Zoo of Champrépus
About Zoo of Champrépus
A 10-hectare zoological and botanical park in the Norman bocage countryside, home to over 300 animals from 60 species including lions, Sumatran tigers, cheetahs, Kordofan giraffes, and red pandas. Founded in 1957 by farmer Lucien Lebreton as a roadside aviary, it grew into Normandy's first animal care center and the only zoo in the Manche department. The park features seven themed areas including Madagascar, tropical aviary, and African sections, with an interactive lemur area where visitors can get close to the animals. Member of EAZA since 1993, the zoo participates in European breeding programs for endangered species. Walking the full 6km trail takes 2-3 hours minimum. Open seasonally from February to November with varying hours - check the website for current schedule as winter hours are reduced. The park received Normandy's first 'Tourisme et Handicap' label for full accessibility across all disability types.
Interesting Facts
The zoo started by accident in 1957 when farmer Lucien Lebreton's roadside bird aviary attracted so much attention from passing travelers that he decided to expand. What began as a hobby grew into the only zoo in the entire Manche department, eventually tripling in size from its original footprint.
In 2020, the zoo changed hands for the first time outside the founding family after 63 years. The new owners, Véronique Darrieulat and Damien Carles, also operate Labenne Zoo in southwestern France, bringing professional zoo management expertise to the Norman park.
The zoo created its own conservation organization called 'Gaïa Conservation' which funds wildlife protection projects in animals' native habitats, partnering with organizations protecting lemurs in Madagascar and giraffes in Niger.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
General Admission
RecommendedDisability rates available: Adults €18, Children 3-11 €13. Season passes also available.
Location & Practical Info
Address
493 rue Saint-Gaud, 50800 Champrépus, France
Day Routes
Explore all day routesThese carefully curated day itineraries include this attraction and show you exactly how to plan your visit, including transport, timing, and what else to see nearby.
Want to visit this attraction? These routes show you how to get here and what to combine it with.
