Royan – Day 8
Take a day trip to discover the great outdoors and animals from every continent.
La Palmyre Zoo
Start your day early with a visit to the La Palmyre zoo. You will need to allow about 4 hours to visit this 18 hectare area with 1600 mammals, birds and reptiles representing 110 different species. As well as being an enjoyable and entertaining outing for the public, La Palmyre Zoo also plays an important role in the conservation of endangered species, scientific research and environmental education. It records more than 200 births each year, a success that can be explained by the care given to the animals’ diet and well-being. Young and old alike will be entertained and amazed by the shows on offer.
Forest of La Coubre
Why not plan a picnic near the zoo in this green lung of the Pays Royannais. The majestic forest of La Coubre covers 4820 hectares and is a refuge for numerous animal species (deer, roe deer, wild boar, etc.). This vast territory invites you to go for a walk and enjoy the shade of the pine trees. Hiking routes, miles of bike paths, a mountain bike trail that offers breathtaking views of the ocean off the beaten track. And to admire all the splendour of this forest, what better way than to climb to the top of the Phare de La Coubre, which offers you THE most breathtaking view of this forest massif. After climbing 300 steps in a blue opaline interior, a 360° panorama offers a breathtaking view of the Côte Sauvage de La Tremblade and its magnificent beaches, the forest of La Coubre, the Gironde estuary and the island of Oléron.
Surf
Once you climbed to the top of the lighthouse, you could see the wild coastline and this large stretch of beach. Located between La Palmyre and La Tremblade, the beaches of the Côte Sauvage offer an ideal spot for you, surf enthusiasts. The waves of the Atlantic are there. This spot is frequented by all surfers and bodyboarders. If you are already surfing, this is the place to be and if you want to learn, there are many surf schools that will be happy to teach you how to ride the Atlantic waves.
