Aquarium La Rochelle
Quai Louis Prunier, La Rochelle, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 17000
Located in a building that overlooks La Rochelle’s Old Port (Vieux-Port), the Aquarium La Rochelle is one of the largest aquariums in France and attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually. Learn about more than 600 species—including rays, sharks, and jellyfish—in display areas dedicated to animals from a variety of habitats.
The Basics
Explore the world’s oceans and learn about marine conservation efforts, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean. The Aquarium La Rochelle displays sea creatures in a total of 793,000 gallons (3 million liters) of water and 10 habitats, including an interactive section designed especially for young children and a Gallery of Lights that showcases bioluminescence and similar ocean phenomena.
Book an advance ticket online to guarantee your admission and redeem special discounts for timed entry in the early morning and evening hours. You also can book an evening at the aquarium with a prix-fixe dinner at its brasserie.
Things to Know Before You Go
Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at the aquarium, although animal lovers could easily spend more time.
The Aquarium La Rochelle is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs and provides amenities for visitors with disabilities.
Audio guides, provided for an additional fee, are available for both kids and adults.
Purchase souvenirs at the Mémoires d'Océans gift shop and dine at Le Café de l'Aquarium, which is open throughout the day (except during annual November and January closures).
How to Get There
Aquarium La Rochelle is located directly on the Old Port in La Rochelle, just steps from the city’s main train station Gare de La Rochelle, which is served by numerous trains. It also can be reached by Illico bus lines 3 and 4, by bike, or by car. Paid parking is located on site, and free parking can be found nearby.
When to Get There
The Aquarium La Rochelle is open every day of the year, including public holidays. From April–June and in September, it is open from 9am–8pm; from July–August, it is open from 9am–11pm; and from October–March, it is open from 10am–8pm. Last admission is 1.5 hours prior to closing time.
Other Highlights of the Old Port
The historic seaside city of La Rochelle offers a number of popular attractions in addition to the Aquarium La Rochelle. After your aquarium visit stop by other Old Port highlights, such as the city’s three medieval towers—the Lantern Tower, Chain Tower, and Saint Nicolas Tower—and the Great Clock Gate.
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