Réserve Africaine de Sigean

Languedoc-Roussillon


Opened in 1974, this 300-hectare wildlife reserve aims to recreate the atmosphere of the African savannah – a climate not all that different from the Languedoc’s dry and dusty plains. Lions, white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes and zebras are just a few of the 160 species on show, with some 3800 animals here in all. Some areas are drive-through, while others you explore on foot. The reserve is off the A9, 17km south of Narbonne.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Languedoc-Roussillon attractions

1. Abbaye de Fontfroide

5.09 MILES

Founded by Cistercian monks in 1093, Fontfroide Abbey became one of southern France’s most powerful ecclesiastical centres during the Middle Ages…

2. Palais des Archevêques

8.45 MILES

The former archbishops' palace houses several archaeological museums. Roman mosaics and stucco paintings are on display at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire…

3. Cathédrale St-Just

8.52 MILES

Narbonne’s most distinctive landmark is actually only half-finished: construction was halted in the 14th century, and only the towers and choir reached…

4. Château d’Aguilar

16.1 MILES

Squatting on a low hill near the village of Tuchan, Aguilar features six corner turrets and a hexagonal outer wall. It’s the smallest of the Cathar…

5. Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel

20.26 MILES

The cave-riddled cliffs above Tautavel, 34km northwest of Perpignan along the D117, have yielded a host of prehistoric finds, most notably a human skull…

6. Écluses de Fonseranes

22.03 MILES

Situated 1km southwest of town is this famous stepladder of eight locks and nine gates. The whole area was fully renovated in 2017 and is now one of…

7. Pont-Canal

22.61 MILES

This 19th-century aqueduct of the Canal du Midi is on the southern edge of town, bridging the Orb River. It affords stupendous views of the city.

8. Château de Quéribus

23.21 MILES

Perched 728m up on a rocky hill, Quéribus was the site of the Cathars’ last stand in 1255. Its structure is well preserved: the salle du pilier (pillars'…