La Palmyre Zoo is situated on the coast, between Bordeaux and La Rochelle, just 5 kilometres from the resort of Royan.

Set in 32 acres, La Palmyre is one of the most important zoological parks in France.

It has 1,600 animals and is visited each year by more than 800,000 visitors.

This is an interactive park where visitors are actively encouraged to feed the animals. Food is available at the entrance and is reasonably priced.

At the entrance to the park is a stunning man-made waterfall reaching high into the air with a large flamingo pond underneath.

Within the zoo there is a pets corner for the children, entertaining sea lion and parrot shows every day, an incredible bat cave and an underwater polar bear exhibit.

Food and refreshments are available in the park along with a limited souvenir counter. Unfortunately, there is no souvenir shop to browse around, and postcards are only available from machines. The toilet facilities are the old fashioned type ‘hole in the ground’, although there are disabled toilets which are more modern.

Visitors should allow themselves a whole day to explore the park as it covers a vast area. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Free parking is available outside the zoo on both sides of the road, some of which offers shade. It is possible to exit the park at lunchtime for a picnic lunch and return later (your wrist will be stamped at the gate). There are restaurants and bars within a short distance in the nearby village of La Tremblade.

The zoo is open all year round from 9am until 7pm.
Dogs are not permitted even on a lead.