Le Refuge de l'Arche

Description

The Refuge de l’Arche, situated in Château-Gontier (53), has as its primary mission the rescue and care of wild animals in distress. It takes in, cares for and looks after around a thousand animals seized by the authorities or abandoned by members of the public.
Whether victims of abuse, human folly or trauma, every animal has a story that you are sure to discover during your visit. Whether illegally kept, from the entertainment industry (circuses), zoos or retired from laboratories, they begin a new life here. A true sanctuary, all the animals here have been rescued. Having become too accustomed to human contact and unable to be released back into the wild, big cats, bears, monkeys, birds, reptiles and others will live out their days as peacefully as possible.

More than just a visit, our guide will meet you along the tour route to tell you more about the lives, characteristics and stories of our residents.

Le Refuge de l’Arche is run by the charity Le CEPAN (Club for the Study and Protection of Animals and Nature), which has been recognised as a public-interest organisation since November 2014. New for 2022: big cat enclosures, new primate areas, European zone.

OPENING TIMES:
January: 10.00–17.00, weekends only (closed on 1 January)
February, March: 10.00–18.00
April, May, June, July, August: 10.00–19.00
September, October: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
November, December: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, school holidays only (all zones combined), public holidays and weekends (closed on 25 December).

Last admission: 1 hour before the park closes
For safety reasons, the Refuge may be closed in the event of bad weather.
The shop is open all year round.

NEW FOR 2026:
The ‘Apprentice Caretaker’ activity book accompanies children aged 6 to 10 throughout their visit to the Refuge de l’Arche.
Through fun and educational games, they discover the role of an animal carer and learn more about the animal world. Price: €3
Guided tour: Would you like to find out more about the animals you encounter during your visit? At the Refuge’s reception, scan a QR code and enjoy a free guided tour directly on your phone. Fun facts, behavioural insights, explanations about the species… The animal carers and the guide will accompany you throughout your tour, via audio or text. A new way to discover the Refuge de l’Arche – even more immersive and enriching!

FAMILY / CHILDREN:
- New for 2026/2027: a fun, hands-on educational trail
- Activities
- Educational workshops