La Tanière Zoo-Refuge in Chartres

Spend a relaxed day at La Tanière, a unique 20-hectare animal sanctuary near Chartres that shelters around 600 rescued animals — from tigers and elephants to sea lions and primates — all saved from circuses, laboratories, or illegal ownership. Wander through spacious enclosures designed to let animals express their natural behaviors, and catch daily keeper talks on elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and parrots at scheduled times throughout the day. Children will love the mini-farm, vegetable maze, and inflatable play area. The refuge is located about 10 km east of Chartres center (a car or taxi is needed), opens at 10:00, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays outside school holidays — check the official calendar before visiting, and arrive early on weekends to avoid entrance queues.