The Animal Park of Sainte-Croix and its lodges on the Rivière de l'ours noir

During our summer trip, we had the chance to discover the Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix, a zoological park nestled in the heart of the Lorraine regional natural park. Discover it? Yes, but also stay there! And not in any way since we slept with (or more exactly above) black bears and American bison! Story of our favorite discovery of the summer…

The beautiful history of Sainte-Croix Park takes root in the early 80s when Gérald Singer, a farmer and passionate about local wildlife, decided to convert his agricultural land into an animal park. Of course, the bet is crazy but Gérald's determination and his desire to transmit his passion for nature will overcome the obstacles, the difficulties, and even the skepticism.

From the moment he created it, the founder of the Park wanted to include it in a responsible approach that respects nature, the environment, and of course animals. Today, 40 years and a few hardships later, the Animal Park has continued to grow without ever denying the principles that governed its creation.

Even today, the Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix can boast of being the first European wildlife park in France. On nearly 120 hectares of unspoiled nature, it offers its visitors the opportunity to meet more than 1,500 animals from no less than 130 species.

As Gérald Singer has always wished, it is above all the local and European fauna that the Park has chosen to highlight. Thus, at the bend of a path, visitors will have the pleasure of discovering Corsican mouflons, Scottish cows, Przewalski's horses or even coming face to face with Alpine marmots and European grey wolves.

That said, without sacrificing animal welfare on the altar of exoticism, the Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix has also been able to diversify and now welcomes residents from other parts of the world. It is in this way that in 2019, a new area of   8.5 hectares was devoted to the great North American spaces and that American bison, prairie dogs but also coyotes, and black bears elected residence in Sainte-Croix. And still, in the species from elsewhere, we also bet that the children will marvel at the agility of the gibbons, the antics of the lemurs, or the plenitude of the little red pandas.

Visiting the Park is good. Sleeping there is (even) better!

About ten years ago, the Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix offered its visitors for the first time to stay in the heart of the Park and more precisely on the threshold of the domain of the wolves! The public immediately responded very favorably to this (sleepy) call of nature. Now, 46 ecological lodges are installed on the estate. Among these, there are the cabins in the trees (which are sure to awaken the Robinson who sleeps in each of you), the lodges scattered along with the territories of the wolves (so that your imagination can be lulled by their howls ) and those who dominate the plain of stags, fallow deer and hinds.

And then, the little ones to date, the lodges of the New World which include the Grange aux coyotes and the lodges of the Rivière de l'ours noir. It is precisely in one of these that we were offered to stay and let's not spare the suspense, the experience was incredible.

Our night with bears and bison!

The adventure of an overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness begins with a traditional (but not at all rushed) visit to the Park itself. It must be said that staying in a lodge allows access to the Park during the day before the night but also the next day, a great opportunity to take full advantage of all that the site has to offer and to show. That said, it's really when the departure time strikes for classic visitors that the thrill of adventure seizes us. It is indeed time to take possession of our accommodation and get ready for the (beautiful) evening and the (superb) night that awaits us.

Housing

Installed on stilts and overlooking the Black Bear River, the lodges are entirely designed in wood and offer a level of finish that we would not have guessed. It's very simple, as soon as you cross the threshold, you are amazed (both for young and old). The lodge is spread over 49 m² and is tastefully decorated in the spirit of New World trappers. The immersion is total, especially since the lodge extends via a large bay window onto a 14 m² terrace which offers a breathtaking view of the bison and bears.

The night

After a last look at the bears and bison choosing a place for the night not far from our terrace, we settle down for a well-deserved night's rest. And again, the lodge exceeds our expectations. In addition to offering all the necessary comfort, it has excellent bedding, guaranteeing a boost of energy for the new adventures that awaited us the next day (hello, the very nice barefoot course).

In conclusion

The Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix is a park that is as committed as it is engaging. Moreover, more than 350,000 visitors per year can not be mistaken, it is a special place that is well worth the detour. A true haven of peace and serenity, it sets itself up as an ardent defender of the environment and animal well-being. While offering its visitors unique encounters, unforgettable stays, and constant wonder, it never forgets the essential: Here, man is only a privileged guest facing the beauty of nature.