Labenne's zoo

Labenne's zoo is a compact, family-run animal park in Labenne, on the southern coast of the Landes department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Set across roughly 5 hectares of pine and cork-oak forest typical of this stretch of coastline, it sits about 20 minutes by car from both Bayonne and Hossegor.

Where exactly is the zoo located?

The park is on Avenue de l'Océan in Labenne (postcode 40530), just a few kilometres inland from the Atlantic beaches. That location makes it a natural stop for anyone holidaying along the Landes coast, offering a full-day activity that works regardless of the weather. It is, in fact, the leading private tourist attraction in the whole of the Landes department, drawing more than 95,000 visitors a year.

What animals live at the park?

The zoo is home to more than 350 animals across over 75 species, drawn from all five continents. Residents include wolves, lynx, lemurs, parrots, meerkats, zebras, flamingos, dromedaries and servals. There is also a small farm area with more domesticated animals, where younger visitors can get close to the animals and pet them.

How does the visit work?

Visitors follow a free, self-guided path of around 1 kilometre that winds through the shaded pine and oak forest. The route is suitable for children and pushchairs, and the tree cover keeps the walk comfortable even on hot days. A typical visit lasts between one and two and a half hours, depending on how long you linger at each enclosure.

What else is there to do besides viewing animals?

Beyond animal-watching, the zoo puts an emphasis on hands-on contact with nature and conservation education, running seasonal educational activities focused on protecting endangered species. Children can feed and pet dwarf goats in the mini farm area. On site there is free parking, a snack bar with a terrace, and a designated picnic area, so a full day out doesn't require leaving the grounds for a meal.

Who is this attraction best suited for?

The park's modest scale and forest setting make it especially well suited to families with young children — the walking route is short, shaded, and doesn't demand much stamina. It also works well as a rainy-day plan or a break from the beach during a Landes coast holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Labenne's zoo from Bayonne and Hossegor? About 20 minutes by car from either town, making it an easy day-trip destination from the coast.

How many animal species can visitors see? More than 75 species and over 350 animals from five continents, ranging from wolves and lynx to flamingos and dromedaries.

How much time should I set aside for a visit? The walking path covers around 1 kilometre, and a full visit typically takes between 1 and 2.5 hours.

Is there somewhere to eat at the zoo? Yes, there's an on-site snack bar with a terrace, plus a picnic area for visitors who prefer to bring their own food.