Family Days out with The Bonds
OUT FOR THE DAY….at the Parc Animalier de Casteil
Meet Rosaleen Bond and her three junior journalists,
They will be travelling the department to give us the low down on family days out in the area.
They purchased a ‘holiday home’ in Vernet Les Bains off the internet during the confinement. Following their first visit in 2021 they decided to do a year in France – that was 3 years ago.
They regularly head back to the west of Ireland but have well and truly made the P-O their home.
The Experience
Nestled above the village of Casteil at 800 metres on the slopes of the Canigou massif, the Parc Animalier de Casteil is not your typical zoo. It’s a 3.5-kilometre mountain loop that climbs and dips through woodland, opening out to dramatic views of Canigou and across to the striking Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou perched on its rocky spur.
This is part wildlife park, part mini mountain hike. You explore on foot through natural terrain rather than paved paths, passing more than 300 animals in spacious enclosures spread across 25 hectares. One moment you’re walking through fir trees, the next you’re watching the wolves, and then suddenly you’re looking up at snow-capped skylines.
We always bring a picnic. There are shaded tables near the entrance, but our favourite spot is halfway round, sitting high above the valley with birds of prey circling overhead. It feels immersive and unhurried not a rushed zoo visit, but a proper day in the Catalan Pyrenees.
The Zoo
The park is home to European species you might dream of seeing in the wild. There are wolves, brown bears, lynx and deer alongside globe-trotters such as wallabies, yaks, alpacas and macaws. Lions are always impressive, while prairie dogs and tortoises can keep children entertained for ages.
Plan at least three hours to complete the full loop. There’s around 200 metres of elevation gain, so it feels like a short mountain hike with frequent “wow” stops. Mornings are best in warmer months when both temperatures and animals are livelier.
For something different, you can book exclusive experiences. “Sleep with the Wolves” allows families (age 5+) to stay overnight in a rustic cabin beside the wolf enclosure, with park access for two days. There’s also a half-day “Keeper for a Morning” experience on selected dates, offering behind-the-scenes insight into animal care.
Because of the terrain, pushchairs aren’t practical, but baby carriers are available to borrow free of charge. Electric buggies can also be rented if the slopes feel daunting.
Mum Tips
Go early and go light. A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential on sunny days. Wear proper shoes as this is a hillside walk, not a flat zoo circuit.
Do a “tactical toilet stop” at the entrance before you set off there are none along the route. If little legs tire easily, you can shorten the visit and loop around the lions and wolves without completing the entire circuit.
If you live nearby, the annual pass quickly pays for itself. Two visits and you’re covered. We go several times a year, and each season feels slightly different, especially when there are new baby animals.
Kids Tips
Leave time for the play area near the exit. Don’t get too distracted by the ‘aire de jouets’ the animals are much cooler.
Take a €2 bag of grain at the entrance for feeding areas – but don’t give it all to the goats !
Take a €2 bag of grain at the entrance for feeding areas – but don’t give it all to the goats !
You can read the full article on my blog www.theadventuresofamum.com