La Rochelle Aquarium

The aquarium of La Rochelle

The aquarium of La Rochelle is one of the flagship attractions of the town, one of the largest private aquariums of Europe, where more than twelve thousand marine animals of six hundred species live. The La Rochelle audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this place founded in 1970, facing the Vieux-Port, that invites to a fascinating journey into the heart of the biodiversity of the oceans of the world.

The great journey into the heart of the oceans

On your left is the famous aquarium of La Rochelle, one of the flagship attractions of the town, and for good reason: it is one of the largest private aquariums of Europe. It must be said that you count there no fewer than six hundred species spread in its numerous tanks. In total, more than twelve thousand marine animals from the whole world live in this aquarium, reflecting the immense diversity of the aquatic world, from the Atlantic coasts to the tropical seas. It is René Coutant who founded the aquarium of La Rochelle in 1970, driven by the desire to raise public awareness of the richness and the fragility of marine life. Victim of a fire in the course of its history, the aquarium was rebuilt and transferred to its present facilities, facing the Vieux-Port, where it occupies a vast modern building. The route invites to a true immersive journey through the oceans: you cross there luminous jellyfish, seahorses, colourful fish of the coral reefs, majestic sharks in a great tank that you cross by a tunnel, marine turtles and even a luxuriant tropical greenhouse. Beyond the spectacle, the aquarium carries out important actions of conservation, care of the animals and scientific awareness, notably among the youngest. A place of discovery and poetry, it amazes young and old. A giant aquarium and a window on the oceans, the aquarium of La Rochelle is a fine stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

Here you discover one of the largest private aquariums of Europe, founded in 1970 by René Coutant facing the Vieux-Port, where more than twelve thousand marine animals of six hundred species live; the immersive route leads from luminous jellyfish to seahorses, from coral reefs to sharks crossed by a tunnel, to a tropical greenhouse, in a spirit of discovery and conservation. The aquarium is a flagship attraction of La Rochelle. It is a fine stop, indoors.

Practical information

The aquarium of La Rochelle lies facing the Vieux-Port, in the centre of the town, reachable on foot. It follows its own days and opening hours, variable according to the season, and entry is subject to a fee, with free access for the very young. It is best to enquire before coming.

What to see at the aquarium of La Rochelle?

More than twelve thousand marine animals of six hundred species from the whole world: luminous jellyfish, seahorses, colourful fish of the coral reefs, sharks observed from a tunnel, marine turtles and a tropical greenhouse; founded in 1970 by René Coutant facing the Vieux-Port, it is one of the largest private aquariums of Europe, committed to conservation.

Where is the aquarium of La Rochelle?

Facing the Vieux-Port, in the centre of La Rochelle, in France.