Aquarium de La Rochelle

Over het museum

The aquarium grew out of a family passion. The naturalist René Coutant, a horticultural engineer, built the first seawater aquariums in the early 1950s, then opened a 250 m² aquarium in La Rochelle in 1970. In 1975 he handed the business over to his children, Roselyne and Pascal.

In 1985 a fire devastated the facility. The second generation rebuilt it over three years and in 1988 inaugurated the Grand Aquarium de La Rochelle, presented as the largest aquarium in France at the time. The site is on the quai Louis Prunier, on the marina, near the station.

Today it is one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. The route includes 84 aquariums, about 600 species and 3 million liters of seawater, spread across the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the tropical seas, with jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles and a tropical greenhouse. According to the operator, admission fees fund scientific research and biodiversity awareness campaigns.

The aquarium also presents itself as a center for the study and protection of marine species. It runs a study and care center for sea turtles, carries out breeding programs and offers educational activities for school classes. The third generation of the Coutant family now runs the company.

Hoogtepunten

• More than 12,000 marine animals and about 600 species in 84 aquariums
• René Coutant amphitheater with a 150,000-liter tank, a sea turtle and royal trevallies
• Study and care center for sea turtles
• Tropical greenhouse and shark tank
• Brasserie Là-Haut with views of the Old Port and the towers of La Rochelle

Vaste collectie

• Parcours de visite – The route features 84 aquariums devoted to the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the tropical seas, with jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles and a tropical greenhouse.

Opgericht

1970

Beheerder

Aquarium La Rochelle (entreprise familiale privée)

Toegangsprijzen & kortingen

To get the reduced rate when buying online, you must book at full price and then show proof at the reception desk to receive a €2 per person refund. Tickets are not refundable, but the date can be changed once, at least 24 hours before the visit. The aquarium is a private site: there is no discount for job seekers, and the Pass Éducation does not apply. It accepts ANCV holiday vouchers and chèques culture at the box office.

Toegankelijkheid

• Rolstoeltoegankelijk
• Lift
• Aangepast toilet: geen informatie
• Gehandicaptenparkeerplaats
• Hulphonden welkom
• Tastmodellen / voelbare objecten: geen informatie
• Rondleidingen in gebarentaal: geen informatie
• Informatie in eenvoudige taal: geen informatie
• Audiodescriptie: geen informatie

The whole site, on two levels, is wheelchair-accessible, with lifts that are not glazed. Wheelchairs and strollers are lent free of charge against an ID as a deposit, subject to availability; it is best to reserve a wheelchair by phone. Two induction loops are installed at the ticket desk and in the amphitheater. Reserved parking spaces are available in the paid municipal car parks. The site holds the “Qualité Tourisme” and “Tourisme et Handicap” labels. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted; other animals are not.

Kinderen & gezin

Erg geschikt voor kinderen & gezinnen

• Speurtocht, doeboekje of kinderaudiotour
• Kinderwagenvriendelijk

An audio guide for children from age 4 follows the adventures of the turtle Antioche (in French). Strollers are admitted, and strollers can be borrowed on site.

Bereikbaarheid & parkeren

The aquarium is on the quai Louis Prunier, on the marina. By car, follow the signs for the town center or the SNCF station. During the holidays, arrive 30 minutes before the time on your ticket. Bike racks and six bike-share stations nearby.

Service & horeca

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museumwinkel
• Garderobe

Brasserie Là-Haut on the second floor, with a terrace and views of the Old Port, accessible without buying a ticket. Takeaway kiosk outside the entrance (9:00 to 18:30 in summer, 9:00 to 17:00 the rest of the year). Shop “Mémoires d’Océans”. Paid cloakroom (from €0.50 per coat to €4 per cabin suitcase). Eating is not possible inside the route. The site does not mention Wi-Fi for visitors.

Evenementen & zaalverhuur

• Ruimtes te huur
• Zakelijke evenementen

René Coutant amphitheater with 130 seats, with sound, lighting and video equipment, for meetings, seminars and conferences. Private evenings with a cocktail inside the route at nightfall.

Je bezoek plannen