The Menagerie’s appeal is its unusual mix: a compact zoo founded in 1794, set among the paths and gardens of the Jardin des Plantes. You can see animals such as red pandas and orangutans alongside historic buildings, including the Bear Pit, the Rotonde and the Great Aviary.
I like two things in particular: the close encounters with smaller and rarer species, and the sense of visiting a living piece of Paris’s scientific history. One consideration: this is not a large zoo built around big headline animals, and the grounds are not wheelchair-accessible.
- Key points to know
- A small zoo with a long Paris story
- What you can expect to see
- The buildings are part of the route
- A relaxed visit, not a full-day expedition
- Meet the Keepers, in French
- Is .05 good value?
- Getting there and using your ticket
- Who will enjoy the Menagerie most?
- Should you book?
- FAQ
- How much does admission cost?
- What does the ticket include?
- How long should I plan to stay?
- Are the Meet the Keepers talks in English?
- When are the Meet the Keepers talks held?
- Is the Menagerie wheelchair-accessible?
- Can children visit the zoo?
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Key points to know
- Founded in 1794: The Menagerie is one of the world’s oldest zoos, with a long connection to French science and animal conservation.
- A different kind of animal collection: Expect red pandas, orangutans, Przewalski horses, clouded leopards, primates, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
- Historic structures are part of the visit: The Bear Pit, Rotonde, Reptile House and Great Aviary give the grounds a distinctive old-Paris feel.
- Keepers’ talks are brief and in French: On set days, 15-minute sessions cover animals such as orangutans, tapirs and red pandas.
- Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours with a young child: That gives you time for the zoo at a relaxed pace, though your visit may run longer if you add nearby Jardin des Plantes attractions.
- The ticket is for one selected date: Show your mobile voucher at the entrance, and cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund.
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A small zoo with a long Paris story
Founded in 1794, the Menagerie sits within the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden in the heart of Paris. It is a place where the setting matters almost as much as the animal collection: leafy paths and garden scenery soften the city around you, while old enclosures and buildings hint at the zoo’s long past.
That age gives the visit a different character from a modern, expansive zoo. You are not coming for a sprawling day out or a long list of large animals. Instead, the Menagerie offers a more compact outing, with a varied collection and architecture that makes the grounds feel distinctly tied to Paris.
The zoo’s history also connects to France’s scientific work and animal conservation. Many animals are born here and take part in carefully managed breeding programs for endangered species. That does not mean every animal you see is part of a specific program, but it adds purpose to the collection beyond simply displaying animals.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
What you can expect to see
The animal list includes red pandas, orangutans, Przewalski horses, clouded leopards, primates, birds, reptiles and amphibians. It is a pleasingly varied group, with an emphasis on species you may not find at the centre of a conventional zoo visit.
The compact scale can be a real advantage. You can focus on a handful of animals rather than spending the day covering enormous distances, and the close views of an orangutan or a panther can be especially memorable. Still, animal activity is never guaranteed, and the experience depends in part on what the animals are doing when you arrive.
If your idea of a zoo hinges on elephants, giraffes or other very large animals, check your expectations. The Menagerie’s draw is its smaller, less usual collection and its historic setting, not a parade of the biggest species.
The buildings are part of the route
As you walk the grounds, keep an eye on the architecture as well as the animal habitats. The Bear Pit, Rotonde, Reptile House and Great Aviary are among the best-known historic structures, and they give the zoo a strong sense of place.
These buildings are not just background decoration. They help explain why the Menagerie feels different from a newer zoo, where the design may put modern habitats first. Here, the historic fabric is part of the visit, though the contrast between old structures and present-day animal care is also worth noticing.
The Reptile House offers a change of pace from outdoor enclosures, while the Great Aviary brings birds into focus. The exact animals you see in each space are not specified, so it is best to treat the named buildings as highlights of the grounds rather than expect a particular species at a particular stop.
A relaxed visit, not a full-day expedition
There is no fixed route or guided itinerary included with this ticket. You explore on your own, choosing how long to spend at each enclosure and building. That freedom works well if you are visiting with children or want to move at an easy pace.
A visit of around 1.5 to 2 hours with a toddler is a useful planning guide. The time will vary with your child’s interest, the animals’ activity and whether you stop for the scheduled keeper talks. If you want to see the gardens and nearby attractions as well, leave more room in your day.
The grounds are part of the wider Jardin des Plantes, so you can make the zoo one piece of a longer outing. One possible add-on is the Glasshouse, and there is also a playground and the Les Belles Plantes restaurant in the area. These are not included in the zoo ticket, so check their access and any separate costs before you plan around them.
Meet the Keepers, in French
The Meet the Keepers sessions offer a short dose of extra context about biodiversity and the pressures facing animal species. Each talk lasts 15 minutes and is held in French. If you understand French, it can add a more direct connection to the work behind animal care and conservation.
Sessions take place every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as every day during school holidays. The listed schedule is: turtle at 11:30, orangutan at 14:45, tapir at 15:30 and red panda at 16:15. Check the day’s schedule when you arrive, since a talk only helps if it fits your visit and language needs.
These sessions are not a substitute for a guided tour, and the ticket does not include a named guide. Think of them as short talks you can plan around, rather than the structure of the whole outing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
Is $16.05 good value?
The general ticket starts at $16.05, with admission to the Menagerie included. For a short visit in central Paris, that can be worthwhile if you value the combination of animals, old architecture and garden surroundings. The price is easier to justify if you take your time, attend a keeper talk and make the zoo part of a wider Jardin des Plantes visit.
Value depends on what you want from a zoo. If you expect a full day of large-scale exhibits, this is likely not the right ticket. If you enjoy smaller collections, historic settings and the chance to see animals such as red pandas or orangutans at close range, the shorter format can feel like a smart use of a Paris afternoon.
A recent family visit also shows how naturally the zoo can fit into a day with a toddler: about 1.5 to 2 hours at the Menagerie, followed by the Glasshouse, playground and lunch at Les Belles Plantes. Treat that as one possible plan, not a promise that those extras are included in admission.
Getting there and using your ticket
The entrance address is 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris. You can reach the area by bus on lines 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 or 91. Metro options include line 5 to Gare d’Austerlitz, line 7 to Censier Daubenton, and line 10 to Jussieu or Gare d’Austerlitz. RER C also serves Gare d’Austerlitz, and Gare de Lyon is listed as a nearby train station.
The ticket is valid only on the date you select, and on the selected time if one applies. Show your mobile voucher at the entrance. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the activity date, using Paris local time.
A few practical details matter before you book. Children aged 0 to 2 enter free, while children aged 0 to 12 must be with a paying adult. One adult can supervise up to six children. Visitors with disabilities and one caregiver enter free with valid proof, but the grounds are not wheelchair-accessible.
Discounted tickets for European visitors aged 0 to 25, education pass holders and French job seekers are available on-site. If you qualify, compare that option with the advance ticket before paying. Tips and personal expenses are not included.
Who will enjoy the Menagerie most?
I’d choose this zoo for a family looking for a manageable outing, an animal lover curious about less familiar species, or a visitor who enjoys seeing old Paris architecture in daily use. The compact visit suits a busy itinerary better than a full-day zoo, and it can be especially appealing if a child is excited by primates, birds or reptiles.
It also works for anyone interested in how conservation fits into a zoo’s role. Breeding programs and keeper talks give the visit a useful layer of context, though the talks are in French and brief. If you want detailed explanations in English, this ticket does not promise them.
I would look elsewhere if step-free access is essential, if you are set on seeing a particular animal in action, or if your priority is a very large zoo with many major species. The Menagerie’s strength is its intimacy, not sheer scale.
Should you book?
Book the Menagerie if you want a short, characterful zoo visit with historic buildings, unusual animals and a peaceful garden setting. The close-up animal encounters and the chance to connect the visit with the wider Jardin des Plantes make the starting price reasonable for the right kind of afternoon.
Skip it if you need wheelchair access or expect a full-scale zoo day. For everyone else, it is a thoughtful Paris stop, especially with children who are happy to take their time and watch what the animals choose to do.
Menagerie, the Jardin des Plantes Zoo ticket in Paris
“Love it! One of the best zoo I've been too, everything is very well organized. It houses a different range of smaller animals as opposed to the usu…”
FAQ
How much does admission cost?
The general ticket starts from $16.05. The price may vary, so check the amount shown when you select your date.
What does the ticket include?
It includes admission to the Menagerie, the Jardin des Plantes Zoo. Personal expenses and tips are not included.
How long should I plan to stay?
A visit of about 1.5 to 2 hours is a useful guide with a toddler. You may want longer if you plan to explore other Jardin des Plantes attractions as well.
Are the Meet the Keepers talks in English?
No. The listed Meet the Keepers events are in French, and each lasts 15 minutes.
When are the Meet the Keepers talks held?
They run every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and every day during school holidays. The listed times are 11:30 for turtle, 14:45 for orangutan, 15:30 for tapir and 16:15 for red panda.
Is the Menagerie wheelchair-accessible?
No. The activity information states that it is not wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with disabilities and one caregiver can enter free with valid proof.
Can children visit the zoo?
Yes. Children aged 0 to 2 enter free. Children aged 0 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and one adult can supervise up to six children.
