The deer rut

An unforgettable experience in the marvellous setting of the Parc Animalier de Saint-Croix

Sainte-Croix is widely acknowledged as the place to be during deer mating season. We are ranked in the top ten venues for observing a rut by French magazine Le Chasseur Français.

Visit us between Saturday 21 September to Sunday 13 October 2019 for a thorough explanation of the annual ritual. Stages tend to be most virulent at dawn and dusk but at Sainte-Croix – where the animals are used to human presence – it is not unusual to hear belling and observe rutting during the day.

Nature lovers will delight in the morning and evening observation sessions. You can even stay overnight for a full-blown camping experience. We also organise special sessions for photographers.

Morning deer rut observation, from 06:00

Listen avidly as your guide explains one of the most spectacular rituals in the animal kingdom. Your dawn awakening is rewarded with a hearty breakfast.

Sundays from 19 September to 10 October 2021