L'Île aux Papillons
Step into a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies and colorful lorikeets on the Île de Noirmoutier.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Butterflies are most active
L'Île aux Papillons
Best Time
Butterflies are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies and colorful lorikeets on the Île de Noirmoutier.
"A truly magical experience with butterflies landing on you, especially for families!"
Wear Bright Colors! 🌈
Butterflies are attracted to bright colors, especially red. Consider wearing a red cap for a chance to have them land on you!
Take Your Time ⏳
Don't rush! Explore slowly, read the information plaques, and observe the different species.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exotic Butterfly Immersion
Tropical Greenhouse
Wander through a lush greenhouse filled with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. A truly magical experience!
Lorikeet Encounters
Aviary
Get up close with colorful lorikeets. Feeding them is a highlight for many visitors, especially children.
Piranha and Koi Ponds
Aquatic Exhibits
Discover fascinating aquatic life, including a piranha tank and a pond of friendly Koi Carp.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Butterfly Encounters
Embrace the Tropical Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Bright Colors! 🌈
Butterflies are attracted to bright colors, especially red. Consider wearing a red cap for a chance to have them land on you!
Take Your Time ⏳
Don't rush! Explore slowly, read the information plaques, and observe the different species.
Kid-Friendly Fun 👨👩👧
A fantastic spot for families. Kids love seeing the butterflies up close and feeding the lorikeets.
Check Out Other Exhibits 🐠
Don't miss the piranha tank and the bird aviary, which are often overlooked but add to the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Bright Colors! 🌈
Butterflies are attracted to bright colors, especially red. Consider wearing a red cap for a chance to have them land on you!
Take Your Time ⏳
Don't rush! Explore slowly, read the information plaques, and observe the different species.
Kid-Friendly Fun 👨👩👧
A fantastic spot for families. Kids love seeing the butterflies up close and feeding the lorikeets.
Check Out Other Exhibits 🐠
Don't miss the piranha tank and the bird aviary, which are often overlooked but add to the experience.
Perfect for Rainy Days ☔
This tropical greenhouse is an excellent option when the weather isn't cooperating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experience of being surrounded by hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies, with many enjoying the opportunity for them to land on them. The lorikeet feeding and other exhibits like the piranha tank are also popular highlights, making it a great family outing. Some note the limited refreshment options and the price for fish food as minor drawbacks.
"Took a spin out to see the butterflies because the weather wasn’t the best, three kids enjoyed it very much. We walked around the loop three times to take it all in. Seen different types of butterflies each time. Only issue was the price to feed the fish 50cents for a kids handful but didn’t take much away from the experience we had. Bird area was nearly missed but when we found it was nice to get close to the birds. Would recommend for a wet day or a short trip."
Aaron H Murphy (OhHolyMoses)
"A lovely experience with numerous types of exotic butterflies flying around and perching on flowers and fruit feeding stations, the carers of the numerous types of butterflies were so stunning and we were blessed to have butterflies landing on us on Most of the information notices are in English and in French. There are other attractions within including a piranha tank and a bird aviary, plus also a video presentation that we did not watch. The facilities including the reception and the toilets are modern and clean and it’s a real pleasure to visit this wonderful attraction. Visitor numbers were moderate on a September Monday. Refreshments unlimited to a modest selection of soft drinks and a very small selection of ice creams and ice lollies."
Pete Stringer
"Interesting place, highly recommended for a rainy day. Not too big, so conveniently can be seen with a whole family. Can be a bit crowded. There is also a bird house. The area is not too exciting, but a short drive takes you to a mall and there are salt production places around to visit."
Ferenc Borondics
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
L'Île aux Papillons is located on the Île de Noirmoutier in Vendée, France. It's accessible by car, and there are parking facilities available. The island itself is connected to the mainland by a bridge. 
Yes, it's generally well-signposted once you are on the Île de Noirmoutier. Many visitors mention it as a key attraction on the island.
The attraction is located near Noirmoutier-en-l'Île and is part of the broader Noirmoutier island tourism circuit.
Absolutely! It's a popular stop for day-trippers exploring the Île de Noirmoutier, especially if the weather is mixed.
While public transport on the island is limited, it's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, from where you might need a taxi or a longer walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Ticket prices are generally considered reasonable, especially for families. There might be separate small fees for activities like feeding the fish.
While not always explicitly mentioned, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good strategy to save time, especially during peak season. Check their official website for booking options.
Discounts may be available for children, students, or families. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking their website for any special offers.
Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction. Children are particularly delighted by the butterflies and lorikeets.
🎫 🦋 Onsite Experience
You'll encounter a wide variety of exotic butterfly species from around the world, all flying freely within the tropical greenhouse.
Yes, it's quite common for butterflies to land on visitors, especially if you wear bright colors like red. It's a magical part of the experience!
Besides butterflies, you can see lorikeets (with an option to feed them), piranhas, and Koi Carp. +1
Yes, the attraction often features a butterfly hatchery where you can observe the life cycle of these beautiful insects.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend observing the butterflies, other exhibits, and feeding the birds. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Refreshments are usually limited to a modest selection of soft drinks and ice creams. It's not a full-service restaurant.
Picnic areas might be available, but it's best to check their policy. Bringing your own snacks is often a good idea for families.
Expect basic options like ice lollies and soft drinks. The focus is on the butterfly experience rather than extensive dining.
Yes, there are dining options in the nearby town of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, offering a wider range of choices.
The cost of refreshments is generally modest, but the selection is limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a fantastic place to capture stunning close-ups of butterflies.
Be patient, use a macro lens if possible, and try to capture them when they are resting on flowers or feeding. Wearing bright colors might attract them closer.
It's usually best to avoid flash photography as it can disturb the butterflies. Natural light within the greenhouse is often sufficient.
Definitely! The lorikeets are often very approachable, especially if you are feeding them, providing great photo moments.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the delicate wing movements and a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field to make the butterflies pop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The piranha and Koi ponds also add an exciting element to the visit. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as food options are limited. Consider wearing bright clothing, especially red, to encourage butterfly landings.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Experiment with macro lenses to capture the intricate details of their wings. Patience is key, as is natural light – avoid using flash to protect the delicate creatures. Try to photograph butterflies when they are resting on flowers or feeding stations. The lorikeets also offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during feeding times.
The vibrant colors and diverse patterns of the butterflies provide endless creative possibilities for stunning nature photography. ☔ Rainy Day Escape
Immerse yourself in the humid, lush environment and marvel at the hundreds of exotic butterflies flitting around. It's a refreshing change of scenery and a great way to make the most of your visit to the Île de Noirmoutier, even if the sun isn't shining.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting World of Butterflies
Beyond the main butterfly exhibit, the attraction often includes other fascinating elements. You might find a butterfly hatchery where you can witness the metamorphosis process, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and finally, the adult butterfly. This educational aspect adds another layer of appreciation for these insects.
Many visitors highlight the opportunity to interact closely with nature. The free-flying butterflies create an intimate and memorable experience, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and families alike. The vibrant colors and graceful movements of the butterflies are a constant source of wonder.
+1Beyond the Butterflies: Other Attractions
The attraction also features aquatic exhibits that add to the biodiversity on display. You can observe a tank of Red Bellied Piranhas, known for their distinctive appearance, and a pond filled with friendly Koi Carp. The Koi pond, in particular, can be a source of amusement as the fish eagerly anticipate being fed.
These additional exhibits provide a well-rounded experience, ensuring there's something to capture everyone's interest. They complement the butterfly experience by showcasing different facets of the natural world in a contained and accessible environment.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
For those planning a visit, it's recommended to take your time and absorb the details. Reading the information plaques can enrich your understanding of the different species. Wearing bright colors, especially red, is a popular tip for increasing the chances of butterfly encounters.
While the focus is on the natural exhibits, the surrounding area of Noirmoutier offers additional attractions like salt production sites and coastal landscapes, making it a worthwhile destination for a longer stay.
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