La Rochelle Aquarium: a magical visit

The La Rochelle aquarium, located on the French Atlantic coast, is one of the jewels of the city. Discover the exhibitions, activities and all the practical information to prepare your visit to the heart of the world's oceans!

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Discover one of the largest private aquariums in Europe

Founded in 1970 by René Coutant, the La Rochelle aquarium is a must-see for marine life enthusiasts and visitors of all ages. Its captivating exhibitions, educational spaces and conservation programs offer an immersive experience to discover and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine ecosystems.

It includes pools of all sizes, tunnels, ledges and several outdoor areas dedicated to tropical species. A true plant jungle that offers a journey through tree ferns, orchids, coffee trees, palms and lianas! In the gallery of lights, dive in to discover abyssal species with fascinating colors such as anemone, giant spider crab or pine cone fish.

The aquarium also includes various amphitheaters, a practical work room and an activity room for groups and schools. On the top floor, its large brasserie is one of the restaurants in La Rochelle with the most beautiful view! From above, the panorama on the port of La Rochelle is absolutely fabulous...

The site is also a place of exchange between international scientific communities which welcomes teams of researchers and university students throughout the year. This place of scientific culture also offers educational activities in connection with school programs for children from kindergarten, primary, middle and high school. In the form of workshops, experiments or presentations, they allow to discover in a privileged way the marine environment and its current issues.

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Duration of the visit

Allow at least 1h30 to fully enjoy the visit.

Indeed, the establishment shows more than 12,000 marine animals from the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Tropics. Jellyfish, octopuses, multicolored corals, angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, clownfish, turtles, rays, royal jacks and all kinds of sharks... In total, 600 different species evolve in the 82 aquariums of the site!

La Rochelle aquarium: prices

Adult ticket, child ticket, full price or reduced price, all information regarding entry prices is available on the La Rochelle aquarium website.

Online ticketing avoids waiting at the checkout, particularly long during school holidays and public holidays.

Access to the La Rochelle Aquarium

The establishment is located on quai Louis Prunier, a stone's throw from the maritime museum of La Rochelle and the Gabut.

If you arrive by car, allow 2 hours from Bordeaux and 1 hour 30 minutes from Nantes or Poitiers. To park, several paid municipal car parks are located nearby.

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By train, La Rochelle station is a 5-minute walk away. Several TGV, TER and Intercités connections are available daily to Bordeaux, Paris, Nantes and the main cities and towns of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

The bus station is a 10-minute walk from the aquarium: convenient if you arrive or leave by bus from or to Rochefort, Saintes, the island of Oléron or the island of Ré. Several bus lines also serve the old town. They allow you to quickly reach the historic center, the La Rochelle market and the pretty shops around.

Finally, if you arrive by plane, La Rochelle airport is less than a 20-minute drive away.

What to see around the La Rochelle aquarium?

Take advantage of your visit to the aquarium to discover the museums of La Rochelle (natural history museum, fine arts museum, automata museum, etc.) and the main monuments of the city: the Tour de la Chaîne, the Tour de la Lanterne, the Grosse-Horloge gate and the Saint-Louis cathedral.

If you are visiting the region in summer, treat yourself to a moment of idleness on the pretty beaches of La Rochelle and the surrounding islands. This season is that of the Francofolies de la Rochelle, one of the most important festivals of La Rochelle and the region.

In early October, the Grand Pavois is a must-see event for sailing enthusiasts and nautical professionals. Based on the marina, it is one of the largest international nautical exhibitions.

If you have several days to visit La Rochelle, treat yourself to an excursion to the island of Ré and discover this jewel of the Atlantic archipelago!

Your hotel near the La Rochelle aquarium

Looking for a hotel in Poitou-Charentes for your stay in the region?

Put your suitcases in one of our B&B HOTELS establishments and enjoy all our services at the best price! Ideally located near the main roads and the city center of La Rochelle, our hotels welcome you all year round in double or family rooms for your trips with family, solo or as a couple.