Royans Animal Conservation Zoo at La Palmyre
One hour 15 mins drive takes you to the La Palmyre
Zoo near Royan. It is set in a lovely forest. There is
plenty of parking and is well worth the 14€ per adult
entry fee. The 'zoo' is actually an animal conservation
park - you'll realise as soon as you enter that the
animals are extremely well cared for and proof of this
is all the babies they produce. Any new arrival is
announced on a board outside their area, with the date
of birth.   
As soon as you enter with your bag of
popcorn, the giraffes lean over and gently
lick your hand clean with their huge
tongues. Its a fantastic place for children
as its extremely interactive and even our
toddler was fascinated.
A goat 'petting zoo', where you can enter the
enclosure and feed them popcorn. Lots of baby
goats too.
'Look at the wolves mummy'
Peacocks roam free. There are restaurants, vending
machines, benches and shade. Some of these pictures
were taken out of season. In high season it gets very
busy - our top tip - get there for 9am, it means an
early start and its still busy but you avoid the ques.
Take a picnic or aim to get out by lunchtime and go to
a restaurant in La Palmyre.