DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

La Garenne Zoo

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
—°10
La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)

Weather…

La Garenne Zoo in Le Vaud, situated at the foot of the Jura Mountains, is a specialized institution focusing on Swiss native fauna and regional nature conservation. Established in 1965, the facility underwent a complete reconstruction and modernization at its current site in 2016. The zoo functions as both an educational center and a vital rescue station for injured or orphaned wildlife. One of its standout features is a massive walk-in aviary, among the largest in Europe, providing a habitat for rare birds like the bearded vulture and the black stork. Visitors can observe wolves, lynxes, wildcats, and various reptile species in large, naturalistic enclosures designed to reflect their wild habitats. La Garenne is actively involved in reintroduction programs, particularly for the bearded vulture and the little owl. The park's layout is intended to foster ecological awareness and explain the intricate relationships within European ecosystems.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104912171918141040
Rain mm9675928211710710110780103100109

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
La Garenne Zoo is open year-round, but spring and summer are well-suited for seeing European fauna. In autumn, the wildlife recovery center is particularly active.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning animals are most active and visitor numbers are lower. In the afternoon, you can often observe the recovery center's work caring for injured animals.
📜
Etiquette
Please do not feed the animals, especially the patients in the recovery center. Keep distance and avoid loud noises to prevent stressing the animals.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars are useful for observing animals in the natural enclosures. As the zoo is in the Alps, sturdy shoes and a light jacket are recommended.
🧭
Getting there
La Garenne Zoo is located in Le Vaud, Vaud canton, about 30 km north of Lausanne. It is accessible by car via the A9, and buses run from Nyon.
🦌
What to expect
Some animals in the recovery center may be injured and thus less active. Be patient and respect their rest periods for meaningful observation.

Geography

Coordinates
46.42580, 6.27970

Facts

  • The zoo was originally established in the year 1965.
  • The grand reopening at the current location took place in March 2016.
  • The walk-in aviary has a total volume of 27,000 cubic meters.
  • La Garenne treats hundreds of injured wild animals annually.
  • The zoo houses one of the largest collections of European owls.
  • The facility is located at an elevation of about 650 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

GlandGland1 km · SWExplore →
RolleRolle6 km · NEExplore →
NyonNyon6 km · SWExplore →
Lake Léman / YvoireLake Léman / Yvoire7 km · SEExplore →
Lake GenevaLake Geneva10 km · EExplore →
📍Sciez13 km · SEExplore →
📍Divonne-les-Bains13 km · SWExplore →
📍Douvaine14 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town La Garenne Zoo (10)

Église Adventiste de Gland

Adventist church building in Gland, Switzerland.

Plage de la Falaise

Beach on Lake Geneva in Gland, Switzerland.

Saint- Paul

Church building in Gland, Switzerland.

Dully Castle🏰 castle

Rural castle with outbuildings in Dully, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Plage de La Dullive

Beach on Lake Geneva in Dully, Switzerland.

Théâtre de Grand-Champ

Theatre in Gland, Switzerland.

Château de Luins🏰 castle

Castle in Luins, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Vich Eglise

Church building in Vich, Switzerland.

Église de Luins

Viewpoint in Luins, Switzerland.

Château La Bâtie🏰 castle

Stately building in Vinzel, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals can be seen at La Garenne?
Mainly European wildlife such as wolves, lynx, and vultures.
Is there a playground?
Yes, there is a large and safe play area for children.
Is the zoo accessible?
Yes, the paths are flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Can you eat there?
There is a restaurant and picnic zones for those bringing their own food.
Are there animal shows?
There are commentary sessions during feedings, but no classic circus-style shows.
La Garenne Zoo: where is it located?
La Garenne Zoo is located in Switzerland.
La Garenne Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Église Adventiste de Gland, Plage de la Falaise, Saint- Paul.
La Garenne Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
La Garenne Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
La Garenne Zoo in Le Vaud, situated at the foot of the Jura Mountains, is a specialized institution focusing on Swiss native fauna and regional nature conservation.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →

Nearby cities

Köniz — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Köniz
Köniz is a municipality located directly south of Bern.
La Chaux-de-Fonds — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
La Chaux-de-Fonds
The city in the Canton of Neuchâtel is the primary center of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
Neuchâtel — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Neuchâtel
The capital of the eponymous canton is located on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel.
Emmen — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Emmen
Emmen is a significant city in the Canton of Lucerne.
Yverdon-les-Bains — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Yverdon-les-Bains
This city is located at the southwestern end of Lake Neuchâtel and is famous for its thermal springs.
Lancy — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Lancy
Lancy is a city in the Canton of Geneva and part of the Geneva metropolitan area.
Bulle — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Bulle
Bulle is the economic center of the Gruyère region in the Canton of Fribourg.
Bulle-La Tour — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Bulle-La Tour
Bulle is located in the canton of Fribourg in the Gruyère region.
Renens — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Renens
Renens is a city in the Canton of Vaud and part of the Lausanne metropolitan area.
Riehen — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Riehen
Riehen is a municipality in the Canton of Basel-Stadt, directly bordering Germany.
Vevey — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Vevey
Vevey is located on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud.
Meyrin — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Meyrin
Meyrin is a municipality in the Canton of Geneva.
Carouge — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Carouge
Carouge is a city in the Canton of Geneva, directly adjacent to the city of Geneva.
Reinach — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Reinach
Reinach is a city in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft.
Olten — La Garenne Zoo (Switzerland)
Olten
Olten is the largest city in the Canton of Solothurn and the most important railway junction in Switzerland.