macarons, speciality of the city.

6. Loches

If you pass through the Touraine on the way to your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval, make a detour by Loches. Because even if this small town may seem without first interest, it is quite the opposite. Indeed, its history dates back to more than a millennium and its dungeon is one of the oldest in Europe.

Located on the paths of Santiago de Compostela, many labels attest to its beauty and quality of life. So Loches is both City of Art and History , Ville Fleurie and is one of the More Beaux Détours de France .

You can therefore stroll through its medieval and flowery streets, discover its three castles, numerous churches and wonderful landscapes. And what better than a very quiet little town to relax in a spa with views of the hills of Touraine? And thus transform your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval into a relaxing stay.

7. Beaugency

Do you want your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval to be 100% nature? So on the way, stop at Beaugency. This magnificent medieval city is indeed part of the perimeter of the Loire Valley classified by Unesco as an exceptional cultural landscape. Thus, after a solid breakfast, you will be able to discover the panoramas that earned it this ranking.

Walking through the city's many hiking paths, you can admire wildlife and wild flora. If you are lucky, you will even see some castors at work! Then, your steps may lead you to the source of the Rû, a tributary of the Loire. You can also admire the brothing of the Blue Waters, similar to moving sands.

Are you in no mood for a walk? It will be enough for you to contemplate the natural wonders of the Loire Valley from the Observa’Loire square pavilion. And if you are a gastronome, add a small part of Balgentian Pavé, a speciality of chocolate, candied fruits and Grand Marnier. You will then, perhaps, have one of the recipes of happiness.

8. Villandry

Finally, if you want to make your weekend at the Zoo de Beauval unforgettable, take a room in Villandry. His wonderful castle surrounded by breathtaking gardens made the city famous.

Thus, on more than six hectares and four levels of terraces, you will be able to wander among the buis embroidery, the flowery parterres, the vegetable gardens and the water jets. Because the park, dating from the Renaissance, was recreated to the identical at the beginning of the XX e century, which earned it a ranking in Unesco.

Villandry is therefore a must-see for lovers on their way to a weekend at the Zoo de Beauval. Because a little romance doesn't hurt...