Domaine des Fauves
Just 15 minutes from our campground in Savoie, treat yourself to a close-up encounter with wild animals at this magnificent wildlife park!
History of Domaine des Fauves
Founded in 1968 under the name “Zoo des Abrets”, less than 20 years later, the Domaine des Fauves covered an area of 22,000 m². In the 1980s and 1990s, the site was home to 24 species of birds and 32 species of mammals, including chimpanzees and bears. By the late 1990s, the zoo occupied 3 hectares of land and housed more than 250 animals. Major renovations and upgrades to bring the site up to standard took place at the dawn of the 21st century, particularly to improve the animals’ living conditions. The last chimpanzees left the zoo to move to other facilities. Upon becoming the Domaine des Fauves, The site has undergone remarkable growth : It has been reforested, and the enclosures have been carefully landscaped. In the 2000s, the estate underwent continuous improvements, expansions, and new visitor-oriented projects. The site’s animal population has grown to include numerous felines, canids, and nocturnal birds of prey. In 2016, the site opened the “Wolves’ Territory,” a new area where visitors can enter for a unique immersive experience among the canids.
Animals to See at the Zoo
The Fauves movement is characterized by enclosures designed to allow visitors to get as close as possible to the big cats. But the site is home to a wide variety of animal species, from large mammals to turtles and birds. Of course, you’ll be able to see large carnivorous mammals such as cheetahs, pumas, leopards, jaguars, tigers, lions, hyenas, and wolves. There are also small carnivores to discover, such as lynx, fishing cats, the oslo, the mongoose, or the meerkat. Aviaries house predatory birds daytime and nocturnal species. Daytime species can also be seen during the free-flight show. Aquatic and land turtles also live in the park. A visit to the Domaine des Fauves includes educational activities and shows. Unrestricted access to the wolves’ enclosure is one of the highlights of a day at the park: the tour lasts about 20 minutes and is led by a zookeeper.
Rates and opening hours
The Domaine des Fauves is open daily from late February through mid-November. In March, April, May, September, and October, the park is open on weekday afternoons and all day starting at 10 a.m. on weekends. In July and August, and during short school breaks, you can visit the park every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The admission price is 13 euros for adults (full price), and 10 euros for children ages 4 to 12. Admission is free for children under 4. The free-flight bird show is free: it takes place at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. starting in April, on weekends, holidays, and school vacation days. The wolf enclosure activity is available for 2 euros per participant.
