Palmyre Zoo — Zoo in Les Mathes

Palmyre Zoo and its collection

Parc Zoologique de la Palmyre, opened in 1966, is a zoo in Les Mathes, Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes, France.

Eighteen hectares in a seaside resort are hemmed in by the Coubre and Combots d'Ansoine forests. The park was founded in 1966 by Claude Caillé and remains in his family's ownership, chaired by his son Patrick Caillé and directed by his grandson Pierre Caillé.

Conservation and approach

The park takes part in returning some threatened species to the wild. Visitors are taught about the biology and behaviour of species and about the threats they face.

What the venue says

• There are dedicated food outlets inside the park, including a bar near the sea lion bleachers (serving hot dogs, sandwiches, and crêpes) and a crêperie near the giant otter enclosure (offering galettes, salads, and desserts).
• The zoo provides two large **free** parking lots—Parking P1 (approx. 1,000 spaces, featuring designated spots for visitors with disabilities near the entrance) and Parking P2 (approx. 450 spaces).
• The zoo is wheelchair accessible. However, because it is situated in a dune forest environment, the terrain features rolling hills and some significant elevation changes.
• Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off directly at the bus stop located right in front of the zoo entrance.