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The History of the Park

In the late 1990s, during a spectacular journey through the department, a few Catalans from the town, Ille sur Têt, discovered la Vallée Heureuse (the Happy Valley) which is located within the limits of the community of Sorède. They understood that this place and only this place could make their dream come to life.

Here, in this mini paradise on earth at the foot of the Albères, among the Cork Oaks and singing cicadas, in the heart of a lush natural environment that is crossed by a peaceful river, the limits of this park were drawn, following an agreement will the village of Sorède. This park, unique among most others would be completely dedicated to turtles. The turtle is for them both a pet and a wild animal, surrounded by legends and mysteries.

After overcoming many obstacles, Turtle Valley opened its doors on April 29, 2000. Today, thanks to its team, its actions, its experience and thanks to the authenticity of its commitment to the defense of this extraordinary and fascinating animal, Turtle Valley has become - along with the Massif des Maures in the Var, and Corsica - one of the last European sanctuaries for chelonians in general and the Hermann's Tortoise in particular.

Today, in a privileged environment built from water, sun and earth, Turtle Valley stretches over 2.5 hectares. It houses some 500 turtles representing thirty species, from the smallest to the monumental and famous turtle from the Seychelles.

Turtle Valley is best appreciated through the rhythm of the surrounding nature and its inhabitants.

The team at Turtle Valley will make sure that you have an excellent and exciting visit filled with interesting stories and information. Sharing our passion for turtles is an enormous pleasure.

The turtles also welcome you to their home and show you how they live. Moreover, every day in summer at Turtle Valley, around 16:00, one of our turtles will introduce themselves to the public. Come and see!

The Birth of the Park

Turtle Valley opened its doors on April 29, 2000, after three years of administrative and physical work.

La Vallée des Tortues en 1998

The construction of the Park

La Vallée des Tortues en 1998 La Vallée des Tortues en 1998