Imagine an 18-hectare pine forest, inhabited by over 1,600 animals... There you are: La Palmyre Zoo, one of the most beautiful zoos in France. Are you planning to visit this extraordinary park near Royan? Petit Futé has all the tips and advice you need to organize your day at La Palmyre Zoo. Ideal for families, this visit will also delight couples and groups of friends looking for a fun activity. Set course for Charente-Maritime!
What is La Palmyre Zoo?
Children's delight, an open-air paradise... La Palmyre Zoo is all this and much more: one of the best places to see in Charente-Maritime!
A natural setting dedicated to the discovery and preservation of species
Located close to the beaches of the Côte Sauvage, the La Palmyre Zoo is a must-see for wildlife lovers. Created in 1966 by Claude and Irène Caillé, the park is now run by their son Patrick and grandson Pierre, who passionately carry on the family legacy.
With its 1,600 animals representing a total of 110 species, this wildlife park offers an exceptional setting for a family outing! It's a pleasure to stroll along the shady paths, admiring species from all over the world as you go. With around 200 births per year and the creation of unique immersive spaces, the park attracts over 600,000 visitors every year.
A strong commitment to biodiversity
La Palmyre Zoo doesn't just welcome animals for visitors. It stands out for its key role in the conservation of endangered species. It is actively involved in some fifty European breeding programs. At the same time, the park funds over 20 conservation initiatives around the world. Commitment is not just an empty word here!
In 2021, the zoo reinforced this commitment with the creation of "Palmyra Conservation". This tool dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity supports projects aimed at :
- protect natural habitats,
- combat poaching,
- encourage sustainable development.
More than just a place to visit, La Palmyre Zoo is an invitation to better understand and preserve our planet.
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Planning a day at La Palmyre Zoo: what not to miss?
The main attractions at La Palmyre Zoo are the presentations of sea lions and birds, including parrots. These events are offered from Easter to All Saints' Day at the following times:
- Sea lions: 11:10am, 3:00pm, 4:45pm.
- Birds: 11:40 a.m., 3:40 p.m.
For the rest, you can visit the park's 1,600 animals:
- Primates: the Great Apes area, lemurs, etc.
- Aviaries : exotic and tropical birds, including parrots.
- Carnivores: leopards, lions and tigers.
- Marine mammals: enjoy the ballet of otters and sea lions.
- Reptiles: don't be afraid of crocodiles and giant tortoises!
- Ungulates: giraffes, elephants, hippos and rhinoceroses make you feel very small..
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What are the fees and opening hours at La Palmyre Zoo?
La Palmyre Zoo is open all year round, even on public holidays! In April and September, it is open from 9am to 7pm. The rest of the year, the opening hours are slightly different: 9am to 6pm.
Good to know: last admission to the park is 2 hours before closing time.
Admission is €22 per adult and €17 for children aged 3 to 12.
Where can I buy tickets for La Palmyre Zoo?
Tickets for La Palmyre Zoo can be purchased directly from the ticket office. It is not possible to buy tickets on the zoo's official website. However, e-tickets are available from many CEs and some websites. If you have one, don't go to the cashier! Go directly to the person in charge of park entrances.
Practical information to prepare your visit to La Palmyre Zoo
Find out all you need to know to plan your day at La Palmyre Zoo!
How do I get to La Palmyre Zoo?
La Palmyre Zoo is located at 6 Avenue de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes, in the Charente-Maritime region of France, and is easily accessible by various means of transport. Here's how to get there, depending on your preferred mode of travel:
- By car: from Paris, take the A10 freeway to exit 35 "Saintes". From Bordeaux, take the A10 freeway to exit 37 "Mirambeau".
- By bike: the zoo is easy to reach by bike.
- By train: Royan station is just 25 minutes from the zoo. From there, several bus routes, including CaraBus, connect Royan station directly to La Palmyre Zoo.
Looking for a more original option? If you're in the Médoc, take the ferry across the Gironde estuary to Royan from Le Verdon-sur-Mer. A unique experience before your visit to the zoo!
How long does it take to visit La Palmyre Zoo?
Allow a minimum of four hours to visit La Palmyre Zoo. Are you visiting with young children? Their little legs tend to get tired very quickly. You may want to plan the whole day, with a nice lunch break in the middle, so that both young and old can enjoy the moment to the full.
Where to eat?
During your visit to La Palmyre Zoo, there are several options for eating out.
Fast food
From Easter to All Saints' Day, the zoo offers a variety of fast-food outlets, including :
- a bar
- a fast-food restaurant serving hot dogs, sandwiches and sweet crepes,
- a crêperie offering salads and galettes.
And here and there, you'll find soft-drink dispensers and ice-cream stands.
During the Christmas and February vacations, a food truck takes over the sea lion esplanade.
Picnics at La Palmyre Zoo
There are plenty of benches along the way, so you can picnic wherever you are. It's also possible to picnic on the bleachers of the sea lion and parrot shows outside presentation times.
Good to know: picnics are not permitted on the tables of the food outlets.
Between wonder and education, La Palmyre Zoo offers a fun visit for families in Charente-Maritime. Are you lucky enough to be able to enjoy an extended stay? Discover the must-sees and must-do's in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to complete your visit. We've got some great surprises in store for you!
