Imagine a dense Apennine foresta children's book, lost among the mountains. You're on the road from Lucca to the Garfagnanawith that rare excitement you feel before a real adventure... And then you come across the parco dell'orecchiellaIt's more of a nature park than a classic zoo - but the name certainly piques your curiosity! I've stopped off here on several occasions, fleeing Tuscany saturated with tourists in search ofauthenticity and, above all, silence. Here, there are no parrots screeching over strollers or endless queues under a blazing sun: everything is calm, fresh, full of local wildlife and of lush greenery. In short, welcome to my secret corner between hiking, wild animals and sandwich breaks with panoramic views.
4-person villas
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Villas with swimming pool
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Detached villas
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Villas for 20 people
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Last minute offer!
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The cheapest
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With private pool
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Where is the parco dell'orecchiella? A quick geo
First, let's situate this paradise, because even Google Maps sometimes gets lost in it (first-hand experience, sticky sunscreen included). Visit parco dell'orecchiella nestles in the province of Luccanorth of the Tuscanyin the heart of the Apenninesfamous for its super-green landscapes and jewel-like hidden villages.
It is usually reached by car after a pleasant drive through the Garfagnana - There's nothing like it to get you in the mood for nature: winding roads, rolling forests, the scent of pine and fresher air than in Florence in summer (to give you an idea, you can easily make it to the top of the hill! 5 to 7 degrees according to ARPA Toscana). A real breath of fresh air, away from the crowds.
Between nature park and new-generation zoo
We talk about "zoo", but forget the stereotypes. Here, the word refers to a protected area where to observe native species in vast semi-free spaces, nothing like the concrete cages of the 80s. The park extends over more than 2150 hectaresThat's almost five times the size of Central Park (source: Regione Toscana), so there's plenty of room for a leisurely stroll without running into an army of flip-flop-clad visitors.
The set belongs to the Orecchiella nature reservecreated to protect biodiversity: it's as much a haven for the flora and fauna is a playground for all sports enthusiasts. hiking or just curious walkers. No marketing shows, just nature... and you! Speaking of the region, if you want to discover a must-see city during your stay, be sure to visit Lucca.
What to see and do Welcome to the kingdom of animals and walks
It sounds cliché, but here you often just have to raise your head to come face to face with the wild - A true story: my first stag I saw at twenty metres when I thought I was alone in the world! The park is designed to blend animal observationenvironmental education and the simple pleasure of nature walk. For those with a passion for walking, or simply to admire the varied landscapes, Tuscany is home to famous hiking trails allowing you to explore other exceptional natural areas nearby.
There's something for everyone: families with children, photographers with glasses stuck in their hair, or adventurers with muddy shoes. Here's what I liked best, and why you might fall in love with these places too:
- Hiking Several marked trails, suitable for all levels, wind their way through the forest and offer superb views of the Garfagnana and the surrounding valleys. Perfect for those who like to walk without thinking they're Mike Horn.
- Wildlife watching : difficult to guarantee a meeting on every visit, as the wildlife likes to play hide-and-seek. But between wild boar, mouflons, fallow deer, birds of prey and sometimes Marsican bears (rarer, but officially present according to ISPRA 2023), the natural casting is enough to fill an entire photo album.
- Botanical garden on site, an area is dedicated to regional plant species. You'll leave inspired (and dream of having even one thousandth of this diversity in your IKEA living room...).
Stop at the visitors' center and pedagogic mini-zoo
Bonus point for families or studious souls: the visitor centerlocated at the main entrance, offers exhibits, interactive maps and itinerary advice (in English and Italian). The caretakers frequently organize workshops, perfect for understanding the great dynamic between man, animals and the forest, without breaking the magic with soporific Powerpoint. If you want to enrich your discovery of the region, there are also three places to visit in Tuscany combining nature and exceptional heritage.
A small, secure area is also home to a few local specimens in recoveryIt's like being in an educational mini-zoo. I remember watching buzzards being groomed, proof that rehabilitation isn't just a buzzword here!
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4-person villas
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Villas with swimming pool
|
Detached villas
|
Villas for 20 people
|
Last minute offer!
|
The cheapest
|
With private pool
|
Why choose parco dell'orecchiella over the tourist classics?
Nothing against Tuscan must-sees, that's for sure. But let's face it: the Leaning Tower of Pisa is overflowing with people in a hurry (all taking the same must-see photo), Florence looks like Disneyland from Whitsun, and Siena charges truffle prices for even the smallest café vu-piazza. To really breathe, the Garfagnanathe lesser-known, offers another face of the Tuscany a mysterious, rougher land, where seeing a deer is a welcome alternative to lining up in front of souvenir stores.
Around the parkFamily-run hotels, mountain refuges and small restaurants serve polenta and local cold meats... You can still eat hot, tasty and hearty food without mortgaging three months' wages. Please note: according to ISTAT, the tourist numbers in the mountainous areas around Lucca remains around three times lower than on the Pisano coast - so fewer noisy crowds, more oxygen for yourself. Breathe, it's a gift.
- Customizable experience Explore on your own or with a guide, take part in workshops or simply improvise a siesta under the shelter of a beech tree.
- Authenticity guaranteed Here, no one will be selling "I love Tuscany" T-shirts on every corner.
- Family atmosphere (but not garish) The site attracts locals as well as a few insiders, including big salvos of "Ciao!", but enough space to avoid having to put up with other people's brats for more than ten minutes.
How much does a trip to the parco dell'orecchiella cost? Practical comparison
A little picture is worth a thousand words to help you understand why this site remains accessible, even when you have to watch your phone. vacation budget :
| Services | Parco dell'orecchiella | Classic urban zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Full adult rate | 6 € (entrance to animal area) | 19 - 24 € |
| Parking | Free or low-cost | 4 - 10 € |
| Our services | Visitor center, open-air trails, picnic area, botanical garden | Rides, fast food, paying shows |
| Traffic | Low/moderate | High during vacation periods |
Total budget for four people (two adults, two children) with home-made picnic: very reasonable, especially compared to some urban parks where you leave with a lighter bank account and, sometimes, a headache to boot. Yes, here the nature has never cost so little.
When to go and what to pack My tips after a few visits
As with all nature walksThinking about weather and altitude changes the whole program. Avoid July/August for city transhumance training - prefer May, June or September to fully appreciate the pure air and the discretion of the wild animals. In autumn, the forest is adorned with breathtaking colors, creating a living tableau at every turn.
Bring: comfortable shoes, light k-way (the weather turns quickly in the Apennines), binoculars and a snack. And, as an essential bonus, set aside at least half a day to enjoy yourself without running from spot to spot like a Panini sticker collector. Take your time, really.
Frequently asked questions about parco dell'orecchiella and activities in Garfagnana
What kind of wild animals can you see in the parco dell'orecchiella?
The park is mainly home to native species such as stags, deer, fallow deer, mouflons, wild boars and, more discreetly, a few marsican bears. Numerous birds of prey such as buzzards, golden eagles and owls. Finally, lizards, rare amphibians and insects complete the rich local wildlife visible through the seasons.
Is it possible to hike freely in the nature reserve, even without a guide?
Yes, many paths are freely accessible, perfectly signposted and adapted to different levels: from beginner to expert. easy stroll family to the real thing hiking for athletes. However, we recommend that you consult the visitor center to obtain a map, safety tips and information on open routes depending on the season.
- Short trails (1 to 3 km) ideal for beginners and families
- Medium circuits (4 to 8 km) for regular walkers
- Long loops (>10 km) reserved for the most experienced riders
What are the differences between the parco dell'orecchiella and a conventional zoo?
the parco dell'orecchiella is distinguished by the size of its natural areasthe absence of traditional cages and the emphasis placed on preservation of local ecosystems. It's more of a open nature reservewhere humans and animals live together without marketing gimmicks or shows.
| Features | Parco dell'orecchiella | Classic zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Living environment | Natural forest, meadows, Apennine hills | Artificial cages or enclosures, often in cities |
| Visible species | Local animals in semi-liberty (deer, mouflons, birds of prey...) | Exotic animals, often bred outside their natural habitat |
| Main objective | Preservation, ecological awareness, discreet observation | Fun, animal shows, entertainment |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, immersive, close to nature | Noisy, lively, crowded |
| Welcome | Informative visitor center, enthusiastic staff | Souvenir sellers, mascots, sales events |