If you're after a taste of la vraie France—the one untouched by the crowds and clichés—the Pyrenees should be top of your list. Less commercialised than the Alps and every bit as majestic, this mountain range offers a slower, more soulful kind of experience: sweeping views, wildlife-rich forests, and the quiet charm of small villages still living by the rhythm of the seasons. In one of its most scenic valleys lies a gem not many have stumbled upon—the Parc Animalier des Pyrénées, a rare sort of wildlife park that might just be the highlight of your visit.
Set across 14 hectares of gently sloping woodland and alpine pasture, this park opened in 1999 with a simple but striking ambition: to let animals live in conditions as close to the wild as possible.
Forget cramped cages—here, over 600 creatures roam semi-free, with thoughtful enclosures that blend into the landscape rather than break it.
Most of the residents are native to the Pyrenees, so expect to come across bears, wolves, marmots, vultures, and the elusive Pyrenean chamois.
But there are some more far-flung faces too—red pandas, fennec foxes, monkeys, and meerkats, to name a few—adding a touch of the unexpected to your visit.
Feeding times are listed on a board near the entrance and are well worth catching, especially if you'd like a closer look or a chance to chat with the friendly animal carers, who are always happy to share insights about the park’s inhabitants.
More than just a place to spot wildlife, the park also plays a role in safeguarding it. In 2012, it launched the Pyrénées Conservation foundation, which supports reintroduction efforts for species such as the Iberian ibex and the bearded vulture—projects that matter not only locally, but nationally.
The park is divided into two main trails: one accessible and family-friendly, the other a bit more of a climb but rewarded with stunning views and more elusive animals. Allow a good three to four hours to do the place justice.
There's a small natural history museum near the entrance focusing on northern hemisphere fauna, and before you leave, you can pop into the gift shop or relax with a coffee or snack at the on-site café.
This isn’t your usual zoo—it’s something quieter, wilder, and altogether more special. Just like the Pyrenees themselves.
If time allows, one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the park is by spending a night in one of its four Ecolodges. Each offers a front-row view of a particular species and gives you the rare chance to observe their behaviour well beyond closing hours. it’s a quiet, meaningful way to connect with the animals and the natural world they inhabit.
There are four lodges to choose from:
La Tanière – facing the Brown Bears
La Cabane du Trappeur – with a view of Black Wolves
Le Refuge – overlooking Grey Wolves
Asian Lodge – home to Red Pandas
All of them are family-friendly, though their layouts vary. La Tanière, for example, features a king-size bed with the option to add a child’s bed, while Le Refuge sleeps up to five with a mix of singles and a king-size. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy proper creature comforts: heating, ensuite bathrooms, cosy furnishings, and above all, peace.
Your stay includes two full days of access to the park, a generous dinner, and breakfast. Unlike the usual rush of a day visit, staying overnight lets you slow down and take it all in—time to watch the animals wake, eat, settle, and simply be.
And when you’re ready to rest, thick curtains and a comfy bed mean you won’t be kept up by curious neighbours.
We opted for La Tanière, a dome-shaped cabin with sweeping views over the brown bear enclosure.
Watching these incredible creatures—so iconic in the Pyrenees—amble about from the comfort of your bed is a surreal, moving experience. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with thoughtful touches that make it feel more like a boutique hideaway than a wildlife park.
For full details and booking, visit the official website (click here).
The park sits just 15 minutes from the town of Lourdes, known worldwide for its spiritual significance. In 1858, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a young girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in a local grotto. Since then, Lourdes has become a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions each year in search of healing and hope. Even if you're not religious, the Sanctuary of Our Lady is worth a visit for its cultural and historical weight alone.
If you're more drawn to the outdoors, the surrounding region is a hiker’s dream. One especially scenic option is a walk around Lake of Estaing or the Val d’Azun, with trails ranging from short, accessible circuits to full-day treks.
Address: 60Bis Avenue des Pyrénées, 65400 Ayzac-Ost
Nearest train station: Lourdes
Closest airports: Tarbes–Lourdes or Pau
While it's possible to get here by taxi (just 15 minutes from Lourdes), hiring a car will give you more freedom to explore the surrounding valleys and mountain trails. There's ample parking on site, just next to the main entrance.
For more information, visit their official website: https://www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com/
Photos and Article: O'bon Paris Team