Aquariums

The Mayenne, Normandy, and Brittany regions of France offer several excellent aquariums where visitors can explore the fascinating world of marine life. Each aquarium has its unique features, providing educational and immersive experiences for all ages.

Normandy Region

1. Cité de la Mer

• Location: Cherbourg, Normandy

• Description: Cité de la Mer is one of the largest and most comprehensive aquariums in France, located in the former transatlantic terminal of Cherbourg. This unique facility combines a deep-sea aquarium with exhibits on ocean exploration and submarine technology.

• Highlights:

  • Le Redoutable Submarine: Visitors can explore the world's largest submarine open to the public.

  • Abyssal Aquarium: One of the deepest aquariums in Europe, it features species from the depths of the ocean, such as jellyfish, sharks, and deep-sea fish.

  • Oceanic Gallery: This area showcases the marine life of the Atlantic Ocean, with colourful tropical fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

  • Interactive Exhibits: The "Ocean of the Future" exhibit offers a futuristic look at the ocean and marine technology, with interactive displays for children and adults.

2. Alligator Bay

• Location: Beauvoir, near Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

• Description: While primarily known for its reptile exhibits, Alligator Bay also features an aquarium section focusing on the aquatic environments that complement its collection of alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles.

• Highlights:

  • Aquarium Area: This section includes various fish species that share habitats with reptiles, offering an interesting mix of land and water creatures.

  • Reptile House: A comprehensive collection of turtles, snakes, and lizards, some of which live in semi-aquatic environments.

  • Alligator Swamp: A unique feature where visitors can observe alligators in a recreated natural habitat.

3. Nausicaá (Located slightly outside Normandy but worth mentioning)

• Location: Boulogne-sur-Mer, Hauts-de-France (close to Normandy)

• Description: Nausicaá is Europe’s largest public aquarium, located just outside the Normandy region. It's a world-renowned centre for the study and conservation of marine life.

• Highlights:

  • Giant Tank: The main attraction is the gigantic tank that houses a wide range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and schools of fish, in an environment that mimics the open ocean.

  • Tropical Lagoon: A vibrant exhibit featuring coral reefs, tropical fish, and other colourful sea creatures.

  • Sea Lion Exhibit: A chance to watch sea lions up close in their dynamic aquatic environment.

Brittany Region

1. Océanopolis

• Location: Brest, Brittany

• Description: Océanopolis is one of France’s premier aquariums, designed as a discovery park of the oceans. It offers a comprehensive look at different marine environments from around the world.

• Highlights:

  • Polar Pavilion: This section showcases marine life from the Arctic and Antarctic, including penguins and seals.

  • Tropical Pavilion: Features colourful coral reefs, sharks, and tropical fish, replicating the warm waters of the tropics.

  • Temperate Pavilion: Focuses on the marine life of Brittany and the Atlantic Ocean, with species like seahorses, jellyfish, and local fish.

  • Educational Programs: Océanopolis is known for its strong educational focus, offering workshops, guided tours, and interactive exhibits for children.

2. Aquarium de Vannes

• Location: Vannes, Brittany

• Description: Located near the Gulf of Morbihan, Aquarium de Vannes is a smaller but well-curated aquarium that focuses on both local and exotic marine life.

• Highlights:

  • Tropical Fish: Exhibits featuring a variety of colourful tropical fish, including piranhas, clownfish, and angelfish.

  • Local Marine Life: Displays of species native to the Gulf of Morbihan, such as crabs, lobsters, and sea bass.

  • Reptiles and Amphibians: In addition to aquatic exhibits, the aquarium also features a section dedicated to reptiles and amphibians.

3. Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo

• Location: Saint-Malo, Brittany

• Description: One of Brittany’s most popular aquariums, the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo offers an immersive experience with its large tanks and interactive exhibits.

• Highlights:

  • 360° Shark Tunnel: A circular tunnel where visitors can see sharks swimming all around them.

  • Nautibus Submarine: A simulated submarine ride that takes visitors on an underwater journey to observe sea creatures in a unique setting.

  • Touch Pool: An interactive area where children can touch starfish, crabs, and other small marine creatures.

  • Deep-Sea Zone: An area dedicated to the mysterious and fascinating creatures of the deep ocean.

Visiting Tips

• Plan Ahead: Check the websites of these aquariums for opening hours, ticket prices, and any special events or exhibits.

• Interactive Exhibits: Many of these aquariums offer interactive exhibits, so be sure to participate in these activities for a more engaging experience.

• Conservation Focus: Many of these aquariums are involved in conservation efforts, so look out for educational materials and exhibits that highlight their work in protecting marine life.

These aquariums in Normandy, Brittany, and the surrounding regions offer fascinating insights into the world of marine life and provide enjoyable and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.