History
The founder of the Zoo, Louis Gay, started his career as a café owner. Selling beverages is a cultural heritage in the region his father's family comes from, and expertise of the restaurant business is transmitted from father to son. Not always smoothly and permanently, as it turned out with Louis. His grandfather from mother's side was a threshing contractor and supplemented his income by running a small farm. The outdoor life at the countryside and the freedom Louis experienced whenever he visited his grandparents in his childhood was something that stuck in his mind. It was as a seed that needed some time to grow. A lot of time actually, because Louis Gay was a café/restaurant/hotel owner in Doué-la-Fontaine for 31 years. But every spring he longed for the countryside, and it was just a matter of time that Louis, as an adult, began to dream of having his own property populated with various animals. What remained was to find such a place. His new adventure began when in 1959 he discovered an exceptional site, an abandoned quarry in his hometown Doué-la-Fontaine. In 1960 Louis finally bought the site, and made a good deal: 1 ha for 5,000 francs. His signature gave the quarry a second life.
The Zoo opened its doors to the public on 14 July 1961. As it was constructed inside the old quarry it was called the Zoo of the Quarries ('Zoo des Minières'). The first visitors discovered luscious vegetation when entering the path through the quarry. Alongside the shady path the animals were on display in troglodyte caves or wooden enclosures. The main attraction was Asma, a young lioness obtained from a passing circus. The first year, the park welcomed 8,000 visitors, who saw exotic and wild species such as a marabou, deer, badgers, an owl, pheasants and herons. But during the first years the Zoo also served as a refuge for a number of domestic animals, such as dogs that were abandoned by their owners. These first years were tough on Louis and his relatives. They worked during the day at the 'Hotel d'Anjou' and in the evening at the dancing 'Caveau du Trone' - both establishment owned by the Gay family, while they spent all their free time maintaining the park and taking turns during the opening hours.
Over the following years Louis Gay acquired new plots. Always respecting the integrity of the site, new passages were dug out. The animal collection was extended with new species such as Chita the first resident chimpanzee, a lama, a dromedary camel, a yellow-and-blue macaw, a vulture and already in 1967 Sidonie the first Colombian spider monkey arrived - a species that is still on display at Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo. So the Zoo grew in size, animal collection and fame, mostly in the immediate vicinity and neighbouring areas.
When in 1972, Louis' son Pierre joined his father in the management of the Zoo he immediately started introducing changes to the enclosure sizes. Louis saw that improvements were necessary and accepted the change, though it meant less cash, more space - quality before quantity. Gradually, the Zoo attracted more visitors, and not only because Louis started promoting his Zoo very effectively at country fairs and shows accompanied by Asma the lioness and Chita the chimp, both on a leash. Still, Pierre looked for more answers to his questions how to further improve their Zoo.
In search for answers Pierre went, in May 1978, on the advice of Noël Chapon, a herpetologist from Lyon, to visit the zoo of Gerald Durrell on the Isle of Jersey. This was a crucial visit, because at Jersey he saw another way of keeping animals in captivity and how the zoo focussed on safeguarding endangered species. Pierre Gay decided that they should dedicate their efforts also to the conservation of endangered species and back in Doué-la-Fontaine he shared this vision with his father who, after some persuasion, agreed.
Due to the involvement in ex-situ conservation of threatened species and the richness of its animal collection Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo became the first French private park to join the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in the 1980s.
In June 1996, the Zoo organised the EAZA annual conference. Nearly 300 participants, such as coordinators of species breeding programmes, veterinarians, biologists and educational leaders met in Saumur to take stock of activities in European zoos, and anticipate the future. The event reinforced the legitimacy of the Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo, whose peers already appreciated its involvement and contribution within the European zoo community. The facilities at Doué-la-Fontaine of the Gay family enjoyed high esteem and has since become a reference across the European continent.
Nevertheless, in 1998, an unfortunate accident happened when two female jaguars escaped from their enclosure. One of them killed a five year old child, and was immediately shot by a policeman, while the other was first captured and euthanised shortly after the incident. A black page in the Zoo's history.
When in 2001 the Zoo celebrated its fortieth anniversary it was decided that this should not go unnoticed. Pierre Gay decided to support forty conservation projects around the world, launching the Nature Projects ('Projets Natures'). The involvement in all these in-situ nature projects made the Zoo engage with the global world of conservation.
At the same time during the 2000s the park itself was further developed and improved. The beginning of the new century became the decade of major infrastructural improvement projects. The new entrance was built in the winter of 2002, the 2 hectare black rhinoceros valley in 2005, the new panorama restaurant with its terrace overlooking the giraffe and zebra enclosure in 2006, the giant otter enclosure in 2007 and the Great Aviary was inaugurated at the end of spring in 2009. This Great Aviary dedicated to South American bird species is arguably the largest aviary of Europe. During all those major-scale projects the continuity of the family business was strengthened with the arrival of Francois, Pierre's son in the management staff.
In 2011, on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, the Zoo officially became known as Bioparc Doue-la-Fontaine.
Louis Gay, founder of the Zoo died 14 September 2015 at the age of 87. He left behind a wonderful legacy to his son and his grandson, Pierre and François Gay, who run the site since Louis retired in 1999.
(Source: Wikipedia; Bioparc Zoo de Doué-la-Fontaine, 1961-2011, de Père en Fils pour une même passion, published 2011; Le Kiosque )
Visit(s)
03.09.2014
This is how the Zoo is advertised, besides the fact that it is the world's only Zoo to be built in a rock quarry. An extraordinary display of animals must be part of the deal when you buy a ticket I reckon, and so it is. They have arranged the exhibits at two levels, the lower level in the quarries and the upper level which is ground level (see also the Zoo map). Nevertheless, the visitor remains on ground level most of the time and has got a 'balcony' view on the lower level exhibits. But the real lower level viewing areas, the Okapi Sanctuary, Leopard canyon, South American great aviary and European aviary provide a superb landscape immersion experience.
The first appearance of the Zoo right after the entrance is absolutely great. Instead of the usual flamingos at the entrance they've got the superb savannah enclosure - the Giraffe Camp ('Le Camp de Girafes') - constructed in the old quarry. It is a mixed-species enclosure where a herd of 8 Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) and 4 Grevy's zebra have ample space to wander around. The exhibit offers shelter from the heat of the sun in the shade provided by the high walls of the quarry. Also, as you can see, the animals have plenty of shade and opportunity to hide from the inquisitive public, due to the remaining sedimentary rock formation in the enclosure itself 
. Vegetation (mostly bamboo) has been added to the compound of the original excavated quarry. The eldest giraffe was born in Parc Zoologique de Paris in 1986 and came to Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo in 1987. Although the giraffes and zebras have their vista, as they would have on the African savannah, being blocked by the inevitable quarry walls I think the enclosure provides an adequate confined area for the species to flourish and conduct most of their natural behaviour, such as the play-fight in this video. Nevertheless, the tongue playing in the video below is slightly worrisome.
Tongue playing by one of the giraffes:
This twisting movement of the tongue outside this giraffe's mouth was quite persistent and should probably be regarded as abnormal repetitive behaviour. Although it could be related to the animal's feeding behaviour.
Before moving on to the Okapi Sanctuary ('Le Sanctuaire des Okapis'), I have a quick look at the Okapi stables on the other side of the footpath along the Giraffe Camp. Via a window I see the newly built sizeable stables of 300m2, that look like horse stables. When entering the Okapi Sanctuary my surprise and admiration regarding the out-of-the-ordinary Giraffe Camp is trumped by this walk-through exhibit. It is a mixed-species exhibit of 4000m2 with a walkway and viewing platform several meters above ground. As soon as you enter the exhibit the luscious vegetation surrounds you, while you hear the sounds of the waterfall and the birds. You immerse in the jungle-like landscape where at ground level the okapi and Natal red duiker (Cephalophus natalensis) can easily hide in the forest. A net covers the whole area at a height of about 20 metres. So, the many birds in this all-African exhibit can be admired everywhere, either flying around, walking around, bathing in the large pond or sitting on the fences of the walkway 
. And when you look up you should not only try and identify the various free flying birds, but when patient enough the owl-faced monkeys will appear above your head. Access to the vivarium is situated here as well. A few species of reptiles are housed here in a cave, the African dwarf crocodile, green anaconda, green iguana and the giant Asian pond turtle. The Aldabra giant tortoise, however, is kept in a large enclosure somewhere else on the premises. That enclosure allows for close encounters when the tortoises decide to go close to the fence.
There is an option to go to an upper level viewing platform (by elevator or staircase) that is close to the roof of the enclosure. From this platform you can assess the size of the exhibit and the roof construction.
The construction materials that have been used at the Zoo seem to be carefully selected to avoid any visual disturbances to the natural landscape that they wanted to create. For instance the use of weathering steel that doesn't need to be painted and has a rust-like appearance, together with the wooden constructions and the sedimentary rock of the quarry make all the exhibits look quite naturalistic. Especially because the enclosure design is based on Hagenbeck's principle of bar-less enclosure design and the more novel ideas of landscape immersion. And when this wasn't possible the security measures to avoid contact between predator species and visitors are not bothersome.
I decide to stay on the lower level path and proceed to the Leopard Canyon ('Le Canyon des Léopards') via the tunnel underneath the lion enclosure. This quarry comprises four species from the Asian continent in open-top enclosures. The two Sri-lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) have the largest enclosure at their disposal along one of the walls. The enormous amount of vegetation, the waterfall and small stream are jungle-like features that resemble the leopard's original habitat. The same can hardly be said for the enclosure of the snow leopard along the opposite wall of the quarry. Although the quarry walls mimic the rocky environment of the Himalayas there are no ridges for the snow leopard to walk on or lie down. At the end of the 'canyon' - which looks like a miniature bowl-shaped valley end, with a waterfall that flows into the valley forming a small mountain stream - red pandas share an exhibit with Reeve's muntjac. There are just a few trees in the uphill situated enclosure, but the other types of vegetation and the rotten tree trunks provide several shelters for the red pandas. The covered bridge over the mountain stream is a nice place to overlook the Leopard Canyon.
The next low level exhibit, the South American Great Aviary ('La Grande Volière Sud-Américaine'), I reach via another tunnelled passage. This one hectare purpose-built quarry is dedicated to South American fauna - besides birds there are also Chilean pudu and yellow armadillo to be seen. The landscape has been designed similar to the Andes' arid rocky coast and canyons. The walls of the quarry for instance are reminiscent of an eroded riverbed where parrots find a perfect habitat. This very large aviary, in fact it supposed to be the largest aviary in Europe according the Zoo's website, allows even the Andean condor to fly around freely - though high altitudes are out of the question, unfortunately. Normally I am put off by aviaries in zoos, because the inhabitants have little possibility to express their normal behaviour, flying. But things are changing in favour of the captive birds during the last decade I have to admit, and the aviaries here in Doué-la-Fontaine show how things can take a turn for the better. With the South American Great Aviary as a breathtaking example, due to good decisions made by the management - quality before quantity. The habitat range of the various species that are on display here goes from the Caribbean coast (e.g. scarlet ibis), Amazon basin (e.g. macaws), Andes mountains (Andean condor), grassland areas (southern screamer), temperate rainforest (Chilean pudu), Tierra del Fuego (Fuegian steamer duck) to coastal Chili and Peru (Humboldt penguin). 
These penguins are kept in an enclosure with a large elongated basin with rocky banks which they sometimes have to share with scarlet ibis and several macaw species.
The last low level exhibit lies around the corner. This time it is a smaller walk-through aviary with bird species that have a geographical range that include Europe, such as Demoiselle crane, Waldrapp ibis, black stork and Egyptian vulture. This aviary contains much more vegetation than the South American one, and again it is spacious enough for all birds to spread their wings and fly around.
Then it is time for lunch. So I return to the Giraffe Camp restaurant, find a nice place on the terrace overlooking the enclosure, enjoy the setting and a hot lunch as well. It's clear that the Zoo owner comes from a long line of café and restaurant owners. The majority of the meals are based on local products and/or organic-farming products and taste wonderful. The restaurant design is based on the African theme, toilets included. I enjoy this lunch so much that it is with reluctance that I resume my tour around the facilities. Anyway, this restaurant is recommended.
This time I focus on the upper level enclosures, or better, the enclosures that can be viewed from the upper level footpath. First I stay close to Giraffe Camp and start at the giant otters' facilities. This is another large enclosure and like most of the exhibits it is bar-less. A large pool at the visitor's side provides the five otters with a large playground, while on the 'river bank' a dug-out is apparently a favourite hideout (see video). The sedimentary rock is a great place for the otters to relax and sleep when it is heated by the sun.
Across from the giant otters the elusive maned wolves have an enclosure in which they are rather exposed, though there are still several places where they can hide from the prying eyes of the public. The two adults produced offspring this year, but I don't see them. Adjacent to the giant otters the Critically Endangered cotton-top tamarins are housed on two little islands with dense vegetation comprising of bamboo and deciduous trees of which some are at least 15 metres. This automatically means that the chances of seeing specimen of this species are slim to none, unless you are very patient or have good timing.
Along the footpath on the same side as the maned wolves there's a walled area with an extraordinary mix of species, spectacled bears and Bolivian squirrel monkeys. I haven't seen such a combination of species ever before in any zoo I have visited up until now. Creating mixed-species exhibits is always a trial-and-error exercise I have been told, depending on individual characters and other sometimes unknown and unpredictable compatibility issues. Here at Doué-la-Fontaine at least the squirrel monkeys are thriving though, because in June 2013 five baby monkeys were born to five different mothers. Successful reproduction is most of the time a good sign for the quality of life in captive animals. And I can imagine that the squirrel monkeys like their environment, because the enclosure is big and only they have access to the many trees. To prevent the bears from climbing the trees electrical wire is placed around those trees. It seems a little unfair to the bears but now the trees are the place for the monkeys to be at ease and where they cannot be disturbed by the bears. 
It is obvious that the bears pace around the prohibited areas when you see the walking paths created by them. The rest of the enclosure with its wooden climbing frames on the grass and the areas with undergrowth are accessible to both species.
When following the footpath along the bears and monkeys enclosure several spider monkey islands appear at the edge of the premises close to the main road, rue de Cholet. The first one is occupied by the variegated spider monkey (Ateles hybridus), while the next two islands house Colombian spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris). The Colombian spider monkey is a subspecies of the black-headed spider monkey and listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. The Zoo has quite a large family group of those monkeys. All islands have dense vegetation with large trees next to artificial climbing enrichment with wooden poles and ropes. The artificial enrichment is located on the visitors' side where there are also many carp to see in the water-filled moats. I am sure the carp outnumber the monkeys, but there are so many that they could even outnumber the birds in all aviaries together. Another smaller island closest to the Giraffe Camp restaurant comprises golden lion tamarin and white-faced saki.
After this South American section I move on to the African lions, to be found in the centre of the Zoo grounds. This is one of the few enclosures that is not bar-less, but fenced off all around. Lots of vegetation along the fences create the secluded area the lions probably appreciate. It is only via a few viewing windows and an elevated viewing platform that visitors can have a look inside the enclosure. An enclosure with undulating grounds, some boulders as resting posts, a pool and luscious vegetation to enrich the environment of the small pride of lions, one male two females. As explained earlier the visitor, due to the way this zoo is built in the old quarry, looks down into the animal facilities from the upper level footpath. It is even a characteristic feature at most regular exhibits where the animals are not kept in 'dug out pits'. Quite a few of these exhibits have viewing platforms or elevated viewpoints that forces the visitor to look at the animals from above.
Not far from the lions the Scavengers' Pit ('La Fosse aux Charognards') is situated. Another walk-through aviary, this time with only vultures: Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture and Eurasian black vulture, which are all species to be found in France. It is remarkable how these animals accept humans in their direct environment. Seemingly undisturbed they're cleaning the carcass parts that has been provided. Things probably will change when a human intruder tries to interfere and wants to remove the carrion. As part of its conservation activities the Zoo has been involved in projects which reintroduced at least 27 griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and 4 Eurasian black vultures (Aegypius monachus) in the wild. Since 1983, vulture chicks born at the Zoo have repopulated the Cévennes and the Southern Alps in France, and also contributed to restoring the vulture population in the Bulgarian Balkans.
A stone's throw from the vultures' aviary a row of gibbon islands is located. Unfortunately, like in many zoos, the trees and the climbing enrichment that are provided are not very high. In fact, the islands have got a nice jungle-like undergrowth but lack trees. All climbing enrichment is artificial. But I can imagine there's a plausible reason that they don't want to have the gibbons display their natural behaviour - brachiating in the canopy - here at Doué-la-Fontaine. The trees surrounding the islands are very large and they should be removed when there are large trees on the islands as well. With these brachiating gibbons large trees would make the situation prone for escapes.
Around the corner from the last gibbon island another very green exhibit has Sumatran tigers on display. It is an amazingly green Zoo, something that I didn't expect when I read it was built in an abandoned quarry. But they have absolutely the right to call the Zoo a Bioparc, because with all the vegetation it has a parkland atmosphere. Despite the many lookouts around the tiger exhibit, on ground and platform level, it is very hard to discover the tigers. Due to the enormous amount and variety of vegetation both the tigers don't even have to hide on purpose without being seen.
When walking from the Sumatran tigers to the cheetahs I pass the pygmy hippo exhibit which is situated farthest from the main entrance. The cheetah enclosure allows this slender cat to move out of sight. And with the feeding enrichment equipment that is installed the cats get the opportunity to express some of their natural behaviour. It's nothing compared to a real chase after a gazelle in the wild of course, but the enclosure is large enough for a good run.
I end my visit at the Rhino Valley. This impressively large (over 2 ha) mixed-species exhibit was built in 2005. This is another African section on the premises featuring the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis mickaeli), besides the dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas), dama gazelle (Gazella dama ruficollis) and several bird species. This spectacular enclosure is jaw-dropping. 
Dug in the sedimentary rock it has a very robust look that fits the rhinos. Measures have been taken to allow the gazelle to escape the rhinos when necessary, but the sheer size of this exhibit allows all the animals to go their own way and not interfere with each other.
When I walk to the exit I notice the inevitable petting farm, the African farm, and I see an empty Diana monkey island. It's time for me to to leave.
Conclusion
The animal collection is small. This clear-cut decision made it possible to create excellent large enclosures with many enrichment features. Providing good environment should result in expressing less abnormal behaviour, which many individuals in zoos still do unfortunately. It is obvious that the Zoo has no intention to display as many species from as many geographical regions as possible. There's focus on species from Africa, Asia and South America, but not just three separate sections. All species are grouped on geographical origin and on display in a few African, Asian and South American zones. Besides a small collection it is worth noting that the Zoo invests in conservation of endangered species. Not only by taking part in breeding programmes, but also by supporting conservation projects in the wild.
The superb aviaries show what can be achieved when during the design of an exhibit the animal's requirements are taken seriously. I mean, make it so large the birds can really fly and will not be bothered by the public that walks through the aviary. This Zoo is a delight, and worth a visit if you want to see for yourself how a modern zoo invest in conservation of endangered species and respect the animals on display.
Gallery
Video
Two bull giraffes engage in some serious play fighting
The blows with head and neck that especially the younger bull giraffe deliver are quite vigorous. These movements resemble that of a fight, but apparently1 can be regarded as play fighting, because the blows are not as powerful and as fast as in a fight. You see both 'fighters' lean against each other with their hindquarters to increase stability at some moments.
1 Behavioural inventory of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) by Peter Seeber, Isabelle Ciofolo and André Ganswindt, 2012.
A great bunch of giant otters
These otters from the South American continent (Amazon basin), the largest of the otter species and weasel family (Mustelidae), display their social behaviour. They do everything together, sleep, swim, play, eat and …. Also here at Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo, France.
Playful and naughty Colombian spider monkey
The Colombian spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris), part of the animal collection at Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo, is a subspecies of the Black-headed spider monkey. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Lucky for this little bugger Doué-la-Fontaine has a whole family group of this species, so he can play and at the same time annoy his mates. As you can see he is disciplined when necessary.
Photogenic brown spider monkeys
These variegated or brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus) are very photogenic, especially the youngster who knows how to pose in front of a camera.
Cheetah running
Here in Doué-la-Fontaine the cheetah enclosure allows this slender cat to move out of sight. And with the feeding enrichment equipment that is installed the cats get the opportunity to show some of their natural behaviour. It's nothing compared to a real chase after a gazelle in the wild of course, but the enclosure is large enough for a good run.
Fuegian steamer duck paddling
The Fuegian steamer duck (Tachyeres pteneres), also called the Magellanic flightless steamer duck, is a flightless duck from South America that has small wings. It inhabits the rocky coasts and coastal islands from southern Chile and Chiloé to Tierra del Fuego, switching to the adjacent sheltered bays and lakes further inland when breeding. The genus name Tachyeres, "fast rower", comes from the ancient Greek ταχυ- "fast" + ἐρέσσω "I row (as with oars)". The common name "steamer ducks" arose because, when swimming fast, the ducks flap their wings in the water as well as using their feet, creating an effect like a paddle steamer.
(Source: Wikipedia)
More info
Signage and information
The information panels used at Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo are a bit different from what you normally see in zoological facilities 
. Different but fortunately, in French and English, which is much appreciated by people who have not mastered the French language yet, like me. The usual details about the species on display are provided including geographical distribution in the wild, biological specifics and whether or not there's a breeding programme for the species in European zoos. The odd thing is that not always the species' conservation status is mentioned on the panels. And when the status is provided, such as Critically Endangered or Vulnerable, it is not explained that this categorisation is done by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature - the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. But that is a common educational flaw I recognise in many zoos. The website of the Zoo, however, provides an excellent description of the IUCN Red List and how many species kept in the Zoo are part of the various categories.
The descriptions on the Zoo's website of the species on display at the Zoo on the other hand is minimal. The geographical origin; the name of the species including the scientific name; the conservation status in the wild; if the species takes part in the European breeding programme; and a few pictures are provided. That is not much for a Zoo that has dedicated so much resources to nature conservation. In my opinion a good description on the website of each species wherein the necessity of preservation of the species is addressed and the specific conservation efforts of Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo, could help get across the message to the general public.
Conservation efforts
Doué la Fontaine Zoo currently keeps 41 species that are listed on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species™ and classified as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered. Thirty-six of the Zoo's species take part in EAZA Ex situ Programmes, breeding programmes that ensure the species long-term survival in captivity. Apart from this ex-situ conservation the Zoo launched the Nature Projects ('Projets Natures') in 2001, when the Zoo celebrated its fortieth anniversary. It implies the involvement in many in-situ nature projects and engage with the global world of conservation.
Considering the above, it is a little disappointing that the information panels at the enclosures do not always mention the species' conservation status. And when the status is provided, such as Critically Endangered or Vulnerable, it is not explained that this categorisation is done by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature - the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This could be a point of improvement when education on-site is considered relevant. The website of the Zoo, however, makes up for this flaw.
Zoo details
Some additional information, such as contact details and involvement in breeding programmes.
Location
Directions
directions to Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo, Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine
At the heart of the Loire Valley, Bioparc Doué-la-Fontaine is located about 20 km south of Saumur, in Anjou.
Address:
103, rue de Cholet
49700
Doué-la-Fontaine
France
public transport
The Zoo is easy to reach by public transport, though it takes careful planning because neither train nor bus runs very frequently.
by train
Angers is the city in the Zoo's vicinity that is connected by the high speed TGV (tickets and timetables available here). From Angers you can travel by bus to Doué-la-Fontaine or first take the train to Saumur (timetable available here) and from there by bus to the Zoo. The latter is a much shorter bus ride.
by bus
Anjoubus is the company that serves this area (departement de Maine et Loire) of France.
- From Angers, Line 5 (Angers-Montreuil Bellay) runs through Doué-la-Fontaine, it even has a stop on rue de Cholet close to the Zoo called Parc Zoologique.
- From Saumur, Line 6 (Saumur-Cholet) will bring you to Doué-la-Fontaine, it even has a stop (same as Line 5) on rue de Cholet close to the Zoo called Parc Zoologique.
A routeplanner and timetables for Anjou bus services is available here.
by bicycle
The countryside is rather flat and not too difficult to navigate. So, if you stay at a campsite or hotel within close range of Doué-la-Fontaine (Saumur is about 22 km from Doué) cycling is a very nice mode of transport.
by car
When using satnav equipment please use the following GPS coordinates: 47° 11'27.55 Nord / 0° 17'54.11 Ouest.
- From Paris, follow motorway A11 (Paris-Angers), take exit 14 direction Cholet-Poitiers-Niort (A87), then D748 direction Poitiers-Niort followed by D761 to Doué-la-Fontaine. Zoo is signposted from there.
- From Tours, follow motorway A85 (Tours-Angers), take exit 3 direction Saumur via D347, followed by D960 to Doué-la-Fontaine.
- From la Roche sur Yon, follow motorway A87 (La Roche sur Yon-Angers), take exit 26 direction Saumur-Vihiers (D960) to Doué-la-Fontaine.
Parking is free. Shaded parking spaces for both cars and coaches are located across the road right in front of the entrance.
Zoo map
Download the zoo map here.
