Frequently Asked Questions about the Nuage de Beauval cable car
Before you set off on a journey with your head in the clouds, aboard France’s first cable car on private land and the first in a zoo, perhaps you have a few questions? We’ve put together a FAQ covering the most frequently asked questions about ZooParc de Beauval’s big new attraction for 2019!
Why build a cable car?
What is the purpose of a cable car at Beauval?
First and foremost, the cable car is a means of transport designed to make visiting the park easier (particularly for people with disabilities), as it connects the two ends of the park in just a few minutes. And if we’re going to create a way to enhance the visitor experience, why not make it truly exceptional? The Nuage de Beauval offers our visitors a unique experience, providing a new perspective on the park and its animals.
What are its benefits or advantages?
It is a quiet and eco-friendly mode of transport, as it is the form of public transport that emits the least CO₂ per person. Furthermore, its installation did not require any major restructuring within the park. Finally, its capacity is flexible, allowing it to carry large numbers of visitors.
‘Le Nuage’ and the animals at Beauval
Which animals can be seen from above?
Visitors aboard the Nuage de Beauval will fly over the enclosures of elephants, okapis, Tasmanian devils, gorillas, sea lions and bongos. But the cable car also offers panoramic views of many other species in the park (rhinos, giraffes, hippos, lions, etc.).
What impact does this have on the animals? Is the cable car noisy?
The cable car makes very little noise. The only sounds heard are at the stations. The animals along its route have shown no particular signs of stress. Only the gorillas were somewhat wary during the first few days of operation. They have now realised that this structure poses no danger to them and have become accustomed to its presence.
Isn’t it dangerous for the birds?
To ensure the protection of wildlife, bird deterrents have been fitted to a cable running above the main cable car cable.
Planning your visit
Is access to the cable car free?
No ticket is required to board the Nuage de Beauval. Access is included in the ZooParc entry ticket, and therefore in the ZooPass and ZooPass Premium, at no extra cost. And you can make as many journeys as you like.
Can you take a pushchair or a wheelchair into the cabins?
Yes, the cabins are designed to accommodate one wheelchair or pushchair per cabin. The dimensions of a cabin are as follows: 80 cm wide (door opening) and 170 cm deep. Please note that electric scooters hired from Beauval are not permitted in the cable cars.
Are dogs allowed in the cabins?
With the exception of guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs for people with disabilities, animals are not permitted inside the Nuage de Beauval.
Will the cable car operate all year round?
In its first year, the Nuage de Beauval will be open to the public from 30 March until the evening of 11 November 2019. You’ll also be able to enjoy this exceptional mode of transport at the end of the year, from 21 December 2019 until the evening of 5 January 2020. It will then reopen on 1 February 2020.
Check the opening dates and times for the Nuage de Beauval.
What rules must be followed inside the cabins?
- Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult
- Do not obstruct the closing of the doors
- Do not rock the cabin
- Do not push against the cabin walls
- Do not lean against the doors
- Do not throw anything out of the windows
- Do not smoke or light fires in the cabin
- Do not eat or drink
Technical specifications
How long does the journey take from the elephants to the lions?
There are several possible speeds. Depending on weather conditions and visitor numbers, the journey time for the cabins may vary between 3.40 mins and 5.20 mins, depending on the speed.
What is the maximum height of the Nuage de Beauval above the park?
The cable cars rise to over 40 metres above ground level, at the height of the pylons.
What is the distance covered by the cable car above the park?
Between the two stations, the cable car takes you a distance of 800 metres.
How many cabins are there in total?
The Nuage de Beauval comprises a total of 24 cabins: 16 standard cabins and 8 with floor-to-ceiling windows (1 in every 3 cabins)
What is the capacity per cabin?
The maximum capacity is 8 people (or 600 kilos), including children. Four people can sit on the folding bench and a further four can stand.
What is the maximum daily capacity?
Around 2,400 people can travel from one end of the park to the other every hour.
Safety and maintenance
What happens if a door is not closed properly?
If the door does not close completely, a mechanical sensor located directly on the cabin will automatically bring the cable car to a complete halt.
Can the cable car operate in all weather conditions?
Our operators are kept informed of weather conditions and pay particular attention to wind speed and direction. From 15 m/s (54 km/h) we have to slow down; from 20 m/s (72 km/h) the Nuage de Beauval ceases to operate.
What should you do in the event of an unexpected stop?
Loudspeakers allow the cable car operators to address passengers and give them instructions to follow. In addition, you will find an emergency number in each cabin to contact in the event of a major problem.
What are the safety procedures?
All procedures are set out in writing and detailed in the safety standards with which we comply. Nothing is left to the discretion of ZooParc de Beauval and its staff.
In the event of an incident, firefighters from the Hazardous Environment Response and Reconnaissance Unit, trained in evacuation procedures for this type of structure, will be called in to support the local teams and ZooParc staff.
What maintenance work is carried out?
Every day, the stations are thoroughly inspected to check the various components. In addition, the operation of the emergency engine and the positioning of the cabins are checked every week.
To complement these checks, an annual audit is also carried out by an external body to ensure that the Nuage meets all safety standards for high-altitude ski lifts.
How often are the cabins cleaned?
The cabins are cleaned throughout the day, and at least once a day. Cleaning is carried out during periods of low passenger numbers so as not to disrupt public access.
