🐾 La Palmyre Animal Park — A Must‑See Family Day Out
When you’re staying at La Grange du Moulin, one of the most memorable days out for families has to be a visit to La Palmyre Animal Park (Zoo de La Palmyre) — a truly magical place for little explorers and animal lovers alike.
Set in the heart of a beautiful pine forest on the Charente‑Maritime coast, this 18‑hectare animal park brings you up close to wildlife from around the world. More than 1,600 animals representing over 110 different species live here, from towering giraffes and curious monkeys to sea lions, flamingos, and playful meerkats.
🦁 What to Expect on Your Visit
It’s easy to spend a whole day here — the paths wind through shaded woodland, making it perfect for hot summer days, and there’s lots to see at each turn. Kids especially love watching the sea lion and bird shows, where the animals really steal the spotlight with energetic performances.
There’s something for every age:
- Big animals like elephants, rhinos and giraffes
- Little favourites such as monkeys and meerkats
- Educational displays and feeding areas
- Pictorial signage that makes the visit fun and educational
Many visitors say the park feels well organised and family friendly, with easy‑to‑follow routes, plenty of shaded spots to rest, and the chance to bring a picnic for a relaxed lunch under the trees.
🕘 Practical Info for Families
The park is open every day of the year — summer hours are generally longer.
Visitors typically spend 3–5 hours exploring, so arrive early to make the most of your day.
Tickets can be bought in advance or at the entrance, and prices vary by age.
There are refreshment points, snacks, and spots where you can picnic under shade, which is perfect for toddlers and little ones needing a break.
🌿 What Makes It Special
Families love La Palmyre because it blends fun with learning. It’s not just a place to see animals — you’ll find:
- Opportunities to get close to some animals
- Thoughtful habitats designed to feel natural
- Conservation and education programmes that help protect endangered species 🌍
📍 Tips for a Great Visit
Start early — the park gets busier later in the morning.
Bring water, hats and picnic snacks — there are benches and shaded spots for breaks.
Allow plenty of time — kids often want to linger at their favourite exhibits.
🐾 Final Thought
Whether you’re animal‑mad or just looking for a fun, educational adventure the whole family can enjoy, La Palmyre Animal Park is one of Charente‑Maritime’s standout attractions and perfect for a days’ outing from La Grange du Moulin. We recommend tying it up with an afternoon at the beach just 5mins away from the park in La Palmyre itself - tick two boxes with one big family day out
More about what we experienced when our boys were young can be found on an older post here
