Just 50 km from Nice there is a unique place for nature lovers. It’s a reserve for wild animals, including Polish bison from Białowieża forest.

La Réserve Biologique des Monts d’Azur is a nature reserve for wild animals. It is located just 50 km west of Nice and offers guided animal walks, homemade food, and accommodation surrounded by nature. Here you can admire Polish bison and the rare Przewalski’s horses.

The bison reserve – an attraction for the whole family

The reserve is a private area, but anyone can take advantage of its attractions. In summer, you can sleep in the safari cabins, the roofs of which are made of fabric and look like big tents. Rooms in hotels are also available all year round. In winter, you can walk in the snow with snowshoes on your feet.

The biggest draw-card of the reserve, however, are the wild animals. These are mainly bison, Przewalski’s horses, deer, and wild boar, but there are many other, smaller species that live here. Interestingly, many of the bison were brought here at the beginning of the 21st century from the Białowieża forest (Poland). They are bred here because the main purpose of the reserve is to increase their European populations.

The entire area of the reserve covers 700 hectares and the conditions here are just like those on the American prairie. Animals can be admired up close, but only with a guide, whose job it is to care about the safety of both the tourists and the animals. Care and attention to nature can be seen at every step; for example, when the guide examines the droppings left by a wolf that should not be in the reserve. It is worth knowing that there is a lot of dung,  and, in fact, walks take place among these heaps ;).

Practical information

The reserve is located in the area of Thorenc, although it is actually the territory of the town of Andon. It is only accessible by car, and the route from Nice passes through the beautiful Loup Canyon with its great views. There is a large, free car park on the reserve, as well as toilets, a shop, and a restaurant.

There is a fee for visiting the reserve. You can choose a 1.5-hour guided walk (€ 19, or € 27 with snowshoes when it’s snowing) or a 60-minute carriage ride (€ 24). Prices drop slightly in winter, and there are also discounts for children and teenagers. Entry to the reserve takes place in groups at specific times, which vary depending on the season. Detailed information can be found at reserve-biologique.com.

If you are wondering whether it is worth spending the money to walk among the animals, my answer is definitely: YES! Here, there are passionate people who tell interesting stories about this place and its inhabitants. The possibility of seeing beautiful and large bison and other animals up close is a great lesson, and a great time spent with nature.