Nestled in the heart of an 18-hectare maritime pine forest, very close to the ocean near Royan , the La Palmyre Zoo invites us on an animal world tour during a refreshing family day out!
Discovering one of the most beautiful zoos in France
Just a few steps from the Zoo, you can hear the cries of gibbons and the roars of lions. You're already getting into the atmosphere.
From the moment you enter, the flamboyant colony of pink flamingos and the impressive giraffes seem to transport us to the other side of the planet.
As you stroll along shaded paths winding through an 18-hectare pine forest, you'll encounter over 1600 mammals, birds, and reptiles from more than 110 different species. Each one benefits from an environment tailored to its well-being and needs. This is why magnificent habitats have been recreated for the most exceptional animals. You'll discover, in succession, the Tiger Enclosure , the African penguin enclosure with its underwater viewing pool, the primate islands, the African plain with its imposing white rhinoceroses, the Great Ape Enclosure with its remarkable gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees…
Very close to the enclosure of the giant otters, sea lions and parrots are preparing to offer us an hour of magic* We take advantage of a relaxing moment to admire their agility and grace during the educational presentations given by their keepers.
And how can you not fall under the spell of the zoo's latest arrivals? Every year, the zoo records several hundred births: a success due to the constant attention paid to the well-being of the animals.
* Parrot and sea lion presentations take place every day from Easter to All Saints' Day.
La Palmyre Zoo: Between Passion and Conservation
Founded by Claude Caillé in 1966, the Zoo celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026. Beyond being a fun and family outing, the La Palmyre Zoo also plays an important role in the preservation of endangered animals and in raising public awareness of this cause.
Indeed, it participates in over 60 European-managed Breeding Programs. Furthermore, its Palmyre Conservation endowment fund finances several programs protecting endangered species in France and around the world: bats and Kentish plovers on the Arvert peninsula in Charente-Maritime, orangutans and elephants in Borneo, lemurs in Madagascar, gorillas and chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of Congo, giant otters in French Guiana, cotton-top tamarins in Colombia… All the more reason not to miss this unmissable visit in Charente-Maritime!
Practical Info
- Open every day, all year round
- Average duration of visit: 4 hours
- The zoo is accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Wheelchair rental: 1 km from the La Coubre pharmacy (31 boulevard des Trémières)
- Stroller rental: 300 m from the Élan SARL Jaudeau & Cie service station (4 avenue de Royan)
- The zoo does not accept dogs. check childcare options during your stay
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult |
22 € | Not disclosed |
| Child |
17 € | Not disclosed |
How to get here
6 avenue de Royan La Palmyre 17570 Les Mathes
2 free car parks are available (P1 and P2). The P2 car park has spaces for large vehicles (camping-cars, bus).
From April to September, if you arrive by train at Royan station or by the Bac de Royan (connection between Le Verdon-sur-Mer and Royan), line 31 of the Cara'bus network serves the La Palmyre Zoo.
Where to sleep near the palmyre zoo?
All the information you need to prepare your stay in the town of Les Mathes – La Palmyre.
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