La Rochelle Aquarium

Aquarium in La Rochelle

CC BY-SA 2.5 / William Scot

The Aquarium de La Rochelle is one of Europe’s largest and most visited private aquariums, attracting around 800,000 visitors annually . Located near the Vieux-Port, it offers an immersive journey through the world’s oceans, showcasing over 12,000 marine animals across 600 species in 82 aquariums filled with 3 million liters of seawater.

Founded in 1970 by marine enthusiast René Coutant, the aquarium began as a modest 250 m² facility . After a fire in 1985, it was rebuilt and expanded, reopening in 1988 near the Les Minimes marina . In 2001, it moved to its current location, offering a state-of-the-art experience that includes themed zones such as the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, and a dedicated shark area with a 1.5 million-liter tank.

The aquarium is also a center for marine conservation and education. Its Centre for the Study and Care of Sea Turtles (CESTM) rescues and rehabilitates stranded turtles along the Atlantic coast, releasing them back into the wild with tracking devices to monitor their movements . Additionally, the aquarium supports scientific research and offers educational programs for students.

Visitors can enhance their experience with audio guides available in multiple languages and enjoy amenities like the “Mémoires d’Océans” gift shop and the “Café de l’Aquarium,” which serves seasonal, organic dishes in a tropical setting . Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or a family seeking an engaging outing, the Aquarium de La Rochelle offers a captivating glimpse into the underwater world.

The La Rochelle Aquarium appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Rochelle!

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