1. La Palmyre Zoological Park: A Natural, Peaceful Setting
La Palmyre Zoological Park, located on the Atlantic coast at just 22 minutes from Royan and 1h15 from La Rochelle, is one of the most renowned in Europe. Over 1,600 mammals, birds and reptiles are waiting to enchant you and to inform you at the heart of an 18 ha landscaped oasis. The park is a conservation area for endangered species and for heightening environmental awareness.
A wonderful place for a 4h stroll with the family, which has become a regular must-do for many Nouvelle-Aquitaine residents!
Prices: from €15
2. Borce parc'ours: the untouched beauty of nature
The Borce wildlife area, located at 1h20 from Pau, in the Pyrénées National Park, is home to mountain fauna (ibexes, marmots, brown bears, wild boars, etc.) and domestic animals (rabbits, donkeys, horses, goats, etc.) in a 7-hectare park. An invitation for a two-hour fun-filled, educational stroll, to discover and to become real environmental players. An initiatory-learning path to find out all about biodiversity in the Pyrénées.
Price: from €7.90
3. The Planete des crocodiles: let’s dive in together!
The Planète des Crocodiles zoological and botanical park, located just 35 minutes east of Poitiers, whisks you away into a tropical world for unexpected encounters. Crocodiles, turtles, monitor lizards, chameleons, piranhas, etc. are waiting for you in a gigantic 5,000 m² conservatory. As well as the animals, enjoy discovering over 1,000 exotic plant species: orchids, bougainvilleas, carnivorous plants as well as banana trees, avocado trees, coconut palms to name but a few! A relaxing, enlightening, must-visit interlude.
Price: from €8
4. Marais Poitevin birds: spread your wings
Come and observe the 75 species of typical “Green Venice” birds, at just 35 minutes from Niort and 45 minutes from La Rochelle, in 8 hectares of wild marshland.
A peaceful stroll, an invitation to discover more about the species populating the lush nature of the Marais Poitevin. Explore the area on foot, by small boat or by canoe. For 3 to 14-year-olds, a fun-filled treasure hunt is proposed: a highly-original way to learn and become informed.
And, last but not least, to be sure barnacle geese, herons and avocets reveal all their secrets to you, the park also proposes a photo workshop: an opportunity to take a fresh look!
Price: from €12 for a free-as-you-please visit of the park with a boat trip included
5. Pessac zoological park: following in the jaguar’s footsteps
Head off for a journey with fauna from the five continents right on Bordeaux’s doorstep! White tigers, grey crowned cranes, otters, turtles, giraffes and jaguars are waiting to delight young and old alike. Some 250 animals on a 5-hectare area, activities for children and events which are sure to please.
Must-sees: the immersion aviary with the lorikeets, small parrots from Oceania which you can feed using the containers distributed at the entrance.
Price: from €12
6. Calviac Zoological Park: protecting endangered species
Calviac Zoological Park, located 10 kilometres from Sarlat, in Dordogne, invites you to discover and learn about endangered species: lemurs, wolves, tamarinds, tapirs… Around four geographical-focused areas (Europe, Madagascar, South America and Oceania), covering a 1.5-km trail, interspersed with woods and waterfalls, take part in an experience combining knowledge, observation and reflection.
Dad on the roam, Olivier has his head in the clouds and his feet firmly on the ground! Always on the look out for new ideas and outings for his young teenagers, he loves out of the ordinary experiences that will appeal to both young and old. Ready for a family treasure hunt across Nouvelle-Aquitaine ?