The Rock of the Eagles

Op het eerste gezicht lijkt De Rots der Arenden een klassiek dierenpark, maar de missie gaat veel verder dan enkel vermaak.

De indrukwekkende vogelshows zijn bedoeld om bezoekers bewust te maken van het belang van het behoud van bedreigde en kwetsbare diersoorten. Hier staan educatie en natuurbescherming centraal.

Camping L’Eau Vive in Carennac ligt vlakbij het park en biedt 2 hectare aan kampeerplezier, met tal van ontspanningsmogelijkheden en wellnessactiviteiten voor jong en oud.

The Rock of the Eagles Wildlife Park

Nestled in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, The Rock of the Eagles offers a setting that is both untouched and wild. Visitors are invited into a world where respect for nature takes centre stage, alongside discovery and education.

History and Mission of the Park

This ornithological park, perched high above Rocamadour near the castle, was founded in 1977 under France’s 1901 law governing non-profit associations. The park’s origins lie in a deep commitment to the protection of birds of prey. In 1986, the first care centre was opened, with the aim of treating injured birds and helping them take flight once again.

Since 1993, the park has featured a laboratory and a breeding area that is also open to visitors. In 1997, The Rock of the Eagles expanded its commitment to conservation by purchasing a section of tropical rainforest on the shores of Lake Catemaco in Mexico. In 2013, the park hosted France’s very first free-flight show, aiming to raise awareness about the loss of natural habitats for parrots.

Educational Activities

The park offers a wide range of fun and informative activities designed to engage both children and adults in the protection of parrots and birds of prey. Visitors are actively involved in the animals’ wellbeing.

Visit to the Outdoor garden

In this garden, young birds meet each other for the first time. The chicks enjoy the sunshine, which is essential for their growth thanks to the absorption of vital vitamins. The garden helps the birds to socialise and become accustomed to environmental sounds and human presence.

Visit to the Breeding Area

This part of the park is specially designed to introduce young visitors to the world of birds. Births follow the natural rhythm of the seasons, making April, May, June and July the best months to meet the chicks.

Visit to the Small Aviaries

These smaller aviaries are carefully designed to allow young birds to practise flying in complete safety. Here, they learn to live outdoors even at night. At the same time, they become accustomed to the presence of visitors, helping them feel comfortable in public settings.

Bezoek aan de grote volières

The larger aviaries are home to birds that are already independent. Their design reflects the natural habitat of each protected species. While offering the animals plenty of privacy, the aviaries also allow visitors to admire part of their living environment.

Discover Falconry

This experience may be emotionally powerful for some visitors. The presentation is supported by historical context and technical explanations. Falconry has existed for over 3,000 years long before the creation of The Rock of the Eagles park. For the birds, this is their territory; for visitors, it’s a rare opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures in a truly unique way.

Admission Prices and Opening Hours

A visit to The Rock of the Eagles offers an original and unforgettable way to discover birds of prey and other species. Entry fees are tailored to visitor profiles:

• Adult : 11 euros
• Child (4 - 13 years) : 7 euros
• Child under 4 : Free
• Adult group (25+ people) : 8,50 euros
• Child group (up to 13 years) : 6 euros

More than sixty species of birds of prey and other birds live in the park. A typical visit lasts around 90 minutes:

• April, May, September : 14:00 - 16:30
• June : 11:00 - 16:30
• July & August : 11:00 - 18:15
• October & Autumn holidays : 14:30

In addition to the spectacular birds of prey demonstrations, the park also features a vibrant free-flight show starring parrots. African Grey Parrots, Amazons, and Macaws perform a mesmerising display that encourages visitors to reflect on the importance of preserving their natural habitats.

Spectacular Birds of Prey Flight Shows

In addition to aviary visits and educational activities, the Rock of the Eagles Park offers unforgettable shows that are not to be missed. One of the highlights is the impressive flight demonstration, where you can witness these majestic birds in full action :

• A warm and unique experience held daily, this show aims to reconcile visitors with nocturnal birds of prey, which are often unfairly seen as frightening or aggressive. In reality, they are peaceful and fascinating creatures, and this presentation helps to change that perception.

• Daytime Birds of Prey Show: Spectacle and Surprise : The daytime birds of prey show is a surprising and entertaining performance, built around various scenes and themes such as: the speed of the falcon, the vulture and its unique tools, and the famous “walk of Dudule” which proves that vultures don’t smell bad at all!

Each show, held in the park’s central square, offers a playful way to discover the skills and behaviours of birds of prey. Highlights include high-altitude flights, eagle hunting demonstrations, the art of falconry, and the resting place of the chimango. Owls, vultures, eagles and falcons take turns dazzling visitors with carefully choreographed acts alongside the dedicated team of the Parc du Rocher des Aigles.

Showtimes and Booking Information

To attend the various birds of prey shows at the Parc du Rocher des Aigles, please consult the park’s website. Under the “Opening Hours and Prices” section, you’ll find full details about the performances. Showtimes vary depending on ticket office hours:

• If open from 14:00 to 19:00: shows at 14:30 and 16:00
• If open from 10:30 to 19:00: shows at 11:00, 14:30 and 16:00
• If open from 10:00 to 20:00: shows at 11:00, 14:30, 16:00 and 17:30

To fully enjoy each performance, it’s recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the show begins. For bookings, you can attend a current show and reserve for the next one. As schedules may change, it’s always best to check the park’s website for the latest updates.

Camping L’Eau Vive in Carennac

Located just 1 km from Carennac, the campsite offers direct access to the Dordogne River and the Parc du Rocher des Aigles. It’s also the perfect starting point to explore other nearby attractions such as the Gouffre de Padirac and Rocamadour.

Accommodation Options

Camping L’Eau Vive offers a variety of accommodation choices, including mobile homes with terraces, suitable for up to 5 to 6 guests. Nightly rates range from €50 to €128, depending on the comfort level of the mobile home.

For nature lovers and camper van travellers, the campsite also provides pitches for tents and motorhomes. Rates are fixed and vary by season: €18, €20 or €25 per night for a vehicle with two people.

Camping L’Eau Vive is ideal for families, offering a wide range of facilities for relaxation and fun. Guests can enjoy:

Mini-golf, Fitness room, Sports grounds,
Water activities, Indoor and outdoor play areas

How to Reach the Rock of the Eagles Park

Camping L’Eau Vive is located in Carennac (postcode 46110). The Rock of the Eagles Park is in Marcayou, Rocamadour (postcode 46500). Distance between the two:
25.8 km via the D20 (approx. 29 minutes by car) 38.1 km via the D807 and D30 (approx. 37 minutes by car)

A Meaningful Experience

Bird of prey conservation is a global concern. In France, the Rock of the Eagles Park is a pioneer in this field. Through spectacular shows and educational activities, visitors are playfully made aware of the importance of these magnificent creatures and their natural habitats.

A stay at Camping L’Eau Vive, combined with a visit to the Rock of the Eagles, is the perfect choice for travellers who love animals, nature, and adventure.