Lyon Zoo (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Lyon Zoo?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: Free admission lets solo travelers roam at their own pace, observe giraffes, lemurs and botanical zones, and sit on benches to read or photograph. Security staff and flat paths make it low-stress.
Positives:
- Free Admission: The zoo has no entry fee, so you can stay as long as you like.
- Comfortable Paths: Flat walkways and benches near exhibits make solo visits easy.
Challenges:
- Language Barrier: Most exhibit signs are in French, so a translation app can help.
- Limited Dining: There are no cafes inside the zoo; bring water and snacks.
- Early Exhibit Closure: The tropical vivarium closes one hour before park closing; check posted times.
What is Lyon Zoo?
- A free urban zoological garden located within Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or
- Home to a diverse collection of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles from Africa, Asia and the Americas
- Designed as an expansive green space featuring naturalistic enclosures, botanical plantings and greenhouse conservatories
What is so special about Lyon Zoo for solo trip?
- Free-entry zoo covering diverse habitats
- Observe giraffes, lemurs, and tropical species
- 20-minute mini-train with live commentary
- Flat paths and benches ideal for solo pacing
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This lets you catch feeding sessions, ride the mini-train, and pause to observe at a relaxed pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Lyon Zoo
Giraffe and African Plain Observation:
Watch giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam in a naturalistic open-air exhibit.
Tip: Check feeding times at the entrance kiosk for a close-up view of giraffe feeding.
Tropical Vivarium Tour:
Explore the humid reptile house housing snakes, lizards, and frogs up close.
Tip: Visit this indoor exhibit first when it opens to avoid heat and crowds.
Mini-Train Ride:
Take the Lizard Train for a 20-minute loop around the zoo with live commentary.
Tip: Buy your ticket early at the station to catch the next departure and plan your route.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lyon Zoo
- Download Offline Map: Save the zoo map from the official site to navigate without mobile data.
- Start at the Vivarium: Head there when it opens to beat crowds and heat.
- Use Mini-Train First: Ride the train early to get an overview of the layout before walking.
Reviews of Lyon Zoo
Gabriella Alekian
Free of charge. It is nicely organized and established. Giraffes, birds, monkeys, turtles, zebra, etc. A very nice zoo in the park. Worth visiting!
Krisztina Gyimes
Really cute, small free zoo! The botanical gardens are beautiful too. They are open till 6:30pm - not 5pm.
Paul Vivas
Fantastic Zoo in the heart of Lyon We spend a bit less than a day in the parc but really found it great. It had a lot to do and we were surprised to find this so large parc in the center of town. It was great to see giraffes, crocodiles, etc. we also enjoyed the nice stroll in the gardens. Highly recommended day out if you are staying a few days in Lyon.
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
Nestled within the beautiful Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon Zoo offers a compact yet engaging wildlife experience. As one of the few free zoos of its kind, it's an incredibly accessible and popular attraction for families and animal lovers alike. While not massive in scale, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, elephants, monkeys, and a variety of bird...
Kim Mallet
A wonderful day out in Lyon! Zoo Lyon is located within a beautiful and expansive park that's perfect for walking, running, or simply relaxing. The park also features a lovely botanical garden and a small but impressive zoo — and the best part is that it’s all completely free! No tickets needed. The zoo has a surprising variety of animals, from turtles to giraffes, and you could easily spend over...
When is the best time to visit Lyon Zoo (Lyon, France)?
Visit early in summer to see active animals before midday heat; spring often features newborns; winter mornings are quiet for wildlife viewing.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Metro ticket | EUR 1.9 |
| Mini-train ride | EUR 4 |
| Snack and drink | EUR 6 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 11.9 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Lyon Zoo
Address: Parc de la Tête d'Or, All. de l'Orangerie, 69006 Lyon, France
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About Lyon Zoo
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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