Marvellous Rocamadour Monkey Forest in France (inc. video)

While travelling through France’s stunning landscapes in our campervan, we discovered an unexpected gem: the Rocamadour Monkey Forest, or Foret des Singes.

In the lush Occitanie region of southern France, the 20-hectare Monkey Forest is home to about 150 free-roaming Barbary Macaques.

This sanctuary mimics their native Atlas Mountains habitat, offering visitors a unique opportunity to watch these playful primates in their natural surroundings.

Video: Watch Monkey Business in the Monkey Forest

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Barbary macaques with our exclusive video.

Experience firsthand the charming behaviours and interactions of these fascinating creatures in the serene setting of the Monkey Forest.

Map: Forêt des Singes Monkey Forest, Rocamadour

Our Experience of the Monkey Forest, France

Amidst the rustling leaves and monkey chatter, our visit to the Monkey Forest was marked by a profound connection. As we gazed into the eyes of the Barbary Macaques, their human-like expressions struck a chord, echoing our own emotions.

Their curious and knowing glances transformed the encounter into a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.

As we wandered through the Monkey Forest, the path led us through varied landscapes where we could see the Barbary Macaques up close.

Monkey Bonding

Observing the Barbary Macaques in their natural groups was fascinating. They are incredibly social, frequently engaging in grooming sessions that serve both as a hygiene measure and a critical part of their social bonding.

Watching them interact in such familiar ways highlighted the depth of their social connections.

Not just limited to grooming, these macaques also exhibit strong family ties. Both parents are actively involved in the nurturing and protection of their young.

This parental behaviour is quite touching and offers visitors a great moment of connection, as it echoes familiar human behaviours.

These observations made our visit not just a chance to see monkeys in the wild but a profound insight into their complex social lives.

The monkeys’ interactions—from playfulness to parental care—were not only endearing but also educational, showcasing the intricate social structures that govern their communities.

Wandering through the Monkey Forest, a 1.3 km path invites you to observe and interact with over 150 free-roaming Barbary Macaques closely. This path winds through diverse terrains, offering unique encounters at every turn.

Upon Entering the Monkey Forest

Upon entering the Forêt des Singes, each visitor receives a small amount of popcorn, which is a gentle way to interact with the monkeys.

Keeping the treats in your hand rather than in your pockets is important, as this helps discourage the monkeys from searching for food.

The Social Structure of the Monkeys

The monkeys are organized into three distinct family groups, enhancing their social structure:

• Entrance Group: One group settles near the entrance, greeting visitors. This initial interaction sets the tone for the engaging experience ahead.
• Forest Group: Another group lives deeper within the lush, denser parts of the forest, where the environment is more secluded and natural.
• Rocky Terrain Group: The third group can be found around the rocky terrains at the trail’s end, offering a glimpse into their adaptability to various habitats.

Scenic views within the Monkey Forest provide a tranquil backdrop to the lively monkey interactions.

Knowledgeable guides stationed along the path are ready to answer questions, enriching the educational aspect of our visit.

For those familiar with our blog, it’s no secret that we cherish wildlife encounters. Being close to these fascinating primates in such a natural setting was a privilege.

I watched two young monkeys playfully chase each other and tumble in the grass for a long time. Eventually, their mum intervened, swiftly placing one on her lap to settle them down.

The little monkey wriggled, trying to escape like a toddler might, but Mum firmly kept it in place.

A few monkeys positioned themselves along the path edges, eagerly awaiting their turn at the popcorn. Meanwhile, others sprawled comfortably in the middle of the path, undisturbed by the need for visitors to step around them.

Being so close to these primates truly deepened the intimacy of our visit.

Monkey Feeding

Structured feeding sessions every 45 minutes allowed us to observe the monkeys up close as they enjoyed fruits and seeds. During these sessions, guides shared insights into the Barbary Macaques’ lives, adding depth to our understanding.

Park guides ensured a safe distance was maintained between monkeys and visitors, although the monkeys often cheekily ignored this rule, gently reaching for popcorn from anyone passing by.

This visit was not just an opportunity to see monkeys but to witness their charismatic personalities and complex social behaviours up close, making it a memorable and insightful experience.

Monkey Forest France: Research, Conservation and Tourism

While the Monkey Forest (Foret des Singes) draws many visitors, it is also a vital research centre.

Are you aware that Barbary Macaque monkeys are listed as an endangered species?

Foret des Singes is dedicated to education and conservation, raising awareness about the critical need to preserve primate habitats and cultivating respect for these extraordinary animals.

By focusing on responsible tourism and conservation efforts like habitat restoration and research, Foret des Singes plays a crucial role in protecting Barbary macaque populations and providing visitors with a memorable wildlife encounter.

At Rocamadour Monkey Forest, a successful breeding program complements ongoing studies of Barbary Macaques’ social behaviours.

This initiative has successfully reintroduced several groups of these monkeys into their native Atlas Mountains in North Africa.

Several factors contribute to the declining populations of these monkeys:

• Loss of natural habitat in the Atlas Mountains of both Morocco and Algeria
• Diseases
• Human-animal conflict, and
• Illegal capture for the pet trade

Young monkeys are often captured to perform tricks or sold as pets. For more information, visit the Barbary Macaque Awareness and Conservation page on Facebook.

When we were in Marrakech, Morocco, we saw many tourists paying to have their photos taken with a monkey. The monkey had a lead and was chained around its neck.

I think many tourists are unaware of the harm that they are doing when they pay for a photo with a monkey. 

Moreover, I am sure that they would be horrified to know that they are contributing to the endangerment of these monkeys.

That is why these centres, such as the Rocamadour Foret des Singes, are so important: they educate the public and spread awareness of the Barbary Macaque’s plight.

We were lucky enough to first see wild Barbary Macaques in their own habitat in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains at Ouzoud Falls, Morocco. However, if you read that post, you will see that the experience itself was not in the animals’ best interest.

I believe we, and indeed society, are becoming much more aware of the impact of tourism and human interaction with wildlife.

There is a fine line between conservation and exploitation; we must be more mindful of how our actions affect the natural world.

Plan Your Visit to the Monkey Forest: Essential Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

• Season: The Foret des Singes is open from the end of March to the beginning of November each year.
• Variable Times: Hours vary by month. For current opening times, check the official website.

Parking Facilities:

• Accessibility: Free parking is available at the Monkey Forest, accommodating a large number of visitors.

Admission Fees:

• Adults: €11.00
• Children (5-14 yrs): €7.00
• Infants (under 5): Free
• Concessions:
• Adults: €9.50
• Children (5-14 yrs): €6.00

Additional Information:

• Accessibility: The park is fully accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.
• Amenities: Visitors can enjoy amenities, including a picnic area, snack bar, and a gift shop.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the park but are welcome in the designated picnic areas.
• Summer Comfort: Water misters are installed along the path to help keep you cool on sunny days.

Discovering Monkeys in France: Beyond Rocamadour

While the Monkey Forest in Rocamadour is a highlight for many visitors, France offers other fascinating opportunities to see monkeys in natural and semi-natural settings.

So. if you are wondering if there are other monkeys in France, this is where you’ll find some:

Monkeys in Paris: Parc Zoologique

If you’re intrigued by monkeys in Paris, head to the Parc Zoologique. It’s the only place within the capital where you can see various primate species, including Guinea baboons, Bearded Sakis, and Woolly monkeys.

The zoo provides a controlled environment where you can learn about and observe these fascinating creatures, offering a perfect educational outing for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Montagne des Singes – Monkey Mountain Sanctuary

About 8 hours’ drive northeast from the well-known Rocamadour Monkey Forest in the Alsace region is the Montagne des Singes. This sanctuary provides a very similar experience to that of Rocamadour, home to over 200 Barbary Macaques in a forest setting.

This makes a great stop if you are road-tripping through Alsace—and a delightful break from all the wine tasting. 🙂

Why Explore These Locations?

Visiting these locations supports conservation efforts and educational programs that help protect these charismatic animals. Whether you’re a resident or a traveller in France, these encounters offer a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the efforts to conserve their natural habitats.

Things To Do In Rocamadour

Rocamadour, nestled in the scenic Dordogne region, offers more than just its famous Monkey Forest. This medieval town is perched on a cliff above the Alzou River, and is renowned for its historical churches and charming medieval architecture, which you can explore in more detail in our guide to the villages of the Dordogne.

Discover the Charm of Medieval France

Rocamadour is a testament to the enduring allure of French village life, with its winding streets lined with half-timbered houses and quaint boutiques. For a deeper dive into the lifestyle and beauty of French villages, don’t miss our insights on our insights on French village life.

Explore Local Attractions

Beyond the historical sites, Rocamadour serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Consider a guided tour to explore the town, making your visit to Rocamadour a memorable part of your French adventure.

Guided Tours: Discover hidden gems with expert guides who can enhance your understanding of the area’s rich history and unique geology.

• 🥾 Guided Rocamadour tour | ⭐️ new activity | ⌛️ 1.5 hours | book here
• 🚐 Private Rocamadour Tour | ⭐️ 5/5 reviews | ⌛️ 4.5 hours | Check availability
• 🚐 Full day Rocamadour and Most Beautiful Villages Tour | ⭐️ new activity | ⌛️ 7.5 hours| book here

Monkey Forest in France … That’s a Wrap

Visiting Rocamadour’s Monkey Forest (Forêt des Singes) to witness the monkeys’ social interactions and playful behaviour up close is a fun and super-interesting adventure.

You’re not just in for a unique experience; you’re also contributing to crucial research and awareness efforts for Barbary Macaque conservation.

Have you been up close with monkeys before? These rascals are always doing something funny to make us smile. We’d love to hear about any of your funny moments in the comment section below.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like our other adventures with monkeys around the world:

• Monkeyland, Plettenberg Bay: Explore our journey through South Africa’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary.
• Volunteering with Animals in South Africa: Read about our experiences volunteering with wildlife, including monkeys.
• Ouzoud Falls: Discover the stunning views and the resident monkeys at Morocco’s tallest waterfalls.

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