Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Allier), France
Le PAL in Allier (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) is France's 5th most visited park - a unique combination of theme park + zoo with 31 attractions and 700+ animals across 50 hectares! Experience Yukon Quad quadbike coaster at 90 km/h with unique straddle seating, Fjord Explorer Mack water coaster reaching 76 km/h with 30m aerial section and 20m plunge (added 2024), Le Twist spinning coaster at 70 km/h, plus 5 roller coasters total! Explore Canadian wilderness, Aztec temples, and Louisiana swamps. FREE admission for children under 100cm! 750,000+ visitors annually. Season: usually mid-April to late September.
Park Highlights
Unique Theme Park + Zoo Combination
31 rides + 700 animals (lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes) - only park in France with this hybrid!
Yukon Quad - Quadbike Coaster
90 km/h Intamin coaster (2018) with unique straddle seating - ride like a real quadbike!
Added in 2024: Fjord Explorer Water Coaster
€12 million Mack water coaster! Boat transforms into aerial ride at 30m before 20m splashing plunge at 76 km/h!
5 Roller Coasters + Major Thrills
Yukon Quad, Fjord Explorer, Le Twist spinning coaster, Azteka mine train, Tigre de Sibérie family coaster!
Height Breakdown
Heights are the lowest at which each ride can be boarded, with an adult where allowed. Most rides need 120-140cm to ride alone.
Any Height With an Adult (11 Attractions)
Everyone enjoys (children under 120-140cm ride with an adult):
- Voyage over the World - monorail with balloon cabins (renovated 2025!)
- The Archipelago - Nordic log raft ride
- Le Train des Aventuriers and Le Train du PAL - park railways
- African Journey - film-crew safari with animatronic animals
- Yukon Trucks, Carrousel, Ballons d'Orient, La Ronde des Grenouilles, Le Haras du PAL
- The Lion River - lion playground
90cm With an Adult (6 Rides)
- King Kong - 12m-tall gorilla shakes wagon (130cm alone)
- Alligator Bay - Louisiana water battle (140cm alone)
- La Rivière des Castors, Les Tasses Magiques, Les Caravelles (120cm alone)
- Desert Squadron - Moroccan biplane, children 90-140cm only
100cm With an Adult (11 Rides)
- Le Twist - spinning coaster 70 km/h at 22m high (140cm alone)
- Azteka - mine train through Aztec temple ruins (140cm alone)
- Le Tigre de Sibérie - family tiger coaster since 1990 (140cm alone)
- The Great North River - Canadian log flume (140cm alone)
- Down the Colorado River - river rapids on rubber rings (140cm alone)
- Champi'folies dark ride shooter (2023), Le Rapido water slides, Le Bateau Pirate (140cm alone)
- The Yukon Wings hang glider ride, Les Chaises Volantes wave swinger (120cm alone)
- La Tour Mystère - children's drop tower, 100-140cm only
110cm With an Adult (1 Ride)
- Fjord Explorer - water coaster 76 km/h (added 2024)! (130cm alone)
120cm+ (2 Rides)
- Yukon Quad - quadbike coaster 90 km/h, unique straddle seating! (with an adult; 140cm alone)
- Le Disque du Soleil - 9m Disk'O coaster on W-track
- Plus
- Zoo with 700+ animals included!
Best For
- Toddlers (under 100cm): Excellent - FREE entry! 11 rides at any height with an adult, 17 for a child under 100cm, + entire zoo
- Young Children (95-110cm): Perfect! Up to 28 attractions with an adult + all zoo exhibits
- Children (110-120cm): Amazing! 29 attractions including Fjord Explorer water coaster
- Tweens & Teens (120-130cm): ULTIMATE! All 31 rides including Yukon Quad quadbike (with an adult under 140cm)
- Teens & Adults (130cm+): Complete access to all thrills
- Families: IDEAL - Theme park + zoo combo, something for everyone!
- Thrill-Seekers: Great - 5 coasters plus major water rides!
- Animal Lovers: Unique - 700+ animals including big cats!
Featured Attractions
Yukon Quad 🏍️
Europe's unique quadbike roller coaster! Intamin Hot Racer launched coaster reaching 90 km/h (later adjusted to 85 km/h) through Canadian Yukon wilderness with straddle seating where riders hold handlebars like real quadbikes! 1000m of track at 12m height. Opened 2018 with €8 million investment. One-of-a-kind in France! 120cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Fjord Explorer 🌊
Added in 2024! €12 million Mack water coaster! Revolutionary ride that starts as boat journey then transforms into aerial coaster experience at nearly 30 meters high before finishing with spectacular 20-meter splashing plunge reaching 76 km/h! Located in brand new Scandinavian neighborhood with colorful green-roofed houses by lake. Similar to Poseidon at Europa Park. Park's biggest investment! 110cm with adult, 130cm alone.
Le Twist 🌀
Spinning coaster reaching 70 km/h! Mack spinning roller coaster opened 2011 with vehicles that spin freely while navigating 22-meter-high track. Disorienting twisting thrills! 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Azteka 🏛️
Mine train through Aztec ruins! Mining truck-themed coaster racing through ancient temple setting. Family-friendly roller coaster adventure! 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Le Tigre de Sibérie 🐯
Classic family coaster since 1990! Reverchon Industries steel roller coaster themed to Siberian tigers. Perfect first coaster for young riders! 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Le Disque du Soleil ☀️
9-meter Disk'O coaster! 40-passenger spinning disk traveling along W-shaped track while rotating. Double thrills with back-and-forth and spinning action! 120cm minimum.
The Great North River 🪵
Canadian timber log flume! Inspired by Canada's technique for transporting timber - hurtle down rapids aboard giant logs before plunging into raging river with gushing water finale! Classic log ride fun. 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Down the Colorado River 💦
Wild river rapids ride! Navigate rushing Colorado waters on rubber rings with splashing thrills and spins. Get soaked! 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
King Kong 🦍
Giant gorilla shakes you! 12-meter-tall King Kong lifts and shakes wagon in all directions. Immersive legendary ape experience! 90cm with adult, 130cm alone.
Champi'folies 🍄
Interactive mushroom hunt dark ride! Triotech Smash & Reload dark ride shooter by BoldMove (added 2023). Family-friendly interactive adventure hunting mushrooms! 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Voyage over the World 🎈
Monorail park tour - RENOVATED 2025! 12-minute scenic ride at 8 meters height in hot air balloon-themed cabins touring park grounds and zoo areas. Relaxing aerial views! No minimum height; under 140cm must ride with an adult.
The Yukon Wings 🪂
Control your hang glider! Interactive flying ride where riders control altitude soaring through Yukon skies. 100cm with adult, 120cm alone.
Alligator Bay 🐊
Louisiana swamp water battle! Splash and spray in swamp-themed interactive water attraction. Family water fun! 90cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Unique Features
France's 5th Most Visited Park
Over 750,000 visitors annually - one of France's top attractions!
Only Theme Park + Zoo Hybrid
31 rides PLUS 700+ animals (lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, pandas, sea lions) - unique in France!
FREE Under 100cm
Most generous policy - young children get free entry including both park and zoo!
Added in 2024: Fjord Explorer
€12 million Mack water coaster - park's biggest ever investment!
Renovated 2025: Monorail
Voyage over the World upgraded with new balloon-themed cabins!
50 Hectares
Massive 50-hectare site with room to explore park and zoo areas!
Canadian Wilderness Theme
Extensive Yukon/Canadian theming throughout park including Yukon Quad, Yukon Wings, Yukon Trucks!
Pricing System
- Single Day Tickets (at our last check)
- Standard 1-Day Pass
- Adult (10+ years): €39
- Child (1m to 9 years): €33
- Under 1 meter (100cm): FREE
- 2-Day Passion Pass
- Adult: €61
- Child: €50
- Season Pass (at our last check)
- Adult: €99
- Child (1m-9yr): €88
- Rapid'Sensations Fast-Pass
- €20 for express access to 7 major attractions
- What's Included
- Unlimited access to all 31 attractions
- Full zoo access to 700+ animals
- Shows and entertainment
- FREE parking (3,000 spaces!)
- Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Animal feeding experiences
- Arcade games
- Photos/souvenirs
Top Tips for Visitors
- Under 100cm FREE - Young children get free entry to park AND zoo!
- Arrive at opening - Ride Fjord Explorer and Yukon Quad first
- Plan 6-8 hours - Need time for both rides and zoo animals
- Weekday visits - Quieter Tuesday-Thursday
- Season pass - €99 pays off after 3 visits (vs €117 for 3 days)
- Rapid'Sensations - €20 fast-pass for 7 attractions if crowded
- FREE parking - 3,000 free spaces, arrive early for closest spots
- Download park app - Real-time animal feeding schedules
- Bring change of clothes - Water rides get you wet!
- Visit zoo mid-day - Animals more active, rest from ride queues
Best Times to Visit
- Quietest
- April-May, September weekdays (Tue-Thu)
- Busiest
- July-August, weekends, French school holidays
- Season
- usually mid-April to late September
- Closed
- usually from late September to mid-April (winter)
- Best weather
- May-June, September (warm, fewer crowds)
- Peak hours
- 11:00-15:00 (lunch rush)
- Zoo feeding times
- Check app - animals most active during feedings!
Facilities
- 31 attractions - 5 coasters, water rides, family fun
- 700+ animals - Lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, pandas, sea lions
- Multiple restaurants - Quick service throughout park
- Snack bars - Food near major attractions
- FREE parking - 3,000 spaces
- Picnic areas - Bring your own food allowed
- Gift shops - Souvenirs and plush animals
- Lockers - Secure belongings for water rides
- First aid - Medical support for park and animal emergencies
- Accessible facilities - Wheelchair access to many rides and zoo areas
- Baby care - Changing facilities
- Mobile app - Wait times, zoo feeding schedules, map
Getting There
- By Car
- From Lyon: 1h15 via A72 and A79 (115km)
- From Paris: 3h15 via A77 and A79 (310km)
- From Clermont-Ferrand: 1h15 via A71 and A79 (100km)
- From Moulins: 30 minutes via D2009 (27km)
- Address: D181 n°24, 03290 Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre
- FREE parking (3,000 spaces!)
- By Train
- Nearest major station: Moulins-sur-Allier (27km away)
- From Paris Gare de Lyon: 2h30 TGV to Moulins
- From Lyon Part-Dieu: 1h30 to Moulins
- Taxi from Moulins station to park: 30 minutes
- By Air
- Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport: 1h30 by car (130km)
- Clermont-Ferrand Airport: 1h15 (100km)
- GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 46.509, Longitude: 3.625
Age Recommendations
- Ages 0-4 (under 100cm): Excellent - FREE entry! 17 rides with an adult + all zoo animals
- Ages 4-7 (95-110cm): Perfect! Up to 28 attractions including family coasters + zoo
- Ages 7-12 (110-120cm): Amazing! 29 rides including Fjord Explorer water coaster
- Ages 12-16 (120-130cm): ULTIMATE! All 31 rides including Yukon Quad extreme
- Teens & Adults (130cm+): Complete access to all attractions and zoo
- Families: IDEAL - Theme park + zoo appeals to all ages!
- Animal Enthusiasts: Perfect - 700+ animals including rare species!
Money-Saving Tips
- Under 100cm FREE - Young children save €33!
- Season pass - €99 for adults (vs €117 for 3 single days)
- 2-day pass - €61 adult (vs €78 for 2 single days) saves €17
- Pack lunch - Picnic areas available
- FREE parking - No transport costs (3,000 spaces)
- Book online - Check official website for web promotions
- Weekday visits - Sometimes special rates
- Skip fast-pass - Visit on quiet days, no need for Rapid'Sensations
Safety & Restrictions
- Height Requirements Strictly Enforced
- 90cm with an adult: King Kong, Alligator Bay and family rides
- 100cm with an adult: Le Twist, Azteka, Le Tigre de Sibérie, Great North River, Colorado River, Champi'folies (140cm alone)
- 110cm with an adult: Fjord Explorer (130cm alone)
- 120cm: Le Disque du Soleil, and Yukon Quad with an adult (140cm alone)
- Measured with Shoes
- Height includes shoes for FREE entry under 100cm policy
- Age Restrictions
- Adult supervision required for children under 13
- Some attractions may frighten very young children
- Medical Conditions
- Pregnant women: Not permitted on thrill rides
- Back/neck problems: Avoid Yukon Quad, Fjord Explorer, Le Twist
- Heart conditions: Consult before intense attractions
- Motion sickness: Caution on spinning rides (Le Twist, Disque)
- General Safety
- Follow all posted requirements
- Secure loose items in lockers before water rides
- Listen to operator instructions
- Use provided restraints properly
Operating Hours & Season
- Typical season
- Opens: usually mid-April
- Closes: usually late September
- Closed: late September to mid-April (winter)
- Check the park's official calendar for this year's dates
- Typical Daily Hours
- Park opening: 10:00
- Attractions opening: 10:15 (10:05 on peak days)
- Closing: 18:00 (sometimes 19:00 on weekends/peak)
- Peak Season (July-August)
- Open daily
- Extended hours until 19:00
- All attractions operating
- Shoulder Season (April-June, September)
- Selective weekday openings during school terms
- Check calendar before visiting
- Check Official Website
Hours vary by specific date - always verify before visiting!
The Zoo at Le PAL
700+ Animals from 5 Continents
- African Savanna: Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos
- Asian Wilderness: Tigers, pandas, monkeys
- Americas: Jaguars, sea lions, otters
- Birds: Flamingos, parrots, raptors
- Farm Animals: Domestic species for children
Animal Shows & Feeding
- Sea lion shows daily
- Bird of prey demonstrations
- Feeding times throughout day (check app!)
- Educational presentations
Conservation & Education
- Species preservation programs
- Educational signage at exhibits
- Behind-the-scenes experiences available
- Wildlife conservation focus
Added in 2024-2025
Fjord Explorer (2024) 🌊
€12 million Mack water coaster! Park's biggest investment ever. Boat transforms into aerial coaster at 30m before 20m splashing plunge. Set in a Scandinavian-themed neighborhood!
Voyage over the World Renovation (2025) 🎈
Monorail upgraded with new hot air balloon-themed cabins for 12-minute scenic tour!
On-Site Accommodations
Les Lodges du PAL
- Themed lodges with animal views
- Overnight packages include 2-day park access
- Stay next to elephants, giraffes, or bears!
- Restaurant on-site
Camping
- Mobile homes and chalets available
- Walking distance to park entrance
- Family-friendly facilities
Shows & Entertainment
- Sea lion shows (multiple daily performances)
- Bird of prey demonstrations
- Animal feeding presentations
- Seasonal special events
- Character meet-and-greets
Perfect for Multi-Day Visits
- Day 1
- Focus on major rides (Yukon Quad, Fjord Explorer, coasters)
- Day 2
- Explore zoo leisurely, family rides, shows
- Why 2 days
- 31 attractions + 700 animals = too much for 1 day!
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region
- Combine with Regional Tourism
- Moulins (27km) - Historic capital of Allier with 15th-century cathedral
- Vichy (40km) - Famous spa town
- Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez - Hiking and nature
- Château de Jaligny - Medieval castle
- Local Charolais beef and Saint-Pourçain wines
Photography
- Photography allowed throughout park and zoo
- On-ride photos available at major coasters
- Animal photography encouraged (no flash)
- Photo packages at select attractions
- Share on social media: #LePAL
Group Events & Bookings
- School group packages (park + zoo education)
- Birthday party options with animal encounters
- Corporate events
- Group rates available for 20+ people
- Contact: +33 4 70 42 68 10
Languages
- French (primary language)
- English signage and information
- Some English-speaking staff at information
- Educational zoo signage in multiple languages
- International visitors welcome
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible attractions marked on map
- Companion passes available for disabled visitors
- Priority access available
- Accessible zoo pathways (some terrain challenging)
- Accessible restrooms throughout
- Some attractions not accessible due to safety requirements
- Contact park in advance: +33 4 70 42 68 10
Park History
- 1973: Zoo founded
- Early 1980s: Amusement rides added
- 1990: Le Tigre de Sibérie coaster opened
- 2011: Le Twist spinning coaster
- 2018: Yukon Quad quadbike coaster (€8M)
- 2023: Champi'folies dark ride
- 2024: Fjord Explorer water coaster (€12M)
- 2025: Monorail renovation
- Present: 750,000+ annual visitors, France's 5th most visited
Important Reminders
- Season: usually mid-April to late September only
- FREE under 100cm - Young children get free park + zoo access!
- Added in 2024: Fjord Explorer Mack water coaster!
- Unique: Only French park combining major rides + full zoo
- FREE parking - 3,000 spaces, no additional fees
- €39 adult, €33 child - Includes both park and zoo
- 750,000+ visitors - France's 5th most visited attraction
- 700+ animals - See lions, tigers, elephants, pandas!
- Plan 6-8 hours - Need time for rides AND zoo
- Yukon Quad - France's only quadbike coaster!
- Check calendar - Hours vary, verify before visiting