Marinarium de Concarneau - practical guide
If you're passionate about marine life and looking for an original, educational outing, the Marinarium de Concarneau is a must-see destination in Brittany. This exceptional location offers a dive into the riches and mysteries of the ocean. Created in 1859 by Victor Coste, a professor at the Collège de France, the Marinarium de Concarneau is the world's oldest marine station still in operation.
Nowadays, the Marinarium serves as a center for research, teaching, expertise and dissemination of knowledge on the marine environmentThe Marinarium Concarneau is part of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle's network of 12 sites. This article guides you through a practical itinerary for your visit to the Marinarium de Concarneau, providing information on prices, opening hours, reviews and highlights of this captivating attraction. Ready to discover?
What you need to know to visit the Marinarium in Concarneau
The Marinarium de Concarneau is a must-see for sea and nature lovers. Discover the essential information to prepare your visit and maximize your experience.
How do I get there?
Concarneau's Marinarium is located on Place de la Croix, close to the marina and to the walled city. It is accessible by car, train or bus. Free parking is available next to the Marinarium for those coming by car.
The Concarneau SNCF train station is around 2 km from the Marinarium for travelers arriving by train, with bus or cab options to complete the journey. Visitors by bus can use line 41 of the Penn-ar-Bed network, linking the Marinarium with Quimper, Rosporden or Pont-Aven.
Seasonal opening hours
The Marinarium de Concarneau welcomes you all year round, from February to December, with exceptional closures on May 1 and December 25. Opening times vary according to season:
- February to March: 2pm to 6pm
- April to June: 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm
- July and August: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- September to November: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- December: 2 to 6 p.m.
Organize your visit
The tour consists of two main parts: showroom and aquariums. The exhibit hall offers a fascinating glimpse of marine life with panels, models, videos and more. You'll discover the history of the marine station, the crucial role of plankton, the diversity of the coastline, the management of seas and the biodiversity of the Glénan Islands.
In the aquariums, you can observe local flora and fauna at close quarters, including sea bass, pollack, gilthead bream and various crustaceans and molluscs. You can also admire the large 120,000-liter tank, home to more exotic species such as sharks, rays and turtles. A visit to the Marinarium usually lasts 1 h 30.
To enhance your experience, the Marinarium regularly offers themed activities by its educational team, as well as guided outings along the coast.
Prices and ticketing
Plan your visit to the Marinarium de Concarneau to explore its captivating exhibits, aquariums and various activities. Here you'll find essential information on prices and ticketing options.
The different rates applied
The Marinarium de Concarneau offers a range of prices designed to meet everyone's needs. Adults benefit from a full rate of €8, while the rate for children and young people aged 3 to 12 is €6.
A reduced rate of €6 is available for Education Pass holders, jobseekers, non-school groups of 20 or more, and annual subscribers to non-Paris sites of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. A family pass is available at €24 for two adults and two children aged 3 to 12. The Marinarium also offers an annual season ticket at €25 (or €21 for renewals), giving unlimited access to the site for a whole year.
How to buy tickets and subscriptions
Tickets and season tickets can be purchased directly from the Marinarium ticket office or via the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle website. Online purchase is recommended to choose your visit slot and benefit from priority access. Printed or smartphone tickets can also be presented.
Tickets are valid only for the date and time selected. Subscriptions are valid for one year from the date of purchase, and give you free access to all Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle sites, including the Marinarium de Concarneau.
Discounts and freebies
Certain categories of visitors are entitled to free admission to the Marinarium de Concarneau, including children under 3, disabled people and their carers, journalists, ICOM and ICOMOS members, teachers planning a visit, as well as staff from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, employees of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, and members of the Société des Amis du Muséum et du Jardin des Plantes. Valid proof of entitlement is required.
Must-sees at Concarneau Marinarium
Explore the wonders of the ocean at the Marinarium de Concarneau, with its captivating exhibits, diverse aquariums and enriching activities. Here are the experiences you won't want to miss during your visit.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions
Discover the many aspects of underwater life through a variety of displays, models and videos. You'll learn about the fascinating history of the Concarneau marine station, the oldest still operating in the world, inaugurated in 1859 by Victor Coste. You'll also explore the crucial role of plankton, coastal diversity, ocean management strategies and the rich biodiversity of the Glénan Islands.
The Marinarium also offers temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary issues or specific topics, such as sea pollution, algae, cetaceans and more.
Animations and educational activities
Take part in themed activities designed to enrich your knowledge of the marine world in a fun and interactive way. Video-microscopy workshops will give you an unbeatable view of plankton. Take part in activities on starfish and their close relatives, or explore the coastline with a Marinarium guide, discovering the diversity of marine life at low tide.
Learn about responsible fishing practices, essential for preserving our marine ecosystems.
Marine species not to be missed
At the Marinarium, admire local flora and fauna as well as exotic species up close, all in conditions simulating their natural habitat. You'll be dazzled by fish such as sea bass, pollack and gilthead bream, as well as a variety of crustaceans and mollusks.
Experience the thrill of the 120,000-liter tank, home to sharks, rays and turtles. Discover the nursery with its young lobsters and jellyfish, as well as the phytoplankton production room, which can be viewed through transparent glass.
Conclusion
The Marinarium de Concarneau is a unique destination for anyone wishing to explore the fascinating world of the sea. Whether you're an explorer at heart, passionate about marine life or looking for a unique experience, the Marinarium will meet your expectations. Here you'll discover a wide variety of marine species, learn more about the history and biological richness of the oceans, and enjoy fun, interactive activities.
Open all year round, Marinarium offers affordable prices for all. For the best possible experience, book your visit online and benefit from priority access.
Get ready for a memorable adventure at the Marinarium de Concarneau!
FAQ
What is the Marinarium de Concarneau?
The Marinarium de Concarneau is a center dedicated to exploring and learning about marine biodiversity. It is part of the Concarneau Marine Station, which holds the title of the oldest marine biology station still in operation in the world, established in 1859 by Victor Coste.
What are the opening hours and prices of the Marinarium de Concarneau?
The Marinarium welcomes visitors from February 10, 2024 to January 5, 2025, with the exception of December 25 and January 1. Opening hours vary throughout the year: from 2pm to 6pm in February, March, October, November and December; from 10am to 12pm and then from 2pm to 6pm in April, May, June and September; and from 10am to 7pm in July and August. The standard rate is €8 for adults and €6 for children aged 3 to 12. A reduced rate of €6 is available for holders of the Education Pass, jobseekers and non-school groups of more than 20 people.
A family pass is available at €24 for two adults and two young people. In addition, an annual season ticket is available for €25, or €21 for a repeat subscription.
What activities are on offer at the Marinarium de Concarneau?
Visitors to the Marinarium can enjoy a range of activities, including: themed activities in the educational area for all ages during school vacations, from Monday to Friday; interaction with a touch tank under the supervision of an animator in July and August, as well as animal feeding near the large tank, on Mondays and Thursdays at 4pm; and educational shore excursions during low and high tides to discover marine biodiversity and learn about good fishing practices.
How do I get to the Marinarium de Concarneau?
The Marinarium is located in Concarneau, Finistère, Brittany. To get there, head for the marina, where the Marinarium is located on Place de la Croix. The site is open every day from February to December, with opening times adapted according to the time of year.
Official website of the marinarium: Concarneau Marine Station
