A CUPULATTA – A FAMILY ADVENTURE FOR TURTLE LOVERS

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Visit Europe’s leading centre for turtle and tortoise research, breeding, and conservation. Fully integrated into abundant Corsican vegetation, this natural site covers an area of 2.5 ha, boasting 170 species and over 3000 specimens from around the world.

Ideal for families with young children and nature lovers alike, the park makes for a great attraction when visiting Corsica’s arresting west coast.

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LOCATION OF A CUPULATTA

The park is situated on the main T20 road in the Vero commune, 17 km northeast of Ajaccio, up in the Gravona River valley. Nestled on a hillside with a refreshing torrent running through the wooded banks, this beautifully set sanctuary benefits from a peaceful shade even during the hottest midday hours.

Trains run from Ajaccio to Carbuccia, from where it’s only a 20-minute walk to the park via the D129 and T20 roads. As the Carbuccia station is on-demand, be sure to press the arret button beforehand. Optionally, you may take a taxi or hop on one of the buses departing from Ajaccio to Corte and Bastia.

A CUPULATTA

Founded in 1993 by Philippe Magnan, now managed by the director and veterinarian Pierre Moisson, the sanctuary provides excellent conditions ensuring the welfare and happiness of the animals. Featured turtles and tortoises are very well cared for and enjoy plenty of space, equipped with ponds and shelters best suited to their needs.

Beautifully set, the natural habitat of the park is home to an array of species, from tiny newborns, terrapins, alligator or cherry turtles to giant Galapagos and Seychelles tortoises.

The site also boasts a clinic where surgeries, analyses, and medical care are undertaken in optimal conditions, while a carefully designed nursery gives home to tropical aquatic baby turtles.

Comprehensive park facilities allow for a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Find other family-friendly activities and attractions in Corsica.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• There is a spacious partly shaded free car park in front of the sanctuary’s entrance.
• The park is open 7 days a week- 1^st April to 15^th May 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 16^th May to 15^th September 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., 16^th September to 11^th November 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• The standard fees: adults- €14, children 5-11 years old- €10, children 0-5 years old- free.
• To save time, cruise ship one-day visitors coming from Ajaccio may purchase skip-the-line tickets online.
• Allow around 2 hours for a full visit. The path is marked with signposts and dotted with panels providing detailed information on the presented species.
• There is a snack bar at the entrance/exit of the site where you may purchase lunch or grab a refreshing drink.
• A well-equipped gift shop offers turtle-themed souvenirs.
• Well-maintained restrooms are available for use on-site.
• The sanctuary address: T20, 20172 Vero, France.
• For more information, check the official website www.acupulatta.com.

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