Do you dream of putting stars in your children's eyes by introducing them to an animal species that they have never seen before? But, to choose, you probably prefer to discover them in their natural environment… Well it's possible! In France, you may not know it, but there is a multitude of animal species that we can easily observe in their natural environment. Some animals will even really surprise you! And if you want a trip to discover animals, I'll also share some destinations abroad where you can discover species in the wild. From France to the ends of the world, if you're wondering where to see wild animals, here are 22 places to meet them!
Where to see wild animals in France? 10 species (and more) to discover near you!
1. The whales and dolphins of the Pelagos sanctuary
This maritime area of 87,500 km² is located in off the Mediterranean coast. THE Pelagos Sanctuary was born from an agreement signed between France, Monaco and Italy to protect the marine mammals that frequent it. Every summer, animals passing through this area find all the food they need for their survival. This gives a good opportunity to observe them, but in an ethical and respectful way! Indeed, companies that offer these services must respect a charter in order not to harm animals. If you want to watch whales and dolphins in France, it is possible departing from the Côte d'Azur or Monaco!
2. Brown bears in Occitania
The brown bear is an impressive animal. Its size can reach almost 2 meters and its weight can go up to 230 kg. It is therefore best to observe it from afar. It is in the heart of the Pyrenees that we find the greater bear density of our country. These thirty specimens come from a reintroduction program, which made it possible to avoid the extinction of the bear population in our mountains. Like any wild animal, it will be necessary exercise discretion and patience, for a chance to meet him.
3. Forest animals (almost everywhere)
In France, it is not uncommon to be able to see wild animals during walks in the mountains or forest. Foxes, deer, ibexes, roe deer, squirrels… The species are numerous, even if some will be easier to observe than others.
For have a greater chance of seeing them During your hikes, you will be able to:
- learn more about their lifestyle habits, so you know where to find them and when.
- look for signs of their presence (footprints, feathers, scraped trunks, droppings).
- camouflage yourself in nature.
- use binoculars.
- favor travel in the direction against the wind (so that your smell does not betray you). Also avoid perfumes.
- stay silent and walk slowly.
4. The Alsace stork
The spectacle of storks in the Alsatian sky never ceases to charm locals and tourists. While storks were in decline for a long time, Alsace implemented a reintroduction program which now makes it possible to be able to discover them very regularly. For example, in Strasbourg, within the Orangerie parkstorks come together to nest and reproduce. Furthermore, when you look up towards the roofs of Alsatian houses, you will often find stork nests.
For information, their observation is easier at beginning of spring, when they are more active.
5. The pottok of the Basque Country
This horse is a symbol of the Basque Country. If you decide to go hiking in this beautiful region, shared between France and Spain, you will undoubtedly come across this kind of wild horse. Descended from a Mongolian species, the Basque Country pottok is a stocky horse, inhabiting the region for hundreds of years. They generally live in horde, which makes their meeting even more spectacular.
6. Wolves in the Mercantour National Park
Located in the heart of the Alps, the Mercantour national park offers you splendid landscapes, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The region is so unspoilt that you are almost sure to go there discover wild animals during your hikes. For example, chamois, ibexes and marmots are very common to observe. And, if you're lucky, you might even be able to see a wolf. Many of them live in the Alps. On the other hand, as in many national parks, dogs, even on a leash, are prohibited.
7. The seals of the Bay of Somme
For decades, a large seal colony has taken up residence in the Bay of Somme. There Hourdel beach in particular allows you to observe these marine animals. In addition, you can discover migratory birds, which are very numerous in this French region, within the Marquenterre ornithological park. This park is located in the Baie de Somme nature reserve.
8. The European bison in Lozère
Bison in France? Well yes! This imposing animal which can reach around 2m and weigh up to almost a ton was reintroduced in France at the end of the 20th century. A carriage or sleigh ride will allow you to get a closer look at these imposing specimens for a day. There European bison reserve is located in Margeride, Sainte-Eulalie. The bison live there in semi-freedom.
Furthermore, outside of Lozère, another reserve of this type is located in Thorenc (06): the Monts d'Azur reserve.
9. The Wallabies of the Rambouillet forest
You probably didn't know it, but France is home to a Wallaby population of Bennett, who lives quietly, in freedom. In fact, these animals escaped from a zoo in 1970. The climate of the region being suitable, they did not take long to reproduce in the region. Thus, these small kangaroos are today a good hundred to live in the woodsnear the towns of Emancé, Saint-Hilarion and Orcemont, in the heart of the Rambouillet forest.
If you want to see wild animals in France that you may have never seen, head to this region!
10. Pink flamingos and wild horses in the Camargue
If there is indeed a French region where seeing wild animals is an easy exerciseit’s the Camargue. Indeed, this isolated region, between land and sea, feels like the end of the world. Few people seem to live nearby and when we travel through this area, we mostly see immense immaculate plains passing before our eyes. No traffic jams, no hustle and bustle… The Camargue inspires a certain sweetness of life which must please wild species. In particular, you will be able to observe dozens of pink flamingos and horses roaming free.
Where to see wild animals in the rest of the world?
You dream of discover animals that you are not used to seeing on your next trip abroad? Know that if you dream of animal species even more varied and exotic than what you can see in France, there is a multitude of destinations to delight you. In fact, each country has particular animal species and each trip often offers us surprising encounters with them. Here are some animals to discover during your travels:
- Safari in Africa: whether in South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya, Africa remains the reference country for discovering wild animals in their natural environment. The famous Big Five awaits you!
- Safari in Sri Lanka: we know it less, but it is also possible to go on safaris in Asia, and more particularly in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park in particular will allow you to observe elephants and leopards.
- Kangaroos and koalas in Australia: in this country, encounters with kangaroos will be inevitable during your trip. With a bit of luck, you might also spot koalas, especially on islands like Raymond Island and Kangaroo Island. Some dangerous animals are also present, so you will have to keep your eyes peeled!
- Lemurs in Madagascar: animal species are very varied in Madagascar. You will be able to discover lemurs in their environment.
- Llamas in Peru : symbol of Peru, the llama is visible almost everywhere in the country, particularly near Machu Picchu.
- Orcas and whales in Canada: The St. Lawrence River in Quebec is an ideal area for discovering whales and other cetaceans. But Canada is also known for observing orcas, mainly on the West Coast.
- Reindeer in Finnish Lapland : Do you want to make your children dream by taking them to see Santa's reindeer? Finnish Lapland will allow you to have superb encounters with reindeer in the wild.
- Sea turtles in the Caribbean: The Caribbean is an ideal destination for scuba diving. However, even while snorkeling, you will find fascinating exotic fish species and can easily encounter sea turtles.
- Tigers in Indonesia : The island of Sumatra is known for hosting tigers in a nature reserve.
- Monarch butterflies in Mexico: the Michoacán region welcomes every year millions of monarch butterflies who are fleeing the cold. The spectacle is sublime for visitors who go there, between the months of September and April. This migration led to the establishment of a nature reserve there, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Rays and black-tipped sharks in French Polynesia : There are not only dream beaches to discover in French Polynesia… You will find many (harmless) sharks in the warm waters of the Pacific, but also stingrays.
- Various monkey species in Asia: Many primates live in non-urbanized areas of Asia. You will find macaques in Japan and Thailand, the golden monkey in China and the proboscis monkey on the island of Borneo, which is one of the most bizarre animals to observe.
You now have all the information to know where to see wild animals in France and elsewhere in the world. Of course, there are a multitude of zoological parks near you that will undoubtedly allow you to see them. However, we believe that it is always more interesting to discover animals in their natural environment and in the most ethical way possible. Don’t hesitate to tell us which country struck you the most for its animals in the comments.
