Château of Thoiry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Château of Thoiry was opened to the public in 1965, in the village of Thoiry, with gardens and a zoological park. Its popularity has continued to grow -- by 1974, over 280,000 visitors per year were coming to see an assortment of 1,000 wild animals, most of which roamed freely along a drive-through lane. Located only about 30 miles due west of Paris, it is best visited in private cars or rentals, to take advantage of the self-serve viewing spectacle. The gardens and the château itself add to a most delightful tourist venue, which some -- many who love animals -- will rank as a highlight of all of Europe.