La Rochelle Aquarium

The La Rochelle Aquarium has no private parking facilities. However, several parking options are available nearby:

Nearby parking lots:

• Parking Encan 1 Located opposite the Aquarium, this open-air enclosed parking lot has 416 spaces, including 6 reserved for people with reduced mobility (PRM). Open 24/7, parking is charged from 8am to 8pm. From October 1 to June 30, the first hour of parking is free; from July 1 to September 30, 30 minutes are free. Rates: 1h: €1.50; 2h: €3.10; 3h: €4.50; 4h: €5.40; 8h: €8.60.

• Parking Bernard Moitessier : In the immediate vicinity of the Aquarium, this pay parking lot offers 140 spaces, including 3 for PRMs.

Park-and-ride facilities :

To avoid traffic jams, especially during the school vacations, we recommend you use the park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city center. These make it easy to park your vehicle before completing your journey by bus or bike to the city center and the Aquarium.

For more information on parking options in La Rochelle, visit the city's official website.

We recommend that you plan your visit and parking in advance, especially during peak periods, so that you can make the most of your experience at the Aquarium de La Rochelle.

By car, the nearby Encan parking lot offers special rates for Aquarium visitors. From the SNCF train station, a 15-minute walk or a short sea bus ride takes you directly to the Aquarium.

Local buses, lines 1 to 60, serve the Aquarium stop for a convenient approach. Cyclists will appreciate the safe bike paths leading directly to the Aquarium.

The best times to visit

Open all year round, with the exception of December 25 and January 1, the Aquarium's opening hours vary according to the season, generally from 10am to 8pm. To avoid overcrowding, it's best to visit on weekdays, outside school vacations and public holidays, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Although the typical tour lasts around 2 hours, you're welcome to stay as long as you like.

Practical tips for a successful visit

For an optimal experience, we recommend :

• Book your ticket online to benefit from a preferential rate and avoid queuing. Your ticket, specifying date and time, must be respected for entry.
• Opt for comfortable clothing and an extra layer, as the Aquarium's ambient temperature is around 20°C, with some areas cooler.
• Take an activity booklet, available free of charge at reception or as a download, for a fun and educational visit ideal for children aged 3 to 12.
• Observe safety and cleanliness rules: no touching or feeding the animals, no running, shouting, smoking, eating or drinking on the premises, and no flash photography to disturb the animals.

Don't miss the Café de l'Aquarium, our panoramic restaurant with a magnificent view of the harbor and ocean, open daily (times specified, reservations recommended).

Opening hours and planning tips

Regular hours and public holidays

The Aquarium de La Rochelle is open every day of the year, except December 25th and January 1st. Opening hours vary according to the season, but in general, the Aquarium is open from 10am to 8pm.

A detailed timetable is available on the Aquarium's official website. On public holidays, the Aquarium remains open according to normal opening hours, with the exception of May 1st, when it is closed.

Managing your time: Recommended length of visit

Allow an average of 2 hours to explore the Aquarium de La Rochelle. However, you are free to extend your visit, with no time restrictions.

With 73 tanks housing over 12,000 animals of 600 different species, you'll have ample opportunity to discover the richness of marine life. To make the most of your experience, don't hesitate to book your ticket online in advance, which will entitle you to a reduced rate and help you avoid the queues.

You will receive a ticket with a specific time slot, and it is imperative to respect this time to access the Aquarium.

Available services: Restaurant and store

When you visit the Aquarium de La Rochelle, take a look at our on-site services. The Café de l'Aquarium, our panoramic restaurant on the top floor, offers a splendid view of the old port and the ocean.

Taste our delicious dishes, prepared with fresh, local produce. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 22:30. Please note that it is closed on Sunday evenings and Monday lunchtimes. We recommend that you reserve your table online.

Be sure to visit the Aquarium's boutique, Mémoires d'Océans, to find original, eco-friendly products that celebrate the ocean. It's the perfect place to pick up a meaningful souvenir of your visit, or to find a special gift. Access to the boutique is free, even without an Aquarium admission ticket.

Aquarium La Rochelle - Prices

Aquarium rates La Rochelle

Adults 18.50 euros

Juniors 14.50 euros

Children 12 euros

Adults, juniors (13 to 17 years) and children (3 to 12 years) will find admission to the Aquarium de La Rochelle at the standard rates of €18.00, €14.50 and €12.00 respectively. Toddlers under 3 get free admission.

Discounts are available for groups such as students, the unemployed, the disabled, large families, or for those purchasing tickets online. Attractive group rates are also available for visits of 20 or more.

Ticket options: Individuals, Families, Groups

Whether you're coming alone, with your family or in a group, the Aquarium de La Rochelle offers tickets to suit all tastes. Options include an individual ticket, a family ticket for two adults and two children under 18, and a group ticket for 20 people or more, with the option of adding a guided tour or educational workshop.

Please note that all tickets are time-stamped, so it's important to respect the day and time of your reservation for access.

Savings tips : Subscriptions and special offers

The Passeport Grand Ami, our annual pass, is ideal for frequent visitors, offering unlimited access and exclusive benefits such as discounts for companions, at the Aquarium store and restaurant. Subscription rates are €50.00 for adults, €40.00 for students, and €30.00 for children aged 3 to 17.

And don't miss our seasonal special offers, such as reduced rates during school vacations or special events. Visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

Conclusion

Clearly, the Aquarium de La Rochelle is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the region. It offers an exceptional window on the beauty and diversity of the ocean, thanks to impressive facilities and a variety of captivating marine animals.

Whether you're an individual, a couple, a family or a group, the Aquarium de La Rochelle promises memorable moments for all. What's more, you'll enjoy a range of enriching services, including a restaurant offering panoramic views, a gift store, and a variety of educational activities. Don't delay, make sure you book your visit online via the Aquarium's official website and get ready for an extraordinary marine adventure!

FAQ aquarium de La Rochelle

How can I buy tickets for the La Rochelle Aquarium?

To buy tickets for the Aquarium de La Rochelle, we recommend you purchase them online, so you can choose the day and time of your visit and avoid queuing. Tickets can be presented on a smartphone or printed out.

Ticket prices :

• Adult : 18,00 €
• Junior (ages 13 to 17) : 14,50 €
• Children (3 to 12 years) : 12,00 €
• Children under 3 Free of charge

For an enhanced experience, audioguides are available in several languages at €2.50 for adults and €2.00 for children.

How do I book a ticket for the Aquarium de La Rochelle?

For a wait-free visit to the Aquarium de La Rochelle, you can :

• Buy a time-stamped ticket directly from the Aquarium's official website, allowing you to select the day and time of your visit and access via entrance B. Tickets can be presented in printed form or on a smartphone.
• Opt for a Tripadvisor ticket offering access to the Aquarium, Musée Maritime, Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne, in any order.

How long does it take to visit the La Rochelle Aquarium?

The average length of a visit to the Aquarium de La Rochelle is estimated at 1h30.

However, some visitors choose to extend their exploration by up to 2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits.

Last admissions are accepted 1h30 before closing time, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your visit.

What marine animals can be seen at the Aquarium de La Rochelle?

The Aquarium de La Rochelle is home to over 12,000 marine animals belonging to 600 species. Among them, you'll discover seahorses, sharks, rays, cuttlefish, jellyfish and fish from the abyss.

1. Sharks: Fascinating predators that reign supreme in the oceans. Watch them swim gracefully in their simulated natural habitat.
2. Sea turtles: Symbols of grace and resilience, sea turtles live in warm ocean waters.
3. Stingrays: With their elegant silhouettes and gentle movements, stingrays are a feast for the eyes of aquarium visitors.
4. Clownfish: Immortalized in the film "Finding Nemo", these colorful little fish are an aquarium must-have.
5. Seahorses: These amazing creatures, resembling sea horses, captivate visitors with their unique appearance and fascinating behavior.

What educational activities does the La Rochelle Aquarium offer?

The Aquarium de La Rochelle is committed to marine environment education with :

• Workshops, guided tours and educational missions for schools and teachers.
• A wide range of educational resources.
• Initiatives to raise awareness of sea turtle conservation.

To sum up: Discover the Aquarium de La Rochelle with the whole family 

La Rochelle Aquarium is one of the largest Europe's largest private aquarium, with over 12,000 marine animals and a surface area of over 8,000 m².

There are several rooms, each with a different theme, as well as a tropical greenhouse to discover at the end of the tour.

The aquarium also takes part in awareness-raising initiatives, and features a Sea Turtle Care and Study Center that takes care of stranded turtles.

The La Rochelle Aquarium website offers a useful encyclopedia of marine species to help you prepare for a visit to the aquarium.

The aquarium is ideally located near the maritime museum, the wooden town, and not far from the old port and its famous towers.