The zoo at La Palmyre near Royan has been one of the most-visited attractions here ever since it opened in 1966. A family affair from the start, the zoo has gone from strength to strength thanks to its policy of keeping its animals in as natural a setting as possible. Today it is the most popular private zoo in France.

There is everything from flamingos, monkeys, cheetahs, hippos and elephants to snow leopards, pandas, penguins, polar bears, ostriches, pythons and sea lions. Among them are several endangered species which the zoo is helping to save by a breeding programme in partnership with other international establishments. The at-risk animals on show include the Scimitar Oryx, with its impressive horns, and the White Rhinoceros.

In all the zoo’s 16 hectares (40 acres) are home to 1,600 species, ranging from the tiny to the large. There is a lot to see – and a lot of walking – so expect to be there for much of the day if you want to enjoy all that’s on offer. There are restaurants selling the usual fast food fare as well as pasta boxes for a healthier alternative. Queues can be long at lunchtime. You can, of course, take your own picnic if it’s not too heavy to carry.

One of the newer attractions is the Great Ape space which took two-and-a-half years to build. This enclosure includes four green islands which allow the apes to enjoy the sunshine outside in nice weather. It houses 17 animals, orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas.

There are shows featuring sea lions in the summers months, plus parrot and cockatoo shows. Personally the bird shows were not that great, but the sea lions are a hit and very busy. Take a hat as there is no shade while watching the shows.

Address and Contact Information
6 Avenue de Royan
17570 Les Mathes

Tel: +33 5 46 22 46 06
E-mail: admin@zoo-palmyre.fr

Photo 1, Photo 2 by Clement RG / CC BY 2.0 images cropped; Photo 3 by Jerome Lathiere / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; Photo 4 by Jérôme S / CC BY 2.0 image cropped