The park was created by Jean Delacour, a world-renowned ornithologist who served as the director of the American Museum of Natural History.
Many of the park's animals, including wallabies and several waterfowl species, roam freely throughout the gardens rather than in cages.
The estate includes a 16th-century manor house built in the Renaissance style that remains the focal point of the park's landscape.
The park serves as a conservation breeding site for endangered species, including the white-naped crane and the scaly-sided merganser.
It features a specialized botanical collection, including rare trees from North America and Asia introduced during the 20th century.
Parc de Clères is a 13-hectare botanical garden and zoological park situated around a 16th-century manor house in Normandy. The park was founded in 1919 by ornithologist Jean Delacour and is currently managed by the Seine-Maritime Departmental Council. It specializes in the conservation of rare and endangered bird species, housing approximately 2,000 animals across 200 species. The grounds feature a river-fed lake and diverse botanical collections, including an arboretum and an English-style landscape garden. Visitors encounter animals such as wallabies, muntjac deer, and various crane species roaming in semi-liberty throughout the estate. The site also serves as a center for scientific research and environmental education regarding biodiversity. The medieval-style castle provides a historic architectural backdrop to the animal enclosures. The park maintains a strong focus on the acclimatization of exotic species within the temperate climate of the Varenne valley.
The wooden footbridge overlooking the lake with the 16th-century manor house in the background.
Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes as the terrain includes grass paths, gravel trails, and potentially damp areas near the lake.
Allocate extra time to sit quietly in the park; animals often approach visitors more closely when the area is calm.
Check the park's official website for scheduled animal feeding demonstrations before arriving.
Do not attempt to pet or touch the free-roaming animals, as they are wild and may react defensively.
Closed during the winter season; the park typically reopens in spring.
Do not feed the animals, as they follow specific dietary plans; remain on marked pathways to protect the natural habitat.
