Marennes Oléron

La Palmyre Zoo: live to the rhythm of wildlife

Written by Alizé
Apr. 25, 2025
La Palmyre Zoo: live to the rhythm of wildlife

Just a few kilometers from the open-air hotel Slow Villagethe Zoo de La Palmyre invites you to enjoy a memorable experience in the heart of nature. With its 18 hectares of pine forest, this zoo is home to over 1,600 animals representing some 100 species.

Planning a visit to this site goes beyond simple discovery, and is a genuine support for the preservation of endangered species. This is borne out by the more than 200 births recorded every year, which enrich this sanctuary where animals and the environment live in perfect harmony.

Discovering La Palmyre Zoo is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with what's essential, breathe in the fresh air of the Côte de Beauté and experience a soothing getaway, in connection with the animal world near Marennes d'Oléron.

 

In the forest, wildlife comes to life

 

A natural refuge where animals roam free

Set in the heart of a forest of maritime pines, La Palmyre Zoo is an ideal environment for wildlife. More than1,600 animals representing 100 different species live here in spacious enclosures adapted to their needs. This allows visitors to discover wildlife in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat.

A concrete commitment to protecting endangered species

Beyond its entertainment mission, the zoo is a key player in the preservation of endangered species. By participating in over 60 European breeding programs and supporting global projects through Palmyra Conservation, it is actively helping to save endangered animals such as orangutans and gorillas. And every visit supports this vital program for the world's fragile ecosystems.

A peaceful visit that oscillates between observation and wonder

La Palmyre Zoo invites visitors to enjoy an immersive experience, taking the time toobserve the animals in a natural, soothing setting. Far from the hustle and bustle of timed visits, the emphasis here is on tranquility and respect for the animals' rhythms. The parrot and sea lion shows, organized from Easter to All Saints' Day, are a magical moment, but the most important thing is thepeaceful observation of the fauna and its environment, in an atmosphere imbued with calm and serenity.

Visitor trail: wildlife encounters

A journey through the natural habitats of animal species

La Palmyre Zoo takes you on a journey to the heart of the animals' natural habitats. As you stroll along the shady alleys, you'll discover areas carefully designed for each species. From the African plain, home to the white rhinoceros, to theprimate island, refuge for gorillas, orang-utans and chimpanzees, each area has been designed to recreate conditions close to the animals' natural environment. Far from traditional enclosures, each area allows visitors to observe wildlife in real-life situations, where it evolves freely and naturally.

Captivating, educational shows

From Easter to All Saints' Day, the zoo offers shows including sea lion and parrot shows. More than just attractions, these shows are a true immersion in the animal world. The sea lions impress with their acrobatics, while the parrots amaze the public with their agility and intelligence. These shows are also a unique opportunity to educate visitors about species conservation and the importance of animals in the ecological balance. A fun and instructive experience!

A moment suspended to the rhythm of the animals

A visit to La Palmyre Zoo is first and foremost a chance to take your time and observe without hurrying. In a calm and soothing setting, the animals move freely in natural spaces, allowing visitors to observe them in their daily lives, whether feeding, playing or interacting with each other. From pink flamingos lounging around pools to giant otters swimming with ease, every moment is an invitation to slow down. This moment of contemplation allows you to reconnect with nature, get away from the stresses of everyday life and get back to basics.

 

Our accommodations near Zoo de la Palmyre

Marennes Oléron
Cabane Insolite - Studio

Discover our unusual fisherman's hut, a typical and authentic accommodation, ideal for a stopover on the Vélodyssée or a stay in Charente-Maritime.

12 m²
1 bdrm
2 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Classique Confort 2ch.

Our Classic Comfort 2-bedroom mobile home has everything you need for a relaxing stay!

25 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Classique Confort 3ch.

Our 3-bedroom Classic Comfort mobile home has all the amenities you need for a rejuvenating stay!

30 m²
3 ea.
6 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Cottage Premium 2ch.

Enjoy a fully-equipped, upscale 2-bedroom wooden cottage. Each premium accommodation has 2 bathrooms, so everyone has their own space!

34 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Cottage Premium 3ch.

Enjoy a fully-equipped, upscale 3-bedroom wooden cottage. Each premium accommodation has 2 bathrooms, so everyone has their own space!

40 m²
3 ea.
6 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Cottage Signature 2bed.

Made of wood, with a top-of-the-range, modern design, it's fully equipped, with 2 bathrooms for even greater comfort. With its large terrace and hotel-style amenities, you'll feel right at home!

35 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Cottage Signature 3bed.

Experience an upscale stay in our 3-bedroom Signature cottage. With its 2 bathrooms and large terrace, live the Slow Life for the duration of your vacation!

40 m²
3 ea.
6 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
Marennes Oléron
Cottage Signature Tribu 4bed.

Wooden, high-end and modern in design, it's fully equipped! The real plus? This accommodation comprises a 3-bedroom cottage, an independent studio and a large terrace to welcome the whole tribe!

62 m²
4 ea.
8 pers.
3 bathrooms.
Discover
 

Prepare your visit: all the information you need to make the most of La Palmyre Zoo

Before you set off to discover La Palmyre Zoo, here's some practical information to help you plan your day. These details will guide you in planning your visit, from opening times to the services available on site.

Times and prices: a flexible, accessible tour

The zoo is open all year round, so you can discover it at your own pace. Depending on the season, opening times can be adapted to offer greater flexibility during busy periods.

  • Open year-round: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (April 1 to September 30)
  • Reduced opening hours: 9am to 6pm (rest of year)
  • Last entries: two hours before closing

Rates:

  • Adults: €22
  • Children (3 to 12 years): €17
  • Free for children under 3

Access and transport: getting to the zoo is easy

Located just a few minutes from your Slow Village Marennes d'Oléron open-air hotel, the zoo is easily accessible by car or public transport, with several parking options available.

  • Address: 6 Avenue de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes
  • Journey time from Marennes: about 20 minutes by car
  • Public transport: line 31 of the Cara'bus network (serving Royan station and the zoo)
  • Parking: free, with spaces for motorhomes and coaches

On-site services and facilities: guaranteed comfort

La Palmyre Zoo offers practical services to make your visit a pleasant one, whether you want to relax, eat or take home a souvenir.

Fast food: inside the park you'll find vending machines, fast-food outlets and a bar.

Picnic areas: several places to enjoy a meal in the heart of nature

Store: souvenirs and handicrafts to keep a souvenir of your visit

Accessibility: the zoo is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with electric wheelchairs available for hire.

Additional services:

  • Toilets and water points
  • Shaded areas for cooling off

There are places that, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reveal themselves to those who take the time to discover them. La Palmyre Zoo is one such place. More than just an animal park, it's a genuine invitation to slow down, observe and reconnect with nature. As you stroll through its pine forest, surrounded by 1,600 animals and carefully recreated landscapes, you reconnect with what's essential.

For those staying at Slow Village Marennes, this visit is the ideal opportunity to extend a moment of calm and contemplation. Here, the zoo is not just a place of leisure, but a space where you can recharge your batteries, refocus and reconnect with yourself, nature and the animals!

Things to discover near La Palmyre Zoo

Marennes Oléron Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Lilleau des Niges nature reserve

The Ile de Ré is located on a major bird migration route between Africa and the Arctic. Its natural areas are therefore particularly valuable, as they are likely to be home to a large number of bird species. At the tip of the island, in the heart of the Fier d'Ars marshes and mudflats, the Lilleau des Niges reserve was created in 1980 with the aim of preserving this biodiversity.

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Marennes Oléron

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