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 fascinating world of primates, look no further! 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 Located between Tours and Poitiers, our park is entirely dedicated to the well-being and conservation of monkeys. With more than 450 monkeys representing 34 different species—some of which are on the verge of extinction—you’re guaranteed a close-up and respectful encounter.

In an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat, without a single cage or barrier, our lush islands offer a lively and touching spectacle. You’ll have the chance to watch guided feeding sessions, participate in exciting educational activities, and enjoy our picnic areas and rest areas. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your visit to the Valley of the Monkeys and ensure a memorable experience.

Preparing your visit to the Valley of the Apes

How do I get there?

Located in Romagne, in the Vienne department, and just 30 minutes from Poitiers and Futuroscope, the 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 a taxi to get there. Visit the park’s official website for the exact address and directions.

Hours of Operation and Best Times to Visit

The park is open to visitors daily from 10 a.m., from early April through early November. Closing times vary between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. depending on the season; details are available on the park’s website. Plan on spending about 4 hours there, although it’s possible to stay all day. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions, with active monkeys and mild weather. Summer brings high temperatures and increased visitor traffic, while in winter, some monkeys may retreat and certain activities may be suspended.

Ticket prices: full price, reduced price and special rates

Adults pay €23, while the admission price for children ages 3 to 12 is €14.50. Admission is free for children under 3. Discounted rates are available for large families, students, people with disabilities, and groups. Ordering tickets online through the park’s website allows you to take advantage of discounts. The annual pass, priced 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’s website to save time at the entrance and get a better price. You’ll receive your tickets by email, ready to print or show on your smartphone. This not only lets you skip the lines, but also allows you to take advantage of special offers, such as cross-promotions with other wildlife parks in the area.

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 has a living space specifically designed to meet its needs, allowing visitors to observe them up close in complete freedom, without the obstruction of cages or barriers. Visitors thus have the unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close and, in strict compliance with safety guidelines, to get close to them.

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

Get to know the different species

Detailed signs introduce you to the various species that inhabit the park, sharing fascinating facts about their origins, lifestyles, diets, and conservation status. For an even deeper immersion, the park’s website offers an informative overview of each species, accompanied by captivating photos and videos, allowing you to discover the diversity and vital importance of primate conservation.

Unforgettable moments: feeding the monkeys

The monkey feeding is a highlight of the visit, taking place several times a day according to a schedule posted at the park entrance. This special moment gives you the chance to watch the keepers in action as they feed the monkeys and share interesting facts about their habits and unique characteristics. It’s a unique opportunity to watch them enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and even mealworms, while learning fascinating facts about their daily lives.

Births: a special moment

Witnessing births in the Valley of the Monkeys is a memorable experience that demonstrates the animals’ well-being and the park’s success in their breeding and conservation. With numerous births recorded each year—including rare events such as the births of bonobos, gorillas, and spider monkeys—visitors can witness the strong bonds that form between parents and their newborns. The park’s website offers the opportunity to stay informed about the latest births and to sponsor them if desired.

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:

Choose comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for walking and the weather. The park, which spans 20 hectares, will have you walking 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.
Be sure to pick up a map of the park—which you can download from the official website or pick up at the entrance—to guide you through the various areas and activities.
Don't forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture your visit, keeping a minimum distance of 2 meters from the monkeys and avoiding the use of 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 that encourage learning through hands-on activities and comparison with 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 targeting local communities, schools, and authorities on the importance of primate conservation, supporting organizations such as Kalaweit in Indonesia.

Conclusion

The Valley of the Monkeys stands out as an exceptional wildlife and zoological park, offering an immersive experience in the captivating world of primates while promoting their respect and protection. With more than 450 monkeys representing 34 species, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe these remarkable animals roaming freely, without any cages or barriers. Guided feeding sessions and educational activities will deepen 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 hours and admission prices for the Valley of the Monkeys?

The Valley of the Monkeys, located in Romagne near Poitiers, is home to more than 450 monkeys representing 34 species. Below you will find information about opening hours and admission prices:

Open annually from February 10 to November 11, 2024, with specific opening hours.
February: open from 3rd to 29th, 10am to 5pm.
March: open from 1st to 10th and weekends from 10am to 5pm.
April through June: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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 allowing your guests to enjoy a reduced rate.

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 the Vallée des Singes. Travel time: about 3 hours. Cost: 60 to 130 euros.
From Bordeaux: Take the TGV to Poitiers, then a bus to the Vallée des Singes. Travel time: about 2 hours. Cost: 40 to 80 euros.
From Poitiers: Take the bus directly to the Vallée des Singes. Travel time: about 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 monkeys can be seen at the Valley of the Monkeys?

Located in Romagne, France, the Vallée des Singes specializes in primate conservation, offering a glimpse of some 30 species, ranging from the tiny 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, spread out throughout the day, provide a moment of intimacy and learning between visitors, keepers, 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.