While on holiday at Camping Vendée, Le Paradis, you might want to explore the region through the zoos and animal parks located near Talmont-Saint-Hilaire. To help you, we've compiled a top 5 list of places where you can marvel at our animal friends. These parks host a variety of species, many raised in captivity from birth and sometimes roaming in semi-freedom.
Vendée Aquarium
Located just steps away from Camping Le Paradis, the Vendée Aquarium is a magical place where you can safely dive into the underwater world. Over 5,000 marine animals from around the globe live in its 60 aquariums. Beyond the visit, activities are offered, including animal feeding sessions, ocean conservation awareness programs, shark discovery tours, scavenger hunts, tactile workshops, and more. The whole family will find something to spark their curiosity, especially during school holidays and after a delightful picnic.
EcoZoo of Sables-d'Olonne
Not your typical zoo, this one is dedicated to preserving exotic species and biodiversity while minimizing its ecological footprint locally. The Sables-d'Olonne EcoZoo aims to respect the environment and pass this commitment on to its visitors. Here, you'll encounter over 300 exotic animals across 55 species, housed in enclosures that closely mimic their natural habitats.
Mervent Zoo
As a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), Mervent Zoo adheres to four key missions: public entertainment, education, species conservation, and research. Visitors can enjoy educational activities such as “In the Shoes of a Caretaker” and “Feeding Tour,” which introduce children to the work of zookeepers with endangered species. The zoo hosts mammals, birds, and reptiles in an environment closely resembling their natural habitat. It's the largest zoo in the area, showcasing a wide variety of species like parrots, turtles, wolves, pandas, monkeys, giraffes, lions, tigers, big cats, bears, and eagles. Younger visitors will also enjoy a mini-farm.
Birds of the Marais Poitevin
Located 90 km from Camping Le Paradis, the Bird Park of the Marais Poitevin is well worth a visit. Spread over 8 hectares in the heart of the famed "Green Venice," 75 bird species can be observed up close. The park can be explored on foot, by boat, or even by canoe. Kids will love their dedicated area, where they can pet goats and donkeys, enjoy a treasure hunt, and follow Momo the flycatcher. But that's another story!
Sèvre Ostriches
A bit further afield but not to be missed, Sèvre Ostriches is a farm dedicated to ostriches, which you can explore independently or through guided tours (in July and August, by reservation). The farm is also home to emus and rheas. Visitors can lose themselves in a family-friendly maze and conclude the visit at the farm shop.