What is a mini-farm at a campsite?
A mini-farm is an area set up within the campsite where various farm animals, and sometimes a few more unusual species, live together. Smaller than an educational farm, it generally allows holidaymakers to observe the animals up close and sometimes take part in activities such as feeding.
Depending on the campsite, the mini-farm may take the form of a simple enclosure housing a few animals or a fully-fledged activity area integrated into the campsite’s daily life.
An activity for the whole family
While children are often the first to rush towards the enclosures, mini-farms actually appeal to all generations.
Younger children discover animals they may only know from books or cartoons. At many mini-farms, they can also get up close to the animals and sometimes stroke them, under the supervision of adults or carers.
Teenagers often enjoy the more unusual species, whilst parents enjoy a quiet moment in contact with nature. For many families, a visit to the mini-farm even becomes a little daily ritual during the holidays.
What animals can be found on campsite mini-farms?
The most common animals are those found on French farms:
- goats;
- sheep and lambs;
- rabbits;
- chickens;
- ducks;
- geese;
- donkeys;
- pigs;
- ponies.
At Le Domaine d’Inly***** campsite, for example, children can meet goats, Ouessant sheep, chickens, geese, pigs and even Félicie the foal, who is particularly popular with the youngest visitors.
Some campsites also have peacocks, which are particularly popular for their spectacular colours.
While most mini-farms focus on traditional farm animals, some have a few surprises in store for holidaymakers.
- alpacas;
- llamas;
- camels, dromedaries;
- ostriches, rheas;
- wallabies (cousins of kangaroos);
- parrots and other birds (pheasants, parakeets, etc.).
For example, the Lac de la Chausselière**** and Yelloh! Village Les Voiles d'Anjou**** campsites are home to alpacas, whilst the Domaine de Levéno**** hosts a small group of wallabies, small marsupials related to kangaroos. Llamas (such as at the naturist campsite Domaine de Riva Bella****) or rarer birds may also make an appearance. The La ferme des 4 chênes*** campsite is home to a rhea, a large bird native to South America. Finally, at the Le Palais de la Mer**** campsite, holidaymakers can encounter llamas, alpacas, as well as a camel and a dromedary.
These unexpected encounters are often one of the highlights of the holiday for children.
Can you feed the animals?
At many campsites, it is possible to feed the animals.
For example, the Holiday Green***** campsite explicitly states that the mini-farm is open during the school holidays and that children can bring vegetable peelings to feed the rabbits, ducks or guinea pigs.
Some mini-farms organise feeding sessions supervised by the entertainment team. Children can then take part in feeding the animals and learn more about their habits.
La Grand' Métairie**** campsite, for example, offers supervised feeding sessions. Children aged 6 to 12 can get involved in the mini-farm’s activities, accompanied by activity leaders and animal carers.
Please note: at some mini-farms, feeding is strictly reserved for the carers. Where feeding is permitted, you should always follow the campsite’s instructions and never give the animals any food that is not recommended.
Is a visit to the mini-farm free?
In most cases, access to the mini-farm is included in the stay.
Visitors can usually visit freely during the campsite’s opening hours. Animal-related activities, such as feeding or educational presentations, are also often included in the activities offered to holidaymakers.
However, it is advisable to check the details directly with the campsite, as some sites offer activities at fixed times, such as feeding at 9.30 am or 10 am, or a weekly session with the animal caretaker.
Why are mini-farms so popular with families?
Beyond their fun aspect, mini-farms also have an educational dimension. They allow children to discover farm animals, observe their behaviour and better understand their needs.
Helping to feed the animals, recognising different species or simply learning to approach an animal calmly are all little experiences that spark their curiosity.
Mini-farms also offer a simple activity accessible to the whole family. Whilst the children observe, stroke or feed the animals, parents too can enjoy a relaxing moment in contact with nature. These spaces encourage intergenerational interaction and provide a welcome alternative to more active pursuits or screen time.
In a world where children spend a lot of time in front of screens, these moments of contact with animals are particularly appreciated.
A few tips for making the most of the mini-farm
To ensure the visit is enjoyable for everyone:
- respect the animals and their peace and quiet;
- keep an eye on young children;
- follow the instructions displayed on site;
- wash your hands after your visit;
- please attend the feeding sessions at the scheduled times if you wish to take part.
Campsites with mini-farms throughout France
Many campsites in France have a mini-farm. The following list is therefore by no means exhaustive ;-)
Mini-farms at campsites in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Les Plages de l'Ain*** in Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans: family-run mini-farm and pony rides.
Mini-farms at campsites in Brittany
Le Vieux Verger – Ty Noul*** in Névez: rabbits, sheep, dwarf goats and an alpaca.
Domaine d'Inly***** in Pénestin: goats, Ouessant sheep, ducks, pigs and farmyard animals.
Le Moustoir**** in Carnac: goats, rabbits, chickens, a donkey and a pony.
Kerzerho**** in Erdeven: mini-farm with goats, rabbits, chickens and ducks around a pond.
Mini-farms at campsites in Corsica
The naturist campsite Le Domaine de Riva Bella**** in Corsica features a llama park.
Mini-farms at campsites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
La Ferme des 4 Chênes*** in Urt: goats, rabbits, donkeys, llamas and an ostrich (nandou).
Mini-farms at campsites in Occitanie
Le Palais de la Mer**** in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer (66): its mini-farm is home to both traditional farm animals (goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys) and more surprising residents, including llamas, alpacas, peacocks, a camel and a dromedary.
Mini-farms at campsites in the Pays de la Loire
Les Voiles d'Anjou**** in Les Rosiers-sur-Loire: goats, sheep, poultry and alpacas.
La Grand' Métairie**** in Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt: goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, peacocks and a pony.
Lac de la Chausselière**** in La Guyonnière: sheep, chickens, ducklings, alpacas and ponies (new for 2026).
Yelloh! Village Château de la Forêt**** in Saint-Julien-des-Landes: goats, sheep, ponies and farmyard animals.
Domaine de Levéno****: mini-farm with goats, sheep, rabbits and a few wallabies, small marsupials related to kangaroos.
Mini-farms at campsites in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Holiday Green***** in Fréjus: a mini-farm accessible to children with feeding sessions organised during the school holidays.
Whether they are home to a few goats and chickens or more unexpected animals such as alpacas, wallabies or even a camel, mini-farms have become a real asset for many family campsites. They allow children to discover the animal world whilst sharing simple moments in the great outdoors, often among the most memorable holiday memories.