In the countryside, the mountains, or by the sea where will you spend your next family holiday in France? From sandy beaches and lush green landscapes filled with birdsong to breathtaking mountain passes, there’s something for everyone. But whatever the destination, what truly matters is spending quality time together and making the most of your family holiday.
In this search for escape and shared experiences, why not choose a unique destination where nature meets adventure? ZooParc de Beauval offers an exceptional experience, immersing both young and old in a world where biodiversity takes center stage. Home to many species that are unique in France and featuring facilities designed to inspire wonder, Beauval is a must-visit destination to enrich your family holiday with unforgettable and educational memories.
Come and discover the wonders of nature and share precious moments with your family in the heart of the Loire Valley.
A Family Holiday Focused on Culture and Nature
From an early age, children are naturally curious—so why not plan a family holiday centered around discovery and culture? And don’t worry, it can be great fun too. If your children love nature and animals, don’t miss ZooParc de Beauval, located in the Loire Valley. It’s the perfect family holiday activity to learn while enjoying an unforgettable time together.
Everything has been designed with families in mind, from educational materials throughout the visit to activities, events, and représentations tailored for children, as well as themed accommodations that will take the whole family on a journey beyond borders.
Enjoy the great outdoors on a family countryside holiday
Although the countryside is the perfect place to enjoy peace and nature, it’s not always a favorite among children, who sometimes associate it with boredom. And yet, there’s so much to discover: visits to charming villages, trips to local farms, treetop adventure parks, bike rides or donkey rides, stays in unusual accommodations, picnics by a pond…
Here are our ideas for a successful family holiday in the countryside around ZooParc de Beauval:
Visit the Loire Valley Châteaux – Explore famous castles such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny. These iconic sites offer guided tours and stunning gardens.
Family Bike Rides – Rent bikes for the whole family and follow scenic cycling routes along the Cher and the Loire. It’s a peaceful and healthy way to discover the countryside.
Canoeing on the Cher River – Enjoy a sunny day paddling along the Cher. It’s a fun activity for all ages and a great way to experience nature from a different perspective.
Villandry Gardens – Discover one of the most beautiful gardens in France. Children especially love the hedge mazes and ornamental gardens.
The House of Magic in Blois – Visit this fascinating museum dedicated to illusionist Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, a native of Blois. It’s both entertaining and intriguing for children.
Mini-Châteaux Park – Near Amboise, explore a park featuring miniature replicas of the Loire Valley’s famous castles—perfect for younger children.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride – Take a relaxing carriage ride through nearby villages and vineyards and enjoy the scenery at a gentle pace.
Forest Adventures – Try treetop adventure courses in one of the region’s many adventure parks—an ideal way for children to burn off energy while enjoying nature.
Tips for a successful family holiday
Traveling with children requires a bit of planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. From choosing the right destination and accommodation to selecting activities and transportation, here are all our tips for a stress-free family holiday!
Book accommodation for your family holiday
Choosing the right accommodation is a key step in planning your family holiday. It’s best to book early to secure the best rates. There are many options to suit every family, depending on your children’s ages and the type of holiday you’re planning: campsites, campervans, hotels, unique stays, holiday rentals, or guesthouses.
You can also consider accommodations offered as part of certain experiences, such as theme parks or wildlife parks. If you’re visiting Beauval during your family holiday, why not stay in one of the Beauval Hotels? It’s the perfect way to extend the magic of your stay while enjoying exclusive benefits. A true change of scenery awaits!
Planning your journey
If your holiday destination is easily accessible by train, this can be a great option—especially as children often enjoy the experience. In any case, be sure to plan activities for the journey (podcasts, travel journals, books, etc.) and take regular breaks whenever possible so everyone can stretch their legs.
If the journey is particularly long, consider splitting it into stages. This is a great opportunity to stay in a charming guesthouse and turn the stopover into part of the holiday experience.
For example, if you’re traveling from Paris to La Rochelle, you could plan a two-day family stop at ZooParc de Beauval, including an overnight stay in one of the themed Beauval Hotels, before continuing on to your final destination.
Book your holiday activities in advance
Planning your family holiday at ZooParc de Beauval can turn a simple visit into an unforgettable adventure for everyone. By booking your activities in advance, you’ll save time and make the most of every moment spent in the park. Early booking allows you to choose the time slots that best suit your family, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy all the activities they’re interested in, stress-free.
It also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of special rates on many activities and services. This will help you make the most of your stay while also enjoying our educational events and représentations. Planning your day ahead with Beauval means choosing peace of mind and guaranteeing a smooth, enriching experience in the heart of biodiversity.
As you can see, there are countless options for family holidays in France. Whether you prefer the beach, the mountains, the countryside, or a more cultural getaway, the key is to plan ahead so you can fully enjoy your stay once you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best age to take children to a zoo?
Is ZooParc de Beauval suitable for babies and pushchairs?
How can you plan a successful family holiday with children?
Three things can make all the difference: limiting the number of destinations, planning one main activity per day rather than three, and involving children in choosing the programme. Staying in a central location also reduces daily travel, which can often become a source of tiredness and frustration. A wildlife park such as Beauval works particularly well as the focus of a holiday: spend two days at the ZooParc, then use the rest of your stay to explore the surrounding region.
Are the shows and educational talks included in ZooParc admission?
Yes, there is no additional charge. L’Odyssée des Lions de Mer, Les Maîtres des Airs and the educational talks taking place throughout the park are all included in the admission price. Only limited-capacity discovery activities, such as Keeper for a Day, require a separate paid booking. Checking the day’s programme when you arrive will help you plan your route around the scheduled times.
What activities can children enjoy at ZooParc de Beauval during the holidays?
How should you pace a zoo visit with young children?
Three simple principles can help: start with the animals your children are most excited to see, alternate walking with breaks roughly every hour, and plan a longer rest in the middle of the day. Playgrounds and food outlets provide natural opportunities to pause. At a large park such as ZooParc de Beauval, which covers 46 hectares, spreading your visit over two days can make a significant difference to everyone’s comfort.
Which school holidays are best for a family break?
What should you pack for a family day at ZooParc de Beauval?
Six essentials should cover most needs: reusable water bottles, a snack, a hat and sun cream, a lightweight waterproof jacket, comfortable closed shoes and something to keep younger children entertained during breaks. Exploring 46 hectares means walking several kilometres, so a light bag is usually better than trying to pack for every eventuality.
Do your part for conservation!
Sponsor an animal!
Becoming an animal sponsor allows you to form a strong relationship with your favourite animal whilst financing the conservation programmes supported by the Beauval Nature association. All money paid is allocated in full to the association and is then invested into one of the many species conservation programmes it supports around the world.
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