Planet Exotica
Discover Europe's largest venomous snake collection, walk with dinosaurs, and find peace in a stunning Zen Garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Planet Exotica
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Europe's largest venomous snake collection, walk with dinosaurs, and find peace in a stunning Zen Garden.
"A magical place with beautiful gardens and a variety of reptiles to have a close encounter with."
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy a meal in a comfortable spot. Food options can be limited.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through gardens and trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Europe's Largest Venomous Snake Collection
Reptile House
Marvel at an impressive array of vipers, cobras, and rattlesnakes, a truly unique and thrilling experience.
Life-Size Dinosaur Trail
Dinosaur World
Step back in time and walk among realistic, life-size dinosaur models in an immersive prehistoric landscape.
Zen Garden & Bonsai Collection
Zen Garden
Find tranquility in a beautifully landscaped garden featuring an extensive and impressive collection of bonsai trees.
Mini Farm & Cuddly Critters
Mini Farm
Enjoy interactive fun with friendly goats, alpacas, and other farm animals, with optional feed for an extra treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Reptile Encounters
Pack Smart for a Full Day of Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy a meal in a comfortable spot. Food options can be limited.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through gardens and trails.
🐐 Buy Goat Feed
Kids (and adults!) love feeding the friendly goats and alpacas.
🐍 Check Feeding Schedules
See venomous snakes and other animals up close during scheduled feedings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy a meal in a comfortable spot. Food options can be limited.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through gardens and trails.
🐐 Buy Goat Feed
Kids (and adults!) love feeding the friendly goats and alpacas.
🐍 Check Feeding Schedules
See venomous snakes and other animals up close during scheduled feedings.
📸 Capture the Dinosaurs
Great photo opportunities with the life-size dinosaur models.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Planet Exotica offers a unique blend of reptile encounters, dinosaur models, and tranquil gardens, making it a popular family outing. Visitors praise the variety of attractions and the interactive elements like feeding the animals. However, some reviews note limitations in animal enclosure sizes and food availability, suggesting a picnic is a wise choice.
"It's a magical place with beautiful gardens and a variety of reptiles to have a close encounter with. There are also friendly alpacas, horses, goats and cute little bunnies jumping around. Hours of pleasant strolling. I especially liked the zen garden with an impressive collection of bonsai trees."
Joanna Kowalska
"It was a great day out, our 6 yr old twins really enjoyed the mixed bag of attractions (reptiles, spiders, dinosaur models, Indian teepes,goats to cuddle, trampoline). We spent around 4 hours and just wish we had taken a picnic as there was a very comfortable seating area for that. We paid an extra 3€ for the goats feed which was worth it."
Alexx LAURIE
"Great day out for the family. Fantastic collection of reptiles and a great garden/park walk that winds its way around the lakes full of ducks, fish and otters. The park has piles of dinosaur models, some interactive. Included in the price is a small go-cart course at the far end of the garden and trampolines at the end of the route. A mini farm of goats and alpacas too. You can also see the breeding tanks with baby snakes etc. It also has a nice chill out area with a snack bar near the end of the route. A really excellent day out - good luck getting the kids out of the gift shop!"
Andrew Adamson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Planet Exotica is located near Royan in Charente-Maritime. Driving is the most convenient option, with ample parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi service is advisable if you're not driving.
Yes, Planet Exotica is easily accessible by car and offers parking facilities for visitors. It's a popular destination for families in the Charente-Maritime region.
The nearest major town to Planet Exotica is Royan. It's a popular coastal resort town, making Planet Exotica a great addition to a trip in the area.
While Planet Exotica itself doesn't offer accommodation, the nearby town of Royan has a wide range of hotels, campsites, and rental properties suitable for various budgets.
Yes, Planet Exotica can be visited as a day trip from Bordeaux. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a feasible excursion for a full day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Planet Exotica website for the most current pricing. Family tickets and concessions are often available.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and potentially secure better rates. Check their website for online booking options.
Look out for potential discounts for groups, students, or during off-peak seasons. Checking their social media pages or website can reveal current promotions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to consult the Planet Exotica website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information on operating times before your visit.
Yes, there is typically a small extra charge for animal feed, particularly for the goats and alpacas. Visitors often find this a worthwhile experience for the kids.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Planet Exotica boasts a vast collection of reptiles, including venomous snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. You can also encounter dinosaurs, alpacas, goats, and various birds and fish. 
Absolutely! Children will love the life-size dinosaur models, the mini farm with cuddly animals, trampolines, and a small go-kart course.
The Zen Garden is a peaceful oasis featuring a beautiful collection of bonsai trees, offering a serene escape within the park. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Yes, Planet Exotica offers scheduled feeding sessions, particularly for their venomous snakes, which are a popular attraction. Check the park's daily schedule for timings.
Most visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring Planet Exotica, allowing ample time to see the reptiles, dinosaurs, gardens, and enjoy the interactive elements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options can be limited, with snack bars often offering waffles and ice cream. Some stands may be closed, especially outside peak season. Bringing your own picnic is highly recommended.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. There are comfortable seating areas perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch.
Given the limited food offerings, it's best to assume options might be basic. Bringing your own vegetarian or vegan meals is the most reliable approach.
Planet Exotica typically has snack bars rather than a full-service restaurant. These usually offer quick bites like ice cream and waffles.
The operating hours for food stands can be inconsistent, and they may close earlier than the park itself. It's advisable to check on arrival or bring your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout Planet Exotica. However, always be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography, especially near sensitive exhibits.
The life-size dinosaur models offer fantastic photo opportunities. The Zen Garden with its bonsai trees and the diverse reptile enclosures also make for striking shots.
Photography is usually permitted during feeding sessions, but it's important to be respectful of the animals and the keepers. Avoid using flash if it might disturb them.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in most animal parks and zoos to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors. Check the park's rules for specifics.
A versatile camera that can handle both close-ups of reptiles and wider shots of the dinosaur trail and gardens would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for capturing memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, the park includes trampolines and a small go-kart course, adding extra fun and energy-burning activities. While the reptile exhibits are fascinating, ensure your children are comfortable with them. The park is well-laid out for strolling, and bringing a picnic is highly recommended to manage food costs and ensure everyone stays fueled for a full day of exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some attractions like animal feed have an extra cost, the core experience of exploring the reptile house, dinosaur trail, and Zen Garden is included in the admission price. Prioritize these key areas to get the best value for your money. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and prices.
🌿 Nature & Garden Enthusiasts
Beyond the Zen Garden, the park features pleasant garden walks that wind around lakes filled with ducks and fish. This offers a refreshing natural element to the visit, complementing the more exotic animal exhibits. It's a chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst well-kept landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating World of Reptiles
+1Many visitors highlight the impressive variety of reptiles as a major draw. The park's commitment to showcasing these often-misunderstood animals provides an educational and exciting experience. It's a chance to see species that are rarely found in other zoos, making Planet Exotica a significant destination for reptile lovers. The detailed enclosures and informative displays enhance the learning experience for all ages.
While the reptile collection is a star attraction, it's important to note that some reviews mention that animal spaces could be larger for certain species, like crocodiles. This is a common consideration in zoological parks, and Planet Exotica aims to balance visitor experience with animal welfare. Despite this, the sheer number and diversity of reptiles remain a compelling reason to visit.
A Journey Through Prehistoric Times
+1The dinosaur models are not just static displays; some are interactive, adding an engaging element to the exploration. Children, in particular, are captivated by the sheer scale and detail of these prehistoric creatures. It’s a fantastic opportunity for imaginative play and learning about Earth’s ancient past. The trail winds through a natural setting, further enhancing the prehistoric atmosphere.
While the dinosaur trail is a major draw, it's worth noting that the overall outdoor area, though nicely themed, could benefit from further enhancements according to some visitor feedback. However, the dinosaur models themselves are consistently praised for their realism and impact, making this a memorable part of the Planet Exotica visit.
Tranquility in the Zen Garden
The garden provides a welcome contrast to the more thrilling exhibits, allowing visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature and horticultural skill. It's a perfect spot for a quiet stroll, reflection, or simply to enjoy a moment of calm amidst the park's attractions. The winding paths and thoughtful design make it a pleasure to explore.
Visitors often praise the Zen Garden for its calming ambiance and the sheer variety of bonsai on display. It's a testament to the park's commitment to offering diverse experiences, catering to different interests and moods. This area adds significant value to the overall visit, providing a unique cultural and aesthetic dimension.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit