This is an extremely large and ultramodern aquarium, founded by René Coutant. It is the largest aquarium in the Charente Maritime and one of the most impressive in the whole of Europe. Several rooms are devoted either to a particular ocean or to a specific area such as tropical seas or the Mediterranean. Species are displayed superbly well in vast tanks. A visit here will take around two hours. There are more than 12,000 marine animals ranging from fragile jellyfish to mesmerising sharks in 3,000,000 Litres of seawater. This is a great opportunity to learn so much more about the sea and the creatures that live therein.
The Aquarium shop, ‘Mémoires d’océans’, offers a range of imaginative and original souvenir items. If you need a drink or a snack on your visit then you will find the ‘Café de l’Aquarium’ restaurant on the 2nd floor. In a tropical setting, the restaurant offers customers a menu specializing in organic, seasonal cuisine. Open from 10am to 8pm.
Main reasons to visit the Aquarium at La Rochelle:
- 12 000 marine animals from the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Tropical Seas
- 78 large volume glass tanks providing you with a wide open view of the ocean
- The huge shark tank containing 1.5 million litres of seawater.
- A 360° underwater tunnel allowing you to walk under the water surrounded by a thousand jellyfish
- A fascinating programme of exhibitions, film screenings and guest lectures.
Opening hours
Open 365 days a year
October to March: 10am-8pm
April to June and September: 9am-8pm
July and August: 9am-11pm
3 wheelchairs are available free of charge at the reception desk
Contact details
Aquarium La Rochelle, Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 – LA ROCHELLE
Tel. : 05 46 34 00 00
Fax : 05 46 45 35 71
Internet : www.aquarium-larochelle.com/en
