Palmyre Zoo: reviews and practical tips

+18
recos
4/5 5 reviews
6 avenue de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes, France
6 avenue de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes, France
Zoo de la Palmyre

Visiting Palmyre Zoo, a top family destination

Exceptional animal diversity

Located in the heart of the forêt de la Coubre (Coubre Forest), Palmyre Zoo is one of the most well-known animal parks in France. Home to over 1,600 animals across 115 different species, the zoo offers a deep look into the diversity of the animal kingdom.

Visitors can spot iconic species like lions, elephants, and giraffes, alongside rarer animals such as red pandas and tamarins. Each enclosure is designed to mimic natural habitats as closely as possible, creating an educational experience that prioritizes animal well-being.

A route for the whole family

Palmyre Zoo covers 18 hectares and offers a pleasant, shaded path that is perfect for a day out with the family. The walking paths are designed to be easily accessible for strollers and visitors with limited mobility. Picnic areas and food stands are available throughout the park, allowing you to grab a bite to eat surrounded by nature.

Daily animal shows featuring parrots and sea lions add an interactive, fun element to the visit.

Commitment to conservation

Palmyre Zoo is more than just a place for entertainment. It plays an active role in the conservation of threatened species and participates in numerous captive breeding programs. By visiting this zoo, you are supporting these initiatives which are crucial for preserving biodiversity. A trip to Palmyre Zoo is both an educational experience and a contribution toward protecting endangered species.

Opening hours

Open daily during the following hours: September to June: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM July and August: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of Palmyre Zoo

Summary of 5 reviews
4/5
Average rating
+18
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.4
As a couple
3.4
With friends
3.5

Avygeo ranking

#221
in the world
#191
in Europe
#101
in France
#1
in Les Mathes

So many different species!

I didn't expect to see so many different species at this zoo when I went with my wife. We were looking for things to do near Royan, and we were very pleasantly surprised. Even though it's smaller than the Beauval Zoo, you won't have time to get bored in one day. The enclosures are a bit small, but unfortunately, that's the case in a lot of zoos.

3
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Good...but

Palmyre Zoo is a must-see when you are on vacation in the area. The park is vast, well-maintained, and you can discover many species there, which delights both kids and adults. However, I was a bit saddened to see that some animals seemed cramped in enclosures or cages that were too small. It kind of spoiled the visit for me.

3
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Remarkable zoo

A pretty remarkable zoo that hosts a wide variety of species. Whether it is flamingos, gorillas, or giraffes, you will not be disappointed. The zoo is quite large. You will need the whole day if you want to be able to see everything while taking your time. It is a visit I recommend, especially if you have children. They will be amazed.

4
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Family outing during our beach vacation

Not too far from Royan, on the Atlantic coast, this zoo is not a must-see, but if you are on vacation in the area with kids, why not spend a half day there to see something other than the beach.

4
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Pretty varied but classic

Pretty big zoo that has quite a few different species from all over the place. A marked path takes you through the different biomes of the planet. The enclosures are a bit small for my taste, and fairly standard.

3
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