Vallée des singes à Romagne - A complete guide to your visit

If you're looking for a unique and entertaining experience that lets you explore the captivating world of primates, your search ends here! Welcome to the Valley of the Apes in Romagnaour animal and zoological park in Romagne, in the Vienne.

À just a stone's throw from Futuroscope and Poitiers, our park is dedicated to the well-being and preservation of monkeys. With over 450 individuals of 34 different species, some of which are on the brink of extinction, you are guaranteed a close and respectful encounter.

In a setting as close as possible to their natural habitat, without the slightest cage or barrier, our lush islands offer a lively and touching spectacle. You'll have the chance to attend guided feeding sessions, take part in exciting educational activities, and enjoy our picnic and rest areas. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the Valley of the Apes and ensure a memorable experience.

Preparing your visit to the Valley of the Apes

How do I get there?

Located in Romagne, Vienne, just 30 minutes from Poitiers and Futuroscope, La Vallée des Singes is easily accessible. By car, take the Paris-Bordeaux. If you choose to take the train, get off at Poitiers or Ruffec and take a shuttle or cab to get there. Visit the park's official website for the exact address and directions.

Opening hours and best times to visit

The park welcomes visitors every day from 10am, from early April to early November. Closing times vary between 6pm and 7:30pm depending on the season, details available on the park website. Plan a visit of around 4 hours, although it is possible to stay all day. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions, with dynamic monkeys and a mild climate. Summer brings high temperatures and increased visitor numbers, while winter can see some monkeys retreat and activities suspended.

Ticket prices: full price, reduced price and special rates

Adults pay €23, while children aged 3 to 12 pay €14.50. Admission is free for children under 3. Reduced rates apply for large families, students, disabled people and groups. Online orders on the park's website also qualify for discounts. The annual pass at €46 for adults and €29 for children is an excellent option for regular visitors, offering unlimited access and other benefits.

Tip: Buy tickets in advance

Buy your tickets in advance on the park website to save time at the entrance and benefit from a better rate. You'll receive your tickets by e-mail, ready to print or show on your smartphone. This not only allows you to avoid queues, but also to take advantage of special offers, such as cross-promotions with other wildlife parks in the region.

Discovering the Valley's inhabitants

The stars of the Valley: Gorillas, Bonobos and more

With over 450 monkeys divided into 34 distinct species, some of which are exclusive to France and Europe, the Valley of the Apes is a veritable animal sanctuary, just like the rest of the world. La Palmyre zooin the Pays Royannais region of France. The undisputed stars of the park are the impressive gorillas and intelligent bonobos, not forgetting the majestic colobus monkeys, curious geladas and adorable meerkats.

Each species benefits from a living space designed specifically to meet its needs, allowing intimate observation in complete freedom, without the obstacle of cages or fences. Visitors thus have the unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures at close quarters and, in strict compliance with safety regulations, to get up close to them.

This is a specialized animal park, just like Planet Exoticain Royan, specializes in reptilian species.

Get to know the different species

Detailed panels introduce you to the various species inhabiting the park, sharing fascinating data on their origin, lifestyle, diet and conservation status. For an even deeper immersion, the park's website offers an enriching overview of each species, accompanied by captivating photos and videos, introducing you to the diversity and vital importance of primate preservation.

Unforgettable moments: feeding the monkeys

Feeding the monkeys is a major event of the visit, taking place several times a day according to a schedule specified at the park entrance. This privileged moment allows you to observe the caretakers in action, feeding the monkeys while sharing pertinent information about their habits and peculiarities. It's an exceptional opportunity to watch them savor a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds and even mealworms, while discovering fascinating aspects of their daily lives.

Births: a special moment

Attending births in the Valley of the Apes is a memorable experience, testifying to the well-being of the animals and the park's effectiveness in their reproduction and conservation. With numerous births recorded each year, including rare events such as bonobos, gorillas and ateles, visitors can witness the strong bonds formed between parents and their newborns. The park's website offers visitors the chance to keep up to date with the latest births, and to sponsor them if they wish.

Maximize your experience

Practical tips for a successful visit

To make the most of your visit to the Valley of the Apes, follow these practical recommendations:

Make sure you wear comfortable outfits and shoes suited to walking and the weather. The 20-hectare park will require you to walk several kilometers.
Bring a picnic or discover the park's food outlets offering local, seasonal produce.
Take advantage of the park's shaded picnic areas and vending machines.
Follow the park's safety and cleanliness rules: don't feed the monkeys, don't touch them, don't disturb them and don't leave any garbage.
Take a map of the park with you, which you can download from the official website or pick up at the entrance, to guide you through the different areas and activities.
Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture your visit, keeping a minimum distance of 2 meters from the monkeys and not using the flash.

Educational activities for children

The Valley of the Apes offers an ideal setting for fun learning for children, with :

Educational workshops led by scientific mediators to discover primates.
Game books that invite children to observe, answer questions, solve riddles and collect stickers.
Interactive games in the park stimulate learning through action and comparison with the monkeys.

Taking part in conservation: How each visit helps to preserve species

Your visit to the Valley of the Apes plays an active role in the conservation of primates and their habitat. The park initiates and supports :

Protecting nature reserves from poaching, trafficking and deforestation, such as the Lwiro reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to a large number of chimpanzees and monkeys.
Research programs for a better understanding of primates in collaboration with scientific institutions.
Awareness campaigns aimed at local populations, schools and authorities on the importance of primate conservation, supporting associations such as Kalaweit in Indonesia.

Conclusion

La Vallée des singes stands out as an exceptional animal and zoological park, offering immersion in the captivating world of primates while promoting their respect and protection. With over 450 monkeys, divided into 34 species, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe these remarkable animals evolve freely, without any cages or barriers. Commented feeding sessions and educational activities will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of these fascinating creatures.

What's more, your visit contributes directly to the conservation of primates and their natural habitats across the globe, thanks to your support for the Conservatoire pour la Protection des Primates, a laudable initiative supported by the park. So don't delay, book your visit to the Valley of the Apes via their official website and embark on this extraordinary adventure.

This enriching experience will change your perception of apes forever, giving you unforgettable memories.

FAQ

What are the opening times and prices for La Vallée des Singes?

La Vallée des singes, located in Romagne near Poitiers, is home to over 450 monkeys belonging to 34 species. Information on opening times and prices is given below:

Annual opening from February 10 to November 11, 2024, with specific opening periods.
February: open from 3rd to 29th, 10am to 5pm.
March: open from 1st to 10th and weekends from 10am to 5pm.
April to June: open daily from 10am to 6pm.
July and August: open daily from 10am to 7pm.
In September: open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
October and November: open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Adult rate: €23 and child rate (3-12 years): €14.50.

Admission is free for children under 3. Take advantage of a discount by purchasing your tickets online. An annual pass is also available, offering unlimited access for one year and a reduced rate for accompanying persons.

How do I get to Vallée des Singes from Paris, Bordeaux or Poitiers?

To visit the Valley of the Apes from Paris, Bordeaux or Poitiers, here are your options:

From Paris: Take the TGV to Poitiers, then the TER to Epanvilliers, followed by a bus to Vallée des singes. Journey time: approx. 3 hours. Cost: 60 to 130 euros.
From Bordeaux: Take the TGV to Poitiers, followed by a bus to Vallée des Singes. Journey time: approx. 2 hours. Cost: 40 to 80 euros.
From Poitiers: Take the bus directly to Vallée des Singes. Journey time: approx. 1 hour. Cost: 5 euros.

Driving is also an option, with the Valley of the Apes around 380 km from Paris, 240 km from Bordeaux and 50 km from Poitiers. Travel time and cost will depend on traffic and fuel prices.

What species of monkey can be seen in the Valley of the Apes?

Located in Romagne, France, the Vallée des singes specializes in primate conservation, offering a glimpse of some 30 species, from the miniature pygmy marmoset to the majestic gorilla, including mandrills, lemurs, chimpanzees and many others.

What activities and entertainment are on offer at Vallée des Singes?

The Valley of the Apes offers a variety of exciting activities and entertainment, including :

Animal feeding sessions, scattered throughout the day, provide a moment of intimacy and learning between visitors, caretakers and their primates.
Fun areas such as the mini-farm and children's playgrounds, designed to entertain the youngest while introducing them to the world of domestic animals.