Bucolia: a behind-the-scenes look at one of Beauval’s major new attractions for 2026
Behind the ‘Elephants’ Cable Car’ station, a whole new world is taking shape. With Bucolia, ZooParc de Beauval invites its visitors to embark on a journey through time, discovering the farms of yesteryear in the Berry and Sologne regions. A sensory and family-friendly experience at the heart of French rural traditions, where heritage, animals and emotions come together from spring 2026.
Watch our video and go behind the scenes of this major new attraction by continuing to read this news item!
It was at this bustling construction site that we met up with Rodolphe Delord, CEO of ZooParc de Beauval. With a keen eye and unhurried demeanour, he surveys the future buildings of Bucolia – one of the major new attractions for 2026, scheduled to open in early April – chatting with the teams, inspecting the structures and keeping a close eye on every detail of this ambitious project.
Conceived as a fully themed, life-size farm, Bucolia is already shaping up to be a unique destination within the park, combining authenticity, education and emotion, true to Beauval’s DNA.
Preserving domestic biodiversity, creating a conservatory for heritage breeds
Conceived as a life-size farm, Bucolia will immerse visitors in the rural world of Berry, Sologne and Central France. Here, there is no single star attraction, but a genuine diversity of heritage and regional breeds – some of which are little-known – that are rarely seen in the countryside these days: Berry black donkeys, Sologne sheep, Poitou goats, Berry ‘cou clair’ goats, Houdan hens and Contres hens. In total, around a hundred animals representing some twenty breeds will be on display. All these animals will make Bucolia a veritable sanctuary for ancient domestic breeds. “Beauval is renowned for its vital role in the conservation of wildlife biodiversity. With Bucolia, we will also be preserving domestic biodiversity. Bucolia will be a sanctuary for ancient domestic breeds,” emphasises Rodolphe Delord.
Other animals, better known but utterly adorable, such as miniature donkeys and Shetland ponies, will also be on display at this new farm.
Authentic architecture brought to life by local craftsmanship
As the tour progresses, the project takes shape: traditional barns, impressive roof structures, oak doors, roofs thatched with Camargue reeds, and buildings designed with meticulous attention to detail. A bold architectural vision, made possible thanks to local businesses and craftsmen with time-honoured skills, most of whom are from the region. Carpentry, timber framing, roofing: Bucolia is also a showcase for the region’s heritage and local expertise.
A truly vibrant village for young and old alike
But Bucolia will not be just an animal park. The site has been designed as a vibrant, living village, complete with a shop, a restaurant spanning over 250 m², a landscaped terrace, a 1900s-style carousel, immersive water features known as Les Roches Vives, and numerous shaded walkways. Hundreds of trees, mostly fruit trees and native species, will be planted to breathe new life into a site that was previously largely devoid of trees.
An immersive experience to raise awareness among younger generations
Designed primarily to raise awareness among younger generations, Bucolia will offer a unique experience at Beauval: the chance for children – and adults – to get up close to the animals, and sometimes even touch them, whilst ensuring their welfare is respected. “Raising awareness is all about emotion: touch, smell, and closeness. Many children have never experienced the smell of a farm,” explains Rodolphe Delord.
Bucolia, a new attraction for 2026 not to be missed at ZooParc de Beauval
With just a few months to go before it opens, work on the site is progressing rapidly. Bucolia promises to be a place of learning, emotion and reconnection with our roots – a must-see new attraction that will enrich the experience of visitors to ZooParc de Beauval from early April 2026.
