Le PAL

Le PAL, in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre in the Allier, is in a category of its own: an amusement park AND a wildlife park over some forty hectares, with 31 attractions and more than 1,000 animals. It is the big day out in the region (700,000 visitors in 2025, among the top 5 parks in France) and one of the rare places where grandparents, teenagers and 3-year-olds each find something for them.

On the practical side: open from April to the end of September from 10:00. Allow the full day, and the park itself recommends two days to do everything (the animal circuit alone takes 3 hours in its long version). Online tickets are always cheaper than at the ticket desk (dated ticket from €33, undated ticket valid for the whole season), free for children under one metre, free car parks, picnics allowed and twelve places to eat on site.

Recent additions set the tone: balloon gondolas have replaced the historic monorail, and 2026 sees the opening of the Delta des Éléphants, two hectares for Asian elephants. To extend your stay, the Savane and Hippopotame lodges and the Savana Reserve hotel put the savannah right outside your windows, park tickets included (from around €340 for two with dinner and breakfast).