How can you spend time in nature with animals, without clocking up the miles, during your holiday in Vendée? The area is home to a great variety of animal parks, all easy to reach from our campsite, Au Bois des Biches, in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Book your stay and plan these days out from here.
Animal parks in Vendée: the essentials
- What: three parks, each with its own atmosphere: the eco-friendly one (Zoo des Sables), a world tour by car (Planète Sauvage) and an underwater immersion (Aquarium de Vendée).
- How: visits are open to everyone, whether you come by car or on foot along walking trails, with educational activities (workshops, feeding times) to help children and adults alike learn about biodiversity.
- Where: sites located 40 to 53 km from our campsite Au Bois des Biches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, which is around 45 to 50 minutes’ drive.
- When: the parks are mostly open from April to November, with a special mention for the Aquarium, which welcomes visitors all year round.
Zoo des Sables d’Olonne: one of the best zoos in Vendée
Come and discover Zoo des Sables in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a wildlife park in Vendée recognised for its active commitment to protecting biodiversity. Your visit takes you into a world where nearly 50 species live in carefully designed spaces that respect their needs and take inspiration from their natural habitats. More than 400 rare animals live here, including the Amur leopard, the giant anteater and the surprising maned wolf.
All along the route, educational displays help you understand more about the species, how they live and the challenges of protecting them. This wildlife park in Vendée also offers interactive activities and workshops designed to delight the whole family. Occasional events, such as the animal carnival or days dedicated to the work of a zookeeper, add to the experience. A must-see if you want to discover a leading wildlife park in Vendée.
Address: Zoo des Sables d’Olonne, Route du Tour de France, 85100 Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, 40 km from our campsite, around 45 minutes by car via the D32.
Approximate prices: €20 per adult, €16 per child.
Average visit time: 2 hours.
Official website: zoodessables.fr
Planète Sauvage: a life-size safari
Would you like to travel across several continents in a single day without leaving your vehicle? Planète Sauvage is a wildlife park in Vendée offering an experience that is unique in France. The park is organised around six themed worlds, each one a chance to explore the planet’s biodiversity.
- La Cité Marine: discover the marine world and learn about the dolphins’ environment.
- La Piste Safari: the biggest safari in France, which you can drive through in your own car.
- Le Territoire des Fauves: watch the big cats on foot.
- Le Sentier des Incas: a South American setting among the squirrel monkeys.
- Le Chemin de Brousse: an African trail through the heart of the savannah.
- Le Temple de la Jungle: an immersive adventure inspired by tropical forests.
Together, these worlds take you on a real tour of the animal kingdom, full of observation, learning and wonder.
Address: Planète Sauvage, La Chevalerie, 44710 Port-Saint-Père, France, 53 km from our campsite, around 45 minutes by car via the D95.
Approximate prices: €28.50 per adult, €22 per child (aged 3-12), free for children under 3.
Official website: planetesauvage.com
Aquarium de Vendée
The Aquarium de Vendée, in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, takes you deep into the heart of the oceans. Across more than 60 tanks, discover over 500 species and 5,000 marine animals, from European coastlines to the Great Barrier Reef.
The visit combines observation and learning, with daily activities such as fish feeding and educational workshops.
Divided into three distinct worlds, the aquarium helps visitors of all ages learn about marine biodiversity and how to protect it.
Open all year round and accessible to everyone, this wildlife park in Vendée makes for a rewarding visit, whatever the weather.
Address: Avenue de la Mine, 85440 Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, 48 km from our campsite, around 50 minutes by road via the D32.
Opening hours: all year round, 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00 (July and August: 09:30 to 19:00 non-stop).
Indicative prices: €15.80 per adult, €11.80 per child, free for children under 3.
In Vendée, every wildlife park offers a unique way to meet the animal world. Whether it’s a committed zoo, a spectacular safari or a marine immersion, these visits are a perfect addition to your holiday at Au Bois des Biches campsite.
