WoW Safari Thoiry — Africa Without the Flight
A combined drive-through safari and walkable zoo, 40 minutes west of Paris — a wild day out for all ages.
Thoiry is where you drive your own car through an African savannah packed with giraffes, rhinos and zebras, then park and walk a zoo with everything from primates to big cats. It's the closest most of France gets to a real safari, and a guaranteed hit with kids.
Why visit Thoiry
The WoW Safari Thoiry, set in the château park 40 km west of Paris, runs two worlds: the drive-through African reserve — about 2.5 km of savannah you cross by car, where animals wander right up to your windows — and the walkable zoo with large modern habitats, daily keeper talks and a rope adventure course.
You get the thrill of the safari from the safety of your own car, plus a proper family day out. In summer there are open-air shows, and the whole park is designed so you can set your own pace.
Thoiry day trip from Paris or Rouen
Thoiry is about 40 km west of Paris and an easy 45-minute drive on the A13. From Rouen it's roughly 100 km — a bit under 1h30 down the A13. Because the safari needs a car, the practical route for most visitors is to drive (or use a private transfer).
A timed ticket reserves your safari slot. Most people do the drive-through first — arrive at opening, cars line up through the savannah — then spend the rest of the day in the walk zoo and on the rope course.
GetYourGuide tours
Here are the current guided options with live availability and prices. Look for the "skip-the-line" label in season — it saves you standing in line.
Planning on your own? See our day-trip round-up or the Rouen → Giverny guide for a classic Normandy run.
Practical tips before you go
- Book a timed safari ticket. Slots can sell out on weekends and school holidays, so reserve in advance.
- Do the drive-through first. Arrive at opening and do the savannah loop early, when the animals are most active.
- Bring snacks. There are restaurants, but a picnic among the park tables is easy and cheaper.
- Check the daily talks. Keeper talks and the summer shows run on a set timetable — plan around them.
- Go midweek in season. Weekends and French school holidays are the busiest; a weekday is far calmer.
- Allow a full day. The safari plus the zoo and rope course fill a comfortable 5–7 hours.
Getting there from Rouen
From Rouen, Thoiry is about 100 km south — under 1h30 on the A13 then the D11 through the Yvelines. By public transport it's impractical (you need a car for the safari loop), so most visitors drive or book a private transfer; a guided day trip from Paris bundles everything.
Hotels & where to stay
If you want to stay the night and see it without the rush, here are live options on the map.
FAQ — visiting Thoiry safari
What is WoW Safari Thoiry?
It's a combined wildlife park: a drive-through African savannah reserve in your own car plus a walkable zoo with monkeys, big cats, reptiles and a rope adventure course.
How do I get to Thoiry from Paris?
Drive about 45 minutes west on the A13; there's ample parking. Public transport is impractical, so most visitors drive or take a private transfer.
How far is Thoiry from Rouen?
About 100 km south — roughly 1h30 by car on the A13 and D11, making it a comfortable day trip from Normandy.
Do I need a car for Thoiry?
The safari loop is drive-through in your own vehicle, so yes — a car (or a private transfer that includes the drive) is the practical way to visit.
How much time do I need at Thoiry?
Plan 5–7 hours: the drive-through savannah loop plus the walkable zoo, shows and rope course. A full day is comfortable.
Is Thoiry good for children?
Excellent — safari animals up close, a walkable zoo, keeper talks, summer shows and a rope adventure course are all designed for families.
Are there restaurants at Thoiry?
Yes, there are food outlets on site plus picnic areas; many families bring a picnic and swap a restaurant visit for the lawns.
What animals will I see?
In the drive-through reserve: giraffes, rhinos, zebras, antelope; in the walkable zoo: primates, big cats, bears, reptiles and more.
Rooms near the Seine quays sell out fast for 17–27 June 2027. Search hotels in Rouen → · Best areas to stay