When visiting the Loire-Atlantique region of France, it's time to head for Planète Sauvage. This animal park, with its strong commitment to animals and the environment, is a little nugget. The whole family can enjoy this incredible safari on foot or by car. Here, animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Ready for your dream day out? Not just yet! Before you do, check out our tips for planning your day at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage.
What is the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
Located 15 minutes from Nantes and 20 minutes from the Atlantic beaches, the Planète Sauvage wildlife park is a little treasure nestled in the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region. Created in 1992 by Dany Laurent and his wife, the original creators of the La Boissière-du-Doré zoo, it was originally known as Safari Africain. Initially home to around 500 animals, it has expanded over the years. Today, you can admire more than twice that number!
The park's n°1 objective? Animal welfare in all its forms. Highly committed to the preservation of endangered species, both in situ and ex situ, the park is involved in numerous conservation programs. Here, animals have plenty of room: nearly 100 hectares of land to thrive in the best possible conditions. Every effort is made to ensure that the animals enjoy a peaceful life, and to keep any source of stress to a minimum.
Part of the animal park can be visited on foot, the other in a vehicle. In your car, let's go for a memorable safari! Discover all the tips and tricks you need to organize your day at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage.
What are the must-sees at Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
The 120 species present at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage are divided into 6 universes.
The Safari Trail
Explore this unique adventure using your own vehicle, or opt for the excitement of a 4x4 Raid. You'll meet iconic wildlife mammals and discover a mini-farm halfway along the way.
Good to know: unlicensed or open-top vehicles are not permitted, for obvious safety reasons.
Le Territoire des Fauves
The latest addition to the park! Since 2022, lions, cheetahs and Malayan tigers have found their home on this vast wild plain. This part of the tour is accessible by car, but you can also admire the lions from the tower of the Jungle Temple.
The Jungle Temple
A playful suspended walkway for the whole family, where you can observe a number of animal species. Its suspension point plunges you into the atmosphere of wild beasts' territory, before climbing to the top of the tower, 12 meters high.
The Inca Trail
Do you know what a saimiri is? These little South American monkeys may well surprise you! Your walk allows you to get up close and personal with them, as they roam freely in this area inspired by the Inca Empire. Along the way, parrots, flamingos, tapirs and alpacas mingle with the landscape, to the delight of young and old alike.
The Bush Trail
From Kirikou's village to lemur island, discover African animals. Your escapade takes you to Madagascar, where you'll discover meerkats, ibises and royal cranes. Splendid, exotic and fun: we love it!
The Cité Marine
Discover the oceans, especially the bottlenose dolphins. It's here that specialists from all over the world come to observe and better understand these extraordinary marine animals, in order to adapt actions to protect them.
How long does it take to visit the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
Allow a generous 5 to 6 hours for your day at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage. Here are the approximate times for each zone:
- Safari trail: 2 hours.
- Fawn territory: 30 minutes.
- Chemin de Brousse: 45 minutes.
- Jungle Temple: 45 minutes.
- Inca Trail: 30 minutes.
- Underwater gallery: 30 minutes.
- Dolphin show: 30 minutes.
Add to that about 1 hour for the short breaks you'll be taking, and you've got a full day! Are you visiting the park with children? Don't hesitate to take your time. If so, you can spread your visit over two days, staying in a lodge facing the Cape giraffes. The view is simply splendid, allowing you to experience total immersion in this extraordinary animal world. Inside, a cocooning ambience awaits you: wood, comfortable cushions, nature-inspired decor: what a delight!
What are the prices and opening hours of the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
To plan your day at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage, find out our opening times, so you can get there as early as possible (so you can enjoy your visit even more!). Closed in December and January, the park opens from 10am to 6pm most of the year. In summer, it opens at 9:30 a.m. and stays open until 7 p.m. or even 7:30 p.m.
Good to know: the last tickets are sold 2 hours before the park closes.
Admission costs €28.50 for adults and children over 13, and €22 for children aged 3 to 12. Admission is free for younger children.
Where can I buy tickets for the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
Tickets can be purchased directly from the ticket office at the park entrance. However, you can reserve them online before you come, when you plan your day at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage. That way, you won't have to queue when you arrive. As tickets are not dated, you can come on any day you like, even in summer, as prices do not vary with the seasons.
Where to eat at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
Picnic areas are available along the footpath, particularly at Km5. In order to preserve this natural area, in line with the park's ecological and committed vision, please take care not to leave any garbage behind.
The park also boasts La Pirogue restaurant and La Savane Express, for meals worthy of the name, in a resolutely safari atmosphere.
How do I get to the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
Located in Port-Saint-Père, the park is close to many major cities:
- 15 min from Nantes: a train takes you to Port-Saint-Père in around 1 hour.
- 1h from Rennes and Cholet.
- 1 h 30 from Vannes, Niort and Angers.
- 2 hrs from Le Mans and Laval.
- 2 h 30 from Poitiers.
Situated 4 hours from Paris, it's also well worth a visit for a family weekend in Loire-Atlantique. From Nantes, you can take the 303 bus to Bouaye. However, as with the train, a good part of the journey is on foot (or by cab). In the end, it's better to drive.
What to do and see around the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage?
The Loire-Atlantique region, and more broadly the Maine-et-Loire, offer a vast playground for holidaymakers. If you can, plan to spend at least a week in the area, when it comes to organizing your day at the Parc Animalier Planète Sauvage. That way, you can devote one day to the park, and the rest to the many wonders of the region.
Nantes and La Baule, two must-sees near Planète Sauvage
As mentioned above, Nantes is very close to the animal park. If you've got a bit of time on your hands, it would be a real shame to visit the area without taking in the Cité des Ducs de Bretagne. If you take a look at these 15 must-do's in Nantes, you'll see that the list of the city's treasures is a long one:
- The Château des Ducs de Bretagne,
- Les Machines de l'île,
- Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral,
- Le Lieu Unique, the former LU factory, etc.
And the list goes on: you're in for a treat!
Time to spare? You're in luck! You can visit La Baule and its famous Côte d'Amour. The Bay of La Baule is one of the most beautiful in the world, offering an idyllic escape for couples and families alike. You can then visit the Escoublac forest and the Tropicarium Bonsaï, to name but a few.
The length and breadth of Maine-et-Loire
Welcome to Anjou ! The Maine-et-Loire and its must-see s ights are waiting to be discovered. In particular, the Terra Botanica park is an absolute marvel! A mix of fun activities and unusual nature, it offers a breath of fresh air and a 100% fun outing for the whole family. Then it's on to Cholet, which has a few surprises in store for you. Don't believe us? Discover the 13 must-sees in Cholet, including Notre-Dame de Cholet and some interesting museums. Take the opportunity to visit the nearby Parc Oriental de Maulévrier- you won't regret it!
Planning a visit to the Planète Sauvage wildlife park is as simple as it is exciting. The park unveils breathtaking natural treasures, always with a focus on animal welfare and safeguarding endangered species. Do you like exceptional parks? If you don't like classic zoos, here's a great opportunity to show your children that it's possible to visit a wildlife park while leaving the animals in semi-liberty, and really taking care of them and their future. Discover the top 10 zoos and animal parks in France to visit on your next vacation!
