Au Bonheur des Animaux in La Garde-Adhémar: the rescue farm near Pierrelatte (2026)

Some outings please children and parents alike. Au Bonheur des Animaux, in La Garde-Adhémar, near Pierrelatte, is one of them: a discovery farm where more than 350 animals — ponies, llamas, goats, rare sheep, dwarf hens… — enjoy a peaceful retirement, far from the mistreatment or abandonment that many of them suffered. Here, the animals are kings and the children are full of joy. Around thirty minutes from Mas Saint Antoine, it is one of our favourite family outings. Here is our 2026 guide.

A rescue farm, not a breeding farm

What sets Au Bonheur des Animaux apart from a classic animal park is its philosophy. Created in 2015 by Véronique Barro, the farm covers nearly 2 hectares and is home to more than 350 animals, the vast majority of which have been abandoned or rescued. Here there is no animal production: the residents are considered and treated as companion animals, not as production animals. The farm continues, as far as possible, to take in animals that are victims of human neglect.

It is therefore a visit that has meaning: by coming, you support a place that cares for animals that, for many, had nowhere to go.

What can you do there?

The experience is designed for contact and gentleness:

• Approach the animals: some enclosures are semi-open, and several animals wander freely, delighted to come and meet you for a few pellets.
• Pony rides: offered for children, in addition to the visit (you lead the pony yourself).
• A small adventure trail at the back of the farm, and wooden games for young and old.
• A snacking area and refreshment bar (salads, sandwiches, pizzas, children’s menu), as well as many picnic tables — outdoor picnics are allowed.
• A souvenir shop (soft toys, books, artisanal products).

The site is well shaded, which makes it pleasant even in summer. Note: dogs are not allowed, as animals roam freely.

2026 prices

As a guide, here are the entry prices for 2026:

• Adult: about €9.50
• Child (2 to 13 years): about €7.50
• Free for under 2s
• Reduced rate for people with disabilities
• Pony ride: a few euros extra (only for farm visitors)

Payment is accepted by bank card, holiday vouchers and cash. These prices are given as a guide for 2026 and may change; check the up-to-date amounts on the official website before your visit.

2026 opening hours

Opening hours vary by season. For 2026, the principle is as follows:

• During school holidays (zones A, B, C): every day, generally 11am to 6pm.
• Outside school holidays: mainly Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
• The farm is generally closed from December to early February, except for occasional events.

Opening hours and days change throughout the year (and from one year to the next); check the official website for the exact hours of your visit date.

👉 All up-to-date information (prices, hours, events, group bookings) is on the farm’s official website: aubonheurdesanimaux26.com. Booking is not necessary for free visits; it is required for guided formulas and groups.

An ideal family outing, 30 minutes from Mas

Au Bonheur des Animaux is about half an hour’s drive from Mas Saint Antoine. It is a perfect outing for a half-day with family during your stay, particularly appreciated by children. And as the farm is in an area rich in attractions, you can easily combine several discoveries in the same day.

Very close by, do not miss the village of La Garde-Adhémar, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, and the famous Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte, another must-see animal outing in the area. Find our accommodations on the our cottages in the Ardèche page, and all our ideas in Le Mag du Mas.

In conclusion

1. Au Bonheur des Animaux is a rescue farm in La Garde-Adhémar, near Pierrelatte, 30 min from Mas.
2. More than 350 animals, mostly rescued or taken in; no animal production.
3. Semi-open enclosures, pony rides, adventure trail, snacking and a picnic area.
4. 2026 prices: about €9.50 adult, €7.50 child (to be confirmed on the official website).
5. A lovely family outing to combine with La Garde-Adhémar and the Crocodile Farm.

A tender break in the company of animals, a stone’s throw from Mas: a memory that is sure to please young and old.