Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
1. Parc Ornithologique de Bagnols
A sanctuary for over 250 bird species in a serene setting, offering guided tours and hides.
- Variety of Species: Unique for its rich avian diversity.
- Guided Tours: Provides an informative and engaging experience.
- Hides: Allows for close-up bird observations without disturbance.
2. Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute-Loire
An expansive natural reserve housing diverse wildlife like wolves, eagles, and beavers.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a wide variety of European wildlife.
- Guided Tours: Offers insightful visits led by park rangers.
- Hiking Trails: Provides opportunities for scenic wildlife-spotting hikes.
3. Parc de la Tête d'Or
A city park in Lyon featuring a lake and a zoo.
- City Park Integration: Unique for its integration with an urban environment.
- Zoo: Home to over 150 species of animals.
- Lake Activities: Offers boating, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.
4. Parc Zoologique de Saint-Martin la Plaine
A zoo located in the countryside outside Lyon, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to preserving critically endangered species.
- Interactive Activities: Offers educational workshops and encounters with animals.
- Spacious Enclosures: Provides room for the animals to roam in natural habitats.
5. Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors
A stunning mountain range with a diverse ecosystem and opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting.
- Scenic Beauty: Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of European mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Adventure Activities: Offers various outdoor activities for visitors.
6. Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat
A mountainous region with diverse flora and fauna, including the majestic Griffon Vulture.
- Griffon Vultures: Home to one of Europe's largest populations of these birds.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Provides stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Educational Centre: Offers educational programs about the park's ecosystem.
7. Parc Naturel Régional du Velay
A mountainous region featuring rolling hills and picturesque villages, home to diverse wildlife such as the Eurasian Lynx.
- Eurasian Lynx: One of the few places in Europe where this elusive cat can be found.
- Scenic Villages: Boasts beautiful, historic villages to explore.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic routes for wildlife-spotting adventures.
8. Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne
A volcanic region with diverse landscapes, including lakes, forests, and marshes, home to a variety of bird species.
- Volcanic Landscapes: Features unique volcanic formations.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers abundant birdwatching opportunities.
- Scenic Lakes: Provides picturesque lake views and water activities.
9. Reserve de faune et de flore de la vallée du Roubion
A nature reserve in the Ardèche region with diverse wildlife and a focus on reintroducing endangered species.
- Endangered Species Rehabilitation: Dedicated to the reintroduction of endangered species.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Provides scenic routes for wildlife-spotting adventures.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of French and Iberian wildlife.
10. Réserve Naturelle de la Haute-Besse
A nature reserve in the Massif Central with diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.
- Hiking and Horseback Riding: Offers various ways to explore the park.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of European mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
11. Réserve Naturelle de la Forêt d'Orient
A forest reserve in the Franche-Comté region with diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
- Hiking and Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers various ways to explore the park and observe birds.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of French and migratory bird species.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful, scenic views of the forest and surrounding landscape.
12. Réserve Naturelle de la Forêt des Ormes
A forest reserve in the Jura region with diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.
- Hiking and Horseback Riding: Offers various ways to explore the park.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of French mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful, scenic views of the forest and surrounding landscape.
13. Réserve Naturelle de la Forêt d'Entre-Deux-Mers
A forest reserve in the Saône-et-Loire region with diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
- Hiking and Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers various ways to explore the park and observe birds.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of French and migratory bird species.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful, scenic views of the forest and surrounding landscape.
14. Réserve Naturelle de la Haute-Saône
A nature reserve in the Haute-Saône department with diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
- Hiking and Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers various ways to explore the park and observe birds.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of French mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful, scenic views of the forest and surrounding landscape.
15. Réserve Naturelle Régionale des Ballons des Vosges
A nature reserve in the Vosges Mountains with diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking Opportunities: Offers various ways to explore the park.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of French mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful, scenic views of the Vosges Mountains and surrounding landscape.