Our journey

From 1990 to today — 36 years of history

The family adventure of François Gouygou, now home to France's greatest diversity of reptiles.

François and Josiane Gouygou, founders of Reptiland
1990

01From fear to passion

It all began with a fear. François Gouygou, my father and the founder of Reptiland, had a phobia of snakes. Not understanding the dread their sight triggered in him, he set out to make sense of it. After a long period of observation, he developed such a passion for these animals that he turned the family home into a dedicated space — the library transformed into terrariums, the space under the stairs reimagined, aquariums for the tortoises.

In 1990, my parents François and Josiane Gouygou founded Reptiland in Martel. A family passion became a project: to share a new vision of reptiles with the world.

Reptiland in the 1990s
1990s — 2000s

02Recognition

Within a few years, the collection became the largest in France, featuring only non-venomous species: tortoises, lizards, snakes and crocodiles. Then, in the mid-1990s, the arrival of venomous snakes — cobras, vipers, rattlesnakes — transformed Reptiland into a one-of-a-kind exhibition in Europe, presented in natural daylight.

Our greatest pride remains the phobia desensitisation work.

Our animals are neither drugged nor anaesthetised. They are our companions, and ambassadors for the reptile world. Everything is managed from inside the enclosure — the animal learns that the glass on the public side does not open. Gradually, the sight of visitors becomes something distracting but harmless.
— François Gouygou, founder
The Reptiland fire in January 2011
27 January 2011

03The tragedy

On the morning of 27 January 2011, a short circuit in the generator sparked a fire that spread rapidly. Two sections of the building were destroyed: a display greenhouse and the nursery laboratory. 96 animals perished. The security systems, even as they burned, prevented any animals from escaping.

A choice had to be made: stop and give the animals to other authorised zoos, or rebuild and continue sharing reptiles with the world.

The rebuilding and evolution of Reptiland since 2011
2011 — 2025

04The rebirth

My father called me. Having known most of these reptiles since they were young, I couldn't abandon them. Despite the pain and grief, Reptiland was rebuilt with the help of skilled craftsmen in record time. On 1st July 2011, Reptiland reopened its doors.

Since 2011, the park has been in continuous improvement. First came the rebuild — the greenhouses devastated by the fire were reconstructed by skilled craftsmen at record speed. Then evolution: new terrariums, an outdoor extension for land tortoises and iguanas, climate control in every greenhouse with automated misting and temperature regulation. For visitors, the arrival of the Snake Bar and its terrace extended the experience, and wheelchair accessibility was integrated right through to the car park.

The adventure extends far beyond the park's walls. Reptiland has developed flagship activities: the "Keeper for a day" programme inviting guests behind the scenes for a half-day, the spring-to-summer VIP evenings for an after-dark experience, and phobia desensitisation — a founding initiative since 1990 to help those with snake or spider phobias overcome their fear.

Our commitment goes beyond the park: as a member of AFdPZ (the French Association of Zoological Parks), we participate in conservation programmes for endangered species, both in situ and ex situ. Reptiland is also an official reception centre for animals seized by the authorities — Customs, ONCFS, DDCSPP.

Antoine Gouygou, directeur de Reptiland
Having known most of these reptiles since they were young, I couldn't abandon them.
— Antoine Gouygou, director
2026 and beyond

05Our projects

Reptiland is preparing its next chapter. An architectural extension project is under study: a building with an undulating roof inspired by the movement of a snake, which will integrate seamlessly into the park while opening new exhibition and educational spaces. Architecture conceived as an extension of nature, to welcome even greater animal diversity and more awestruck visitors.

🚧 Extension project under study — architect's visuals subject to change
Aerial view of the extension project with its undulating roof
Extension project — entrance viewExtension project — esplanadeExtension project — arches

And in parallel, the park never stops evolving day by day.

Recent births

This section will soon be updated with notable births from recent years — an essential part of our commitment to species conservation. Follow us on social media to stay up to date.

New arrivals

About twice a year, new species join the vivarium. They refresh the collection and give you a fresh reason to rediscover Reptiland on every visit.

Ongoing improvements

Throughout the year, improvements are made to the park — new enclosures, equipment, visitor pathways. A continuous process since 1990.

Biodiversity commitment

Reptiland is a member of AFdPZ and participates in conservation programmes for endangered species, both in situ and ex situ. As an official reception centre for animals seized by the authorities, the park is committed every day to protecting wildlife.

A lifelong passion, a duty to educate and a deep respect for nature.

— The Gouygou family

Ready to be part of our story?

Come and discover 36 years of passion in the making: 101 species to observe in natural daylight, in the heart of the Lot.

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