Annecy is an exceptionally pretty Alpine town that is famous for the utterly postcard-perfect cobbled streets, winding canals, and historic buildings in pastel hues of the Old Town and is a definite must-see for those who have found a vacation rental in the Rhône-Alpes region. However, beyond the charming town of Annecy itself, the area that surrounds is full of lots of incredibly beautiful vistas and special surprises. Among those surprises is the Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne, a unique zoo that is just ten minutes from the city of Annecy.
Located along the road to the ski resort of Semnoz, in La Grande Jeanne in the municipal forest, the park covers an area of 10,500 square metres, or ten hectares, and is home to two different species of non-domestic animals: deer (with around nineteen fallow deer and around nine red deer among them) and around twenty bighorn sheep of the Corsican mouflon variety. The Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne is not a traditional zoo with lots of different species of animals to spot and admire but one doesn’t feel as though they are missing out because of that. This special place has its own charms to appreciate in that it is both completely free of charge to visit and that the few animals that live here are free to roam all over as they please.
Located along the road to the ski resort of Semnoz, in La Grande Jeanne in the municipal forest, the park covers an area of 10,500 square metres, or ten hectares, and is home to two different species of non-domestic animals: deer (with around nineteen fallow deer and around nine red deer among them) and around twenty bighorn sheep of the Corsican mouflon variety. The Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne is not a traditional zoo with lots of different species of animals to spot and admire but one doesn’t feel as though they are missing out because of that. This special place has its own charms to appreciate in that it is both completely free of charge to visit and that the few animals that live here are free to roam all over as they please.
So, instead of visiting pen after pen, visitors can ramble around the park and explore the meadows and woods, stumbling upon the adorable deer and sheep that live there. This act of seeking out the animals makes for an exciting adventure for any kids or kids at heart that might be in the group. If you haven’t quite gotten enough of the local wildlife from seeking out the deer and sheep, you can also head to the nearby aviary in Charles-Bosson Park, where there are around sixty different birds for you to meet.
Not only are the animals lovely, the park itself is beautiful. It is made up of meadows that are lush and filled with flowers in spring and forestry full of a variety of different types of towering trees. There is also a main building used for maintenance and to care for the animals around which there are rolling green lawns that visitors often lay out on with blankets and baskets full of delicious treats to snack on. If you are planning a visit yourself then we recommend bringing a picnic of your own to enjoy as you’re sure to work up quite the appetite exploring the park and seeking out the cute animals that live there.
Not only are the animals lovely, the park itself is beautiful. It is made up of meadows that are lush and filled with flowers in spring and forestry full of a variety of different types of towering trees. There is also a main building used for maintenance and to care for the animals around which there are rolling green lawns that visitors often lay out on with blankets and baskets full of delicious treats to snack on. If you are planning a visit yourself then we recommend bringing a picnic of your own to enjoy as you’re sure to work up quite the appetite exploring the park and seeking out the cute animals that live there.
If you’re up for a bit more exercise than just strolling around casually in search of the animals, there are also several hiking trails in the area that you can follow throughout the park and beyond. These hikes will help visitors better take in and experience the other natural beauty that the park has to offer: her views over the stunning surrounding landscape of this alpine area in France.
Completely free of charge (with educational materials available on-site so that visitors and children, in particular, can learn more about and learn to better love and care for flora and fauna) and open 24 hours a day, the incredible Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne is an excellent place for anyone who has found a vacation rental in the Rhône-Alpes region and is exploring this part of France. However, it is particularly excellent for families and large groups as it is budget-friendly but no less delightful for that. So, if you’re interested in the great outdoors, animals, fresh air, and stretching your legs, this charming park is just the thing!
Completely free of charge (with educational materials available on-site so that visitors and children, in particular, can learn more about and learn to better love and care for flora and fauna) and open 24 hours a day, the incredible Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne is an excellent place for anyone who has found a vacation rental in the Rhône-Alpes region and is exploring this part of France. However, it is particularly excellent for families and large groups as it is budget-friendly but no less delightful for that. So, if you’re interested in the great outdoors, animals, fresh air, and stretching your legs, this charming park is just the thing!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0
Picture 1: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0
