La planète des Crocodiles

La planète des Crocodiles is a reptile zoo located in Civaux, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, about a 30-minute drive southeast of Poitiers.

What can you see at the park?

The park is housed inside a vast 5,000 m² greenhouse that recreates a tropical climate — a construction unique in both France and Europe. Over 1,000 species of tropical plants grow inside, providing a natural habitat for more than 200 reptile specimens, including caimans, Chinese and Mississippi alligators, Nile crocodiles, chameleons, and turtles.

It is the only place in France where visitors can see both the largest and smallest crocodile species in the world side by side. The largest is the saltwater crocodile, reaching over 7 metres in length and weighing more than 1,000 kg, while the smallest is Cuvier's dwarf caiman, a genuinely miniature species.

How is the visit organised?

The park offers three themed trails: an adventure trail, an animal trail, and a plant trail. Each one guides visitors through a different part of the greenhouse, focusing in turn on close encounters with the reptiles, observation of the animals in their habitats, and the diversity of the tropical vegetation. This structure makes the park worth visiting more than once, since each trail highlights a different side of the experience.

When is the park open?

Opening hours vary by season. From September to June, the park is open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours that differ by day — the longest hours are on Wednesdays (10:00–19:30), while other weekdays include a midday break. During the high season, from July to August, the park opens daily, including Mondays (12:00–20:00), with Tuesdays and Fridays open until as late as 21:45. It is worth checking the current schedule before visiting, as hours can shift between seasons.

Who is this attraction for?

Opened in 2008, the park was designed for families with children, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an unusual outing in the Vienne region. Its proximity to Futuroscope means La planète des Crocodiles is often combined with a visit to that well-known theme park as an extra stop on a day trip around Poitiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a visit to the park take? The duration depends on the trail chosen and your pace, but since there are three separate themed routes (adventure, animal, and plant), it is worth setting aside at least two to three hours for the visit.

Can you see the crocodiles up close? Yes, the greenhouse layout and the marked trails are designed to allow close observation of the reptiles, including the world's largest and smallest crocodile species.

How do you get to Civaux from Poitiers? The park is about a 30-minute drive southeast of Poitiers, reached via the N147 road.

Is this a good attraction for children? Yes, thanks to its zoo format with close contact with reptiles and the variety of themed trails, La planète des Crocodiles is a popular destination for families with children.