La Rochelle Aquarium

The famous La Rochelle Aquarium is on your left. It is one of the city’s landmarks. In fact, it’s one of the biggest aquariums in Europe! There are no fewer than 600 species to admire in the various tanks. Over 12,000 marine animals from all over the world live in the aquarium, reflecting the immense diversity of the aquatic world. Founded by René Coutant in 1970, the La Rochelle Aquarium is dedicated to raising visitors’ awareness on marine life. Though it was destroyed by fire at one point in its history, the aquarium was restored and enlarged, becoming France’s largest aquarium upon its inauguration in 1988. It has since been dethroned by the Boulogne-sur-Mer aquarium. Nowadays, species from the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Tropics fascinate the 800,000 annual visitors who come to stroll through the various pools. A visit that appeals to the young and old alike!