Before pushing open the doors of Beauval Zoo as a PRM, you can already imagine... The song of the birds or the breath of a tiger in the rustling leaves of the tropical dome. Visitors with disabilities or reduced mobility can also live out this dream to the full. Every ramp, every reserved seat and every audible signal makes all the difference. This article gives you the roadmap for preparing your visit, from A to Z, in open code for wheelchair users, the visually impaired, the hard of hearing or those with an invisible disability.
How do I get to Beauval Zoo? PRM parking, entrances, transport
As you know, the question of how to get there determines the balance of the day. Here are the possible access points, with special attention paid to PRM:
- Beauval ZooParc is located in Saint-Aignan, in the Loir-et-Cher department , south of Blois, halfway between Tours and Vierzon.
- All car parks are free, and there are spaces reserved for visitors with disabilities near the entrances. On certain busy weekends, the park opens at eight o'clock instead of nine.
- If you're coming by public transport, one option is to go to Blois station, then take a shuttle bus (operating from late March to November) to the zoo.
- Saint-Aignan - Noyers station is also nearby (around eight kilometres), but you'll need to arrange a taxi or additional transport.
Book my tickets for ZooParc de Beauval
The article to read : to complete your stay, consult our guide What to do around Beauval Zoo? 17 ideas for visits.
PRM facilities at Beauval Zoo
Beauval has a wide range of facilities to make your visit as inclusive as possible, but we need to be aware of the limitations so that we can plan ahead.
Before going into detail about the facilities, you should know that most of the park is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with the exception of a few steep paths indicated on the map handed out at the entrance or via themobile app.
Here's what you'll find:
- Access ramp to amphitheatres and reserved areas for wheelchairs ;
- Wheelchair hire (booking recommended);
- Signposting of difficult areas;
- QR codes on certain signs for audio or text reading;
- Access for guide dogs. However, certain areas (greenhouses, dome, special zones) are off-limits to guide dogs. As a result, visitors and their companions sometimes have to take it in turns to visit.
After using the adapted walkways, you should remain vigilant: some steep banks or unstabilised paths can pose difficulties, depending on the model of wheelchair. Some sections are particularly demanding.
Good to know: in addition, for the visually or hearing impaired, there are augmented reading devices (via QR codes) and written and visual aids to enhance your knowledge of certain species.
What can you see at Zoo de Beauval PMR?
Among the most beautiful zoos and animal parks to visit in France, the Beauval ZooParc is the place to start with the Equatorial Dome. Totally unique, this vast one-hectare tropical greenhouse is home to some two hundred species. You can admire sloth manatees in their pool, Komodo dragons, giant otters and even anacondas. They are all bathed in golden light under a 38-metre-high vault.
Next, climb aboard the Nuage de Beauval, an aerial gondola with a glass floor that lifts you 40 metres above the park's plains, revealing lions, elephants and okapis from an unprecedented angle.
Finally, it's the turn of the Land of Lions to amaze you. Immersive and spectacular, it places you at the same level as the wild beasts, around a glass tunnel that gives the impression of entering their territory. At the other end, the African plain displays zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and rhinos in a recreated savannah setting. Finally, the brand new South American aviary reveals its colourful wings: macaws, curious coatis, howler monkeys, all move freely in a green setting. This is how Beauval transforms observation into emotion.
Book my tickets for the Beauval ZooParc
Petit Futé tip to discover the best places in the world to see orang-utangs in the wild, follow our top destinations.
Zoo de Beauval PMR: the best accessible events and attractions
To make the most of your day, here are the shows, attractions and moments not to be missed:
- Amphitheatre shows (Masters of the Air, Sea Lion Odyssey). These are offered with reserved areas;
- The Nuage de Beauval (cable car) accepts guide dogs in its cabins;
- Accessibleeducational activities depending on the area;
- Adapteddiscovery trails around the accessible plains.
These activities, combined with planning via the mobile app or the programme handed out on arrival, make it possible to design a flexible itinerary, focusing on the areas that are easiest to get around.
Good to know discover our tips and tricks for organising your day at Beauval Zoo.
Special rates and opening times
To keep your visit affordable, here are the prices and opening times for visitors with disabilities:
- The ZooParc opens every day from 9am until dusk.
- On certain busy weekends, opening times may be brought forward to 8am.
- Some areas(pandas, tropical greenhouses) have closing times that vary according to the season.
- The park offers a discount on 1 or 2-day tickets for visitors with disabilities, on presentation of valid proof (CMI, disability card, etc.).
- The park hires out wheelchairs for €12 a day, with a €200 deposit. (To use this service, please contact us in advance)
Related article: Want to extend the magic? Discover the 3 best destinations in France for family holidays in spring, a great idea to complement your stay at Beauval!
Steps to take when booking at Beauval Zoo
Before you arrive, to make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Reserve your wheelchair by telephone (limited quantities).
- Check your proof of disability to benefit from the reduced rate.
- Consult the programme of shows and events to avoid any downtime.
- Download theZooParc mobile application to see the accessible areas and follow the best route.
- If the south entrance is closed (e.g. out of season), plan to access via the north entrance near the equatorial dome.
Book my tickets for the Beauval ZooParc
The Beauval ZooParc for PRMs has a wide range of facilities to make your visit accessible. These range from adapted walkways to adapted shows and wheelchair hire. Of course, some areas are still demanding, but with the right preparation, your visit will be unforgettable. Want to discover even more accessible destinations? Take a look at our Handitourisme section and get inspired!
