Exotic Park, a zoological adventure for the whole family near Pau

Children, teenagers, parents, grandparents… Take the whole family to discover a modern animal park open all year round! Located in a green setting opposite the Lac des Carolins, Exotic Park welcomes you to Lescar, 10 minutes from Pau, for an unusual experience with exotic animals, but not only! Great encounters and a good visit with the Béarn-Pyrénées Guide!

Photo credits ©Exotic Park

A childhood dream come true: Exotic Park

Exotic Park is an incredible animal park to discover, a surprising zoo that also welcomes some seized or rescued animals. Passionate about nature, animals and biodiversity, Guillaume and Maryline are 100% invested in this wonderful project which was born in 2019, a childhood dream that came to life after 10 years of traveling zoological parks. And the whole family is involved to prepare the arrival of future tenants in "homemade" structures built in-house! Spread over 2 hectares in a privileged setting, today there are more than 120 animal species and millions of ants that thrive alongside Guillaume, Maryline and their entire team.

Exotic Park, incredible flora and fauna to discover with the family

This superb zoological garden is divided into several sections to help you understand how each species works, and to help you find your way around the many specimens on display. Instructive and educational information sheets allow you to learn more about the animals you will encounter, providing relevant information that will fascinate young and old alike. Open your eyes wide and let yourself be guided to the heart of a vast, 500 m², air-conditioned, planted greenhouse that is home to monkeys, meerkats, reptiles, butterflies, ants... And even an enormous anaconda, the largest female in France, measuring over 6 meters and weighing 100 kg!

The world's largest anthill and incredible butterflies

Tiny yet so useful, insects are often overlooked in animal parks. That's why Exotic Park is pleased to present an impressive colony of 1 million ants that wanders before your eyes and even above your head in a 500 m² green and air-conditioned greenhouse! Take the time to observe them to appreciate their hard work and the intelligence of their movements. Further on, an immersion aviary immerses you in the magical world of butterflies that fly freely around you and land on your shoulders. Get out the camera for a memorable souvenir of your children surrounded by colorful wings!

Primates and their funny faces

Mischievous and playful, these mammals are highly intelligent and enjoy living in communities. Wallabies, meerkats, and other exotic animals roam before your eyes at any time of day, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of each animal and its unique characteristics. What a pleasure to watch them play, jump, climb trees, and communicate with unique sounds.

Insects, reptiles and primates are the privileged tenants of a 500 m2 tropical greenhouse, surrounded by 2 outdoor courses that invite you to meet more and more rescued animals. Flamingos, parrots, cranes, llamas, scarlet ibis, South American birds, poison dart frogs (small frogs) ... and many more await you at Exotic Park to experience an extraordinary family adventure.

Varied activities that amaze children

A real day of fun and discovery awaits you and your children, who will have the chance to dive into the heart of the animal world according to their desires.

Seed of Healer Activity for ages 6 to 14

Every Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., children go behind the scenes to experience unforgettable encounters with their favorite animals. Feeding flamingos, parrots, turtles, meerkats, snakes; distributing treats to llamas, wallabies, small monkeys or even tasting animals from the mini-farm, the emotion is there!

A birthday at the zoo

Give your children an unusual gift as they invite their friends to join them at Exotic Park! For the occasion, they can freely visit the zoo from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. before experiencing a surprising encounter with the snakes. Once they've recovered from their shock, it's time for a snack (the one you brought) at a table provided outside or under cover, depending on the weather. 5 p.m. marks the end of the festivities, but also the exciting moment when each child recounts their experience of the day.

Activities throughout the year

Take advantage of the school holidays to experience unique moments with family or friends. Depending on the season and the weather, Guillaume and Maryline organize a variety of activities accessible to young and old alike that will make their classmates green with envy when the new school year begins:

• Meet reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, etc.) that you can even touch if you dare!
• Feeding commented by the carers
• Insect tasting (yes, for humans!)

Stay tuned, the program is broadcast about two weeks in advance on social networks, activities included in the price of your ticket.

Quality services to welcome the whole family to Exotic Park

You won't have any trouble finding this animal park located opposite Lac des Carolins, 10 minutes from Pau. The free parking makes it easy to park to reach the entrance to the park, which is accessible by stroller or wheelchair. To welcome you in the best conditions, the park has quality facilities for the whole family:

• Toilets and disabled toilets
• Changing tables for changing toddlers
• Shaded and equipped areas for picnicking

Want to leave the cooler behind? Head to the park's restaurant, open between mid-April and the end of August, to enjoy carefully selected local products. Mindje'E Car't (eat and shut up in Béarnese) is the name of this 100% friendly bodega which offers tapas from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., made with sheep's cheese from the village of Fichous (northeast of Béarn), Bayonne ham from the Maison du Jambon d'Arzacq, and Espelette pepper pâté (mild), all accompanied by a good Béarnaise beer, Shuc from the Brasserie Béarnaise in Pau.

At snack time, treat yourself to a crepe, a waffle, an ice cream or a drink, little treats that appeal to young and old alike.

Exotic Park, some practical information before you come

Ideally located for a great family day out around Pau, this animal park is easily accessible and well signposted.

• Exit 9.1 Lescar if you take the motorway (follow the signs for “Exotic Park”)
• Bus line to Perlic or Line 12 from Pau by bus to the La Teulère stop, then 10 minutes walk to the park

Plan on spending about 1.5 hours at your leisure, and don't hesitate to book activities for your children before your arrival. School and group outings are also available for leisure centers, works councils, and business councils. Contact Guillaume and Maryline for more information.

Enjoy your family visit to Exotic Park !

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