Visit the Arcachon Basin Zoo
Planning your vacation and looking for a memorable family outing? The Bassin d’Arcachon zoological park is the destination of choice. Located just 32 minutes from our campsite on the shores of Lake Biscarrosse, it promises a day rich in discovery. It’s the perfect opportunity to observe animals from all five continents.
Arcachon Zoo: what you need to know
To help you organize your visit without wasting time, here’s some key information. It’s best to buy your ticket online to benefit from areduced rate and avoid waiting times.
| Features | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Route de Cazaux, 33260 La Teste-de-Buch |
| Timetable 2025 | Open from February 15 to November 11. Opening hours vary (e.g. 10am-7pm in summer). Ticket office closes 2 hours before the park. |
| Admission 2025 | Adults: €29.90 / Children (aged 3-11): €22.90 / Free for children under 3. |
| Services | Free parking, restaurant, snack bar, store, sheltered picnic area. |
| From the campsite | 32 min (32.6 km) |
A zoo in the heart of the forest
The park extends over 22 hectares of pine forest, a very pleasant natural, shady setting in Gironde. The 4 km tour takes you through different worlds to meet over 1,000 animals.
Its location in La Teste-de-Buch, close to Bordeaux and the Dune du Pilat, makes it an easily accessible stopover during your stay.
What is the history of this family park?
The Arcachon Zoo adventure began in 1988, born of the passion of one man, Bernard Couturier.
The park has shown great resilience, particularly after the 1999 storm which devastated 80% of its facilities. It has rebuilt and modernized, creating the“Lion Bridge” in 2003, welcoming white lions in 2007 and black rhinoceroses in 2012. The park is now a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare.
What animals might you see?
The animal collection is impressive. You’ll get up close to rare species such as okapis, pygmy hippos and a family of Bornean orangutans.
The African plain is a highlight of the tour, where giraffes, zebras and antelopes live side by side. The wild animal enclosures, with lions, tigers and cheetahs, as well as areas dedicated to primates such as lemurs, are must-sees.
The park also offers more immersive experiences. Imagine yourself on a footbridge at giraffe level, observing their big blue tongues up close.
Continue your adventure in the lemur garden, where these lively primates roam freely around you, under the watchful eye of a caretaker.
For the youngest visitors, the visit often ends with a tender moment in the goat pen, where they can enter and stroke the animals. These areas of direct contact are unforgettable moments.
How are feedings organized?
Throughout the day, the park offers educational activities. These encounters with the park’s caretakers are a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the animals’ daily lives. Feeding sessions with commentary allow you to learn more about the animals’ diets and behaviors. Here’s an overview of the usual seasonal opening times:
- 1.50pm: lemurs
- 2:20pm: elephants
- 3:00 pm: giraffes
- 3:20 pm: hippos
- 3:50pm: tigers
Your adventure into the heart of the wild world comes to an end, leaving room for colorful memories and anecdotes to share. The Arcachon Zoo is an escapade to delight the whole family. To complete the experience, our campsite near Gironde, L’Arbre d’Or, offers a return to peace and quiet with comfortable mobile-home rentals in pleasant surroundings just a few kilometers away.
