La Palmyre Zoo
Discover La Palmyre Zoo near Royan with your family
La Palmyre zoo near Royan is a wildlife park in the Charente Maritime region of France.
Where is La Palmyre Zoo located?
La Palmyre Zoo is located in the commune of Les Mathes, and more precisely in the district (town) of La Palmyre, between the communes of Saint Palais sur Mer and the town of La Tremblade.
Where can I park near La Palmyre Zoo?
There are two large parking lots next to the zoo, the first on the La Palmyrethe second on the Saint Palais sur Mer side. Parking is free of charge.
How do I get to La Palmyre Zoo?
From Royan, take the coastal road through Pontaillac, Vaux sur Mer and Saint Palais sur Mer, then the D25; or take the D25 G around the town of Royan.
Coming from Île d’Oléron, La Tremblade, or Ronce-les-Bains, you can take the coastal road that runs along the rugged coastline and through the La Coubre Forest.
Description of La Palmyre Zoo
What can you see at La Palmyre Zoo?
The zoo is home to more than 1,600 animals representing 110 different species, including 28 species of primates, and reports more than 200 births per year. There, you can see mammals, reptiles, and birds. It’s impossible to list every single animal species you’ll see, but some examples include the alpaca, the Poitou donkey, American bison, cheetahs, western lowland gorillas, hippos, lynx, African wild dogs, and more…
Examples of birds include the macaw, the ostrich, the cockatoo, the hornbill, the stork, the flamingo, the crane, the ibis, the African penguin, etc.
In the reptiles section, we can mention the boa constrictor, the green anaconda, the Nile crocodile, the green iguana, the royal python, etc.
Is La Palmyre Zoo suitable for children?
The zoo is an ideal place to visit with young children, and offers an interesting alternative to long days at Grande Conche Beach or the beaches along the wild coast. It’s also a great complement to the park Planet Exotica. Educational events are organized during the day, and fast-food outlets are available on site.
For more information, please visit the park’s website or the website of one of its institutional partners.
What are the opening hours for the La Palmyre Zoo?
La Palmyre Zoo is open from 9am to 7pm.
Is the La Palmyre Zoo open in the winter?
Yes, the zoo is open 365 days a year, including public holidays.
How much does it cost to visit the zoo?
In 2024, admission to La Palmyre Zoo near Royan costs 22 euros for adults, 17 euros for children ages 3 to 12, and is free for children under 3.
Ticket for La Palmyre zoo
If you are planning a visit to La Palmyre Zoo, it's essential to plan your purchase of your tickets for La Palmyre zoo to make the most of this unique experience. Located near Royan, this zoo is one of the most renowned in France, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Zoo de la Palmyre official ticket prices
Visit La Palmyre Zoo offers prices to suit all audiences:
Adults (aged 13 and over) : 22 €
Children (3 to 12 years) : 17 €
Children under 3 : Free
People with disabilities : 19 € for adults, 14 € for children
Annual pass : 66 € for adults, 51 € for children
These prices include admission to the zoo, free parking, and the shows offered on site .
Discounts and online tickets for La Palmyre Zoo
To take advantage of special rates, we recommend that you purchase your tickets for La Palmyre zoo online. Platforms such as ProxiCE offer attractive discounts:
Adult ticket : 19,50 €
Children's ticket : 15 €
These tickets are valid for one day and offer direct access to the zoo. .
Opening hours
Visit La Palmyre Zoo is open every day of the year, including holidays:
April 1 to September 30 : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 1 to March 31 : 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last admission 2 hours before park closing time .
Practical information
Address : 6 Avenue de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes
Phone : 05 46 22 46 06
Official website : zoo-palmyre.fr
The zoo covers 18 hectares and is home to more than 1,600 animals of 110 different species. It also offers sea lion and parrot shows, which are included in the ticket price
Tips for your visit
Buy your tickets online to avoid lines.
Arrive early to make the most of the day.
Allow at least 4 hours for a full tour of the park.
Follow the instructions at the zoo, including the ban on feeding the animals and smoking on the zoo grounds.
By carefully planning your visit and purchasing your own tickets for La Palmyre zoo By booking in advance, you're sure to have a memorable experience with family or friends.
Nestled on the French Atlantic coast, La Palmyre Zoo is a must-see destination for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. Founded in 1966, this renowned zoo spans more than 18 hectares in the heart of a pine forest, offering an idyllic setting to observe more than 1,600 animals from all over the world.
La Palmyre Zoo: A treasure trove of biodiversity
La Palmyre Zoo is a true bastion of biodiversity, committed to the preservation and protection of endangered species around the world. Through its conservation and breeding program, the zoo actively participates in efforts to safeguard the world’s wildlife, while raising public awareness about the importance of nature conservation.
The Residents of La Palmyre Zoo: Amazing Diversity
Among the 1,600 animals that call La Palmyre Zoo home, there is a wide variety of fascinating species, ranging from large predators to small exotic creatures. Here is a selection of some of the zoo’s most iconic residents:
1. Felines: The zoo is home to an impressive collection of felines, including majestic lions, imposing tigers, graceful leopards and mysterious panthers. These iconic predators are often the undisputed stars of the zoo, captivating visitors with their elegance and power.
2. Primates: Primates are also well represented at La Palmyre Zoo, with species such as gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and gibbons. These fascinating cousins of humans offer visitors a unique opportunity to observe their complex social behavior and incredible intelligence up close.
3. Birds: The zoo is home to a vast collection of birds from all over the world, including colorful parrots, majestic raptors, graceful flamingos, and playful penguins. Flight shows and educational presentations offer visitors the opportunity to gain a better understanding of these wonderful winged creatures.
4. Reptiles and Amphibians: For reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, the zoo also offers a diverse selection of species, ranging from venomous snakes to giant tortoises and colorful frogs. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn more about these fascinating cold-blooded animals.
5. Savannah Animals: Finally, the zoo is also home to a wide variety of animals emblematic of the African savannas, such as majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, imposing rhinos, and elegant antelopes. An immersion in the heart of these vast wilds offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
An Unforgettable Experience at La Palmyre Zoo
A visit to La Palmyre Zoo promises an unforgettable experience, where visitors can explore the wonders of the world’s wildlife in a preserved natural setting. Whether you’re passionate about big cats, amazed by the diversity of birds, or intrigued by the mysteries of the reptile kingdom, this zoo invites you to discover the beauty and diversity of the animal world. A day spent at La Palmyre Zoo is a journey into the heart of nature, where every encounter with an animal is a source of wonder and inspiration.
What to do near La Palmyre Zoo?
The location of the La Palmyre Zoo near Royan is ideal for exploring the “Coast of Beauty,” the wild coast, and the Gironde Estuary.
Things to do near the zoo
La Coubre lighthouse
Visit La Coubre lighthouse a La Tremblade is a lighthouse colored white and red (since 2016), located on the tip of La Coubre, near La Palmyre- Les Mathes, in the commune of La Tremblade, about fifteen kilometers from the town of Royan; not to be confused with the Cordouan lighthouse!
It has a museum, and remains the highest lighthouse in Charente-Maritime, at 64 metres and 300 steps. It's ideally located near the coast, known here as the "côte sauvage", renowned for its long sandy beaches and fearsome waves.
It is listed as a historic monument and is fully automated. It faces the king of lighthouses, the lighthouse of kings, the Cordouan lighthouse. It has a range of over 58 kilometers.
You can visit the lighthouse and climb its 300 steps to enjoy the magnificent view over the La Coubre forest, the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. At the foot of the lighthouse is a museum (open since 2005) that traces the history of La Coubre lighthouse - or lighthouses - from the first one built of wood in 1699.
The beach at Saint Palais sur Mer
The beach at Saint Palais sur Mer on the Côte de Beauté in the Charente Maritime region, also known as Plage du Bureau, is located in the town center, and stands out not only for its ideal location for leisure activities and shopping, but also for its landscape of rocks and cliffs, on which are set beautiful houses, most of them remarkable for their architecture dating back to the belle époque.
The beach is a fine sandy beach, supervised in high season and equipped with all amenities - disabled access, shower, swimming pool, toilets - as well as a kids' club, etc. However, dogs are not allowed, and water sports are prohibited.
Not far from Plage du Bureau are Plage du Platin, Pont du diable, Plage du Concié and Grande Côte. The beaches of Saint Palais sur Mer are a great place to spend quality time with the whole family.
Things to do in Royan
Rediscovering Royan
The town of Royan - La Palmyre zoo is near Royan - is famous for its long sandy beach, lined with typical, unspoilt houses. It is ideally situated between St Palais sur Mer and St Georges de Didonne.
It is the gateway to the Gironde estuary, and the largest town on the Côte de Beauté. It's a family-friendly seaside resort with plenty to do.
You can enjoy its long beach, the Grande Conche beach, its activities, its daily market, renowned all year round...
But don't forget to stop and discover its architecture. Although Royan was partly destroyed during the bombing raids of World War II, there are still some architecturally interesting houses to be seen.
Royan market
The central market of Royan is a well-known place located in Royan - côte de beauté - in Charente Maritime and known for its architecture, its history, and its fresh products. You'll find it at 72 rue Pierre Loti, in the town center, not far from the seafront.
This market is open all year round, and you'll appreciate the 50s architecture. You can even get lost after a few minutes wandering around this lively place, in the aisles where the merchants are located.
Casino de Royan a Pontaillac
The Casino de Royan is located in the town of Royan in the Pontaillac district, literally on the beach. The casino was designed by architect Bluysen and opened in 1931. It is built in concrete. It replaces the former Pontaillac casino, known as La Restauration, which had been built in 1901 after a municipal competition.
It was the only one of the 5 casinos built in Royan to survive the Second World War. Initially called 'Le Sporting', the casino was bought by Lucien Barrière in 1986.
The Grande Conche beach in Royan
The beach of Royan - plage de la Grande conche - is located in Royan côte de beauté, in Charente Maritime, and is one of the city's most beautiful beaches for families.
It's the ideal place for sunbathing, alone or with the family. It's easily accessible from the town of Royan, either on foot or by car, with plenty of parking nearby.
You can also enjoy a range of beach activities: sand yachting, etc...
Rediscovering La Palmyre
La Palmyre near St Palais sur Mer is a tourist district belonging to the commune of Les Mathes- La Palmyre, in Charente Maritime, north of Royan and at the entrance to the Coubre forest.
In season, it's a very lively district, ideally located in the Bonne Anse bay, at the entrance to the wild coast and its long, sandy beaches renowned for their waves. La Palmyre is also the ideal starting point for mountain bike tours in the La Coubre forest.
You can also visit the La Palmyre zoo, and take advantage of the many leisure activities on offer: La Palmyre golf course, yacht club, beach, etc...
From La Palmyre, you're just minutes from St Palais sur Mer, Pontaillac, Royan, and even the towns of St Georges de Didonne, Meschers sur Gironde, Talmont, and the Gironde estuary.
Not far away is the famous La Coubre lighthouse, easily accessible by bike - by taking the cycle path towards Ronce-les-Bains, which runs along the coast and through the La Coubre forest - or by car, with parking facilities available. At the La Coubre lighthouse, you can visit the small museum and relax on the nearby beach.
Rediscover the Gironde Estuary
Discover the Gironde Estuary in France
The Gironde estuary is located in south-western France, and marks the dividing line between two départements: Charente Maritime to the north and Gironde to the south. The Gironde estuary is shared by two rivers: the Garonne and the Dordogne.
What to do on the Gironde estuary?
The banks of the Gironde reflect a rich history and constitute an important heritage: they include historic sites and buildings, and well-preserved natural areas. But the estuary is still a lively place, with fishing activities, the passage of boats to the port of Bordeaux, and tourist activities: beaches, yachting...
This article was written by Alex Arts, photographer, content creator, and local guide.
Alex Arts
Photographer, content creator, and local guide
