Family Encyclopedia >> Travel

A safari in France is possible!

In Ardèche, head to the Safari de Peaugres to drive in the middle of the savannah

We take the wheel to cover in about an hour the 7 km of tracks that wind around three continents (Africa, but also America and Asia). Elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest… But also Somali donkeys and Watussi oxen occupy the African plain in complete freedom. We obviously keep our windows closed and we don't get out of the car to pet the "little" animals! www.safari-peaugres.com.

In Calvados, head to CERZA to observe the fauna up close

What's new about this animal park? A giant footbridge 4m high installed in the African plain to allow us to feed the giraffes as equals. Also to discover:the lion hut, a giant hut 13m in diameter, all glazed and built deep, to observe the king of animals straight in the eye. And to prolong the African experience, you sleep comfortably in one of the 26 "safari lodges" installed on stilts. When you wake up, you can take advantage of its terrace with a panoramic view of the antelopes, pelicans, monkeys or Indian rhinos that roam freely around the lodges. www.cerza.com.

In Loire-Atlantique, head to Planète Sauvage to bivouac among the animals

We arrive after the park closes to camp in tents among zebras, wildebeest and antelopes. We start by accompanying the keepers in 4X4 on their "return of the animals" tour before sharing dinner around a campfire. The next day, after breakfast at the camp, we quietly visit the park. And also:"the safari track", we climb aboard a 4X4 bush truck and off we go for a 10 km trip in the middle of rhinos, tigers, elephants, giraffes... Or the "safari excellence":a course VIP aboard the veterinarian's LandRover to approach elephants, tigers, lions or giraffes in privileged. www.planetesauvage.com.

In Ile de France, head to Thoiry for a driving safari

Here too, you drive your own vehicle in the middle of the animals in freedom for nearly 8 km, winding through the heart of the African reserve but also the North American reserve and the Eurasian Plain. Be careful, here a giraffe can hide another one! www.thoiry.net.

And to sleep in an African lodge in the heart of Auvergne, go to the BIBA dated May, currently on sale.