Visit the zoo of La Flèche: the emblematic park between Le Mans and Angers offers you a unique experience among the 1,500 animals. Ideal for young and old!

There are many zoos in France, but the one in La Flèche is a must. Located in the department of Sarthe, between Le Mans and Angers, it is an ideal stop on the road for the holidays, or to spend the day if you live nearby.

In this 18-hectare zoological park, there are 1,500 animals, 100 employees, and many shows. And if you want an even more intense experience, why not sleep at the Safari Lodge, right in the heart of the park?

Do not wait any longer to visit the zoo of La Flèche, and it is the ideal place to go around the world in one day.

For the most curious, it is also an opportunity to discover the filming location of the France 4 television documentary, A Season at the Zoo. Take the time to observe these animals; you will have many memories to tell when you return home.

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Visit the Zoo de La Fleche: Tickets, Prices, Schedules

History of the zoo

The history of La Flèche Zoo begins in 1946, a year after the end of the Second World War. A certain Jacques Bouillault embarks on the adventure, gathering some animals on the hill of Tertre Rouge.

The park is the first in France called the Tertre Rouge Zoo. Over the years, the park grew, and many citizens visited the zoo.

The creation of a museum of natural sciences and the large vivarium exploded the number of admissions to reach 245,000 visitors per year in 1973.

In the 1980s, the zoo de la Flèche took a new direction, and its success was no longer near the surface.

The owner was forced to close down in 1988, despite the associations fighting to save the park. It was bought by Raymond Da Cunha, who renamed it the zoo of La Flèche.

Little by little, the park develops, and new animations are created—first the Marine World complex, bird shows, then the arrival of bears and tigers, etc.

The zoo of La Flèche as we know it today is beginning to take shape. There are also many people hired to take care of the animals within the structure.

The Zoo de la Flèche today

The major change in the park, which makes a big difference if you go to the zoo, is its lodges.

In 2014, four lodges were built in the park’s heart to allow tourists to live a unique experience. Concretely, you sleep among wolves, tigers, and polar bears.

Today, La Flèche Zoo is managed by the company Looping Group, and the general manager is Stéphane Da Cunha, Raymond’s son.

Each year, it attracts 400,000 visitors and is part of France’s top 5 of the most famous zoological parks. Concerned about animal welfare, the zoo makes every effort to make the animals feel at home.

What to see and do at La Flèche Zoo?

Impossible to get bored at the zoo of La Flèche! On the 18 hectares of the park, 1,500 animals walk there, and animations and shows take place regularly. You also have lodges, a shop and a restaurant area.

Animals

Among the 1,500 animals, including 160 different species, several spaces have been created, such as:

• The Asian plain: rhinoceros, antelopes, red pandas, otters, aviary;
• Marine World: sea lions, penguins, otters, polar bears, arctic wolves, white tigers;
• Nosy Komba: lemurs, turtles, birds, flamingos;
• The vivarium: snakes, rodents, turtles, armadillos.

You can also see other animals, such as giraffes, elephants, lions, monkeys, hippos, panthers, llamas, and many other little-known species.

The flora is also a point of attention in the park. When you visit the Zoo de la Flèche, you will discover more than 800 plant species that make the beauty of the zoo and contribute above all to the well-being of the animals.

• New for 2019: the two Sumatran tigers move to their new enclosure, much more beautiful and spacious. The originality in all this? You can see them swimming through a bay window in underwater vision. Another argument is to come and visit the zoo of La Flèche!

Animations

Every day of the week, you can observe the animals during their meal, make presentations, or admire them at specific times. To do this, refer to the schedules on the program you are given at the park entrance.

Among these events not to be missed are:

• the hippopotamus snack;
• presentation with reptiles;
• sea lion training;
• polar bear diving;
• the snack of giraffes;
• The meeting with the elephant keeper.

Shows

From April to October, the zoo of La Flèche organizes shows so that you can enjoy otherwise. Enjoy these long-awaited moments for young and old, and don’t miss the schedules on the program at the park entrance.

• Marine World: the spectacle of the California sea lions. Saltos, surfing, and other aquatic prowess, sea lions are true gymnasts of the sea. They prove it to you in music;
• The Lords of Heaven: the spectacle of birds in free flight. Hold your breath as the raptors brush against your head;
• Parrot Jungle: the spectacle of multicolored macaws. Skill games and health courses, parrots will make you laugh.

The Safari Lodge

Since 2013, it has been possible to spend one or more nights in the heart of the zoo of La Flèche, among the animals. Beautiful wooden lodges have been built in specific areas of the park.

You have the immense opportunity to observe the fascinating animals on the planet, with only a large bay window as a barrier.

Imagine a tiger that looks at you carefully at nightfall or a polar bear that bathes before your eyes. In addition, you benefit from luxury comfort, with the cocooning spirit of the wooden chalet.

However, this magical experience comes at a price, preventing this unusual accommodation from being sold out.

How to get to La Flèche Zoo?

The exact address is: Le Tertre Rouge, 72200 La Flèche. It is located in the Sarthe, between Angers and Le Mans.

To visit the zoo of La Flèche, you can take the car or the train.

All aboard

• Angers and Le Mans: 45 minutes via the A11 or D23
• Laval and Alençon: 1h15 via the A11
• Nantes: 1h30 via the A11
• Chartres: 2 hours via the A11
• Rennes, Caen and Orléans: 2h15 via the A81, A28 and A10
• Paris: 2h30 via the A11

Please note: parking is free.

By train

To visit the zoo of La Flèche, stop at Le Mans station or Angers Saint-Laud. From Le Mans, take bus line 26 to la Flèche bus station. From Angers, it is line n°2. Unfortunately, the free shuttle is not operational all year round, only in summer.

Zoo Schedules & Rates

Timetables

La Flèche Zoo is open every day, except December 25 and January 1. Schedules vary depending on the period. It is better to check the official website before you go there.

• opening between 9:30 am, and 10 am
• closing between 17:30 and 19:30

A day is not too much to visit the zoo of La Flèche. We advise you to go there as soon as it opens.

Rates

• 1-day ticket: 24 € adult and 19 € child
• 2-day ticket: 36 € adult and 28 € child

Free for children under 3 years old.

There are discounts for people with reduced mobility, groups, and an annual pass.

Good to know

• Pets are not allowed to enter the park. A babysitting service is available;
• It is possible to picnic in the park in the areas provided for this purpose. Several means of restoration are proposed;
• A pricey one-day activity can be organized at the zoo of La Flèche if one wants to learn more about the caretaker profession.