CASTLES THOIRY

Château de Thoiry, built in 1559 by the de La Panouse family near Paris, represents a unique blend of Renaissance architecture with modern wildlife and botanical experiences across 150 hectares. The castle itself, still home to the Counts of La Panouse and available for guided tours, features architecture based on the golden ratio. The estate is renowned for Thoiry ZooSafari, hosting nearly 1,500 animals of around 100 species living semi-wild across an 8-kilometre drive through an African Reserve, alongside France's largest plant maze and designated Remarkable Gardens. Special offerings include candlelit concerts, escape games in historic cellars, and innovative interactive experiences blending history with contemporary entertainment.

Château de Thoiry is a sprawling 150-hectare estate west of Paris featuring a 16th-century castle, extensive zoological park, and remarkable botanical gardens. Built by Raoul Moreau, an alchemist and royal treasurer, the castle's architecture was ingeniously designed by Philibert de L'Orme to align with summer and winter solstices. The grounds encompass an 8-kilometer drive-through African Reserve hosting approximately 1,500 animals representing 100 different species, including lions, bears, and rhinos, alongside a walk-through zoo. The estate's diverse gardens include autumn, perfume, rose, and French flowerbeds, complemented by an English garden, offering visitors an exceptional blend of historic architecture and modern wildlife experiences.