Located in Gradignan, to the south of the Bordeaux metropolitan area, the René Canivenc animal park, also known as the Moulineau park, is open to visitors for free all year round. Open every day from 8 AM until sunset, it offers a chance to discover more than 50 species of animals in a natural setting, with the Eau Bourde river flowing through it.
Discover over 50 species in Gradignan
As you wander along the paths, visitors can spot a variety of animals: deer, fallow deer, wallabies, peacocks, emus, and even farm animals.
The park also hosts several endangered regional domestic breeds, as part of a partnership that has been active since 2005 with the Aquitaine Breed Conservatory. You can see: Landes cows, Gascony land sheep, Pyrenean goats, Landes horses, and even Gascon hens. Informative signs along the trail help you learn more about the local wildlife and flora.
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©David Remazeilles (Gironde Tourisme)
A Nature House with a Free Aquarium
In the heart of the park, the Nature House offers an educational space with 14 aquariums showcasing more than 20 species of freshwater fish: sturgeons, pikes, perches, and carp. Altogether, they hold 22,000 liters of water, including a main tank of 10,000 liters. In addition, insects and small mammals complete the visit.
A family park just a stone's throw from Bordeaux
Parc René Canivenc offers playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and walking paths, making it the perfect destination for a family outing. Good to know: dogs are allowed on a leash, except in certain areas like the playground or the Nature House.
To get there, you can ride your bike (about 8 km from the center of Bordeaux) or take bus line #36, stopping at "Mairie de Gradignan."
