Marinarium de Concarneau - practical guide
If you're passionate about marine life and are looking for an outing that's both unique and educational, the Marinarium in Concarneau is a must-see destination in Brittany. This exceptional location offers A journey into the heart of the ocean’s riches and mysteries. 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, education, expertise, and the dissemination of knowledge about the marine environment, and is part of the network of 12 sites belonging to the National Museum of Natural History. This article guides you through a practical itinerary for your visit to the Marinarium in Concarneau, providing information on admission prices, hours, reviews, and the highlights of this captivating attraction. Ready to explore?
Visiting the Marinarium in Concarneau: What You Need to Know
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.
Opening Hours Throughout the Seasons
The Concarneau Marinarium is open year-round, from February through December, with exceptional closures on May 1 and December 25. Opening times vary according to season:
- February to March: 2pm to 6pm
- April through June: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- 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: the exhibition hall and the aquariums. The exhibition hall offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life through displays, models, videos, and more. You’ll learn about the history of the marine station, the crucial role of plankton, the diversity of the coastline, marine management, 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 in Concarneau offers a range of admission prices designed to meet everyone’s needs. Adults pay a full price of €8, while the price for children and youth ages 3 to 12 is €6.
A reduced rate of €6 is available for Education Pass holders, job seekers, non-school groups of 20 or more people, and annual members of the National Museum of Natural History’s non-Parisian locations. A family pass is available for €24, covering two adults and two children ages 3 to 12. The Marinarium also offers an annual membership for €25 (or €21 for renewals), providing unlimited access to the site for one full year.
How to buy tickets and subscriptions
Tickets and passes can be purchased directly at the Marinarium ticket office or through the National Museum of Natural History’s website. We recommend purchasing tickets online so you can select your visit time slot and enjoy priority access. You may present your tickets either as a printed copy or on your smartphone.
Tickets are valid only for the selected date and time. Season passes, valid for one year from the date of purchase, grant you unlimited access to all sites of the National Museum of Natural History, including the Marinarium in Concarneau.
Discounts and freebies
Certain categories of visitors are eligible for free admission to the Marinarium in Concarneau, including children under 3 years of age, people with disabilities and their companions, journalists, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, teachers planning their visit, as well as staff from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, employees of the National Museum of Natural History, and members of the Society of Friends of the Museum and the Jardin des Plantes. Valid proof of eligibility is required to receive this free admission.
Must-sees at Concarneau Marinarium
Explore the wonders of the ocean at the Marinarium in Concarneau, with its captivating exhibits, diverse aquariums, and educational activities. Here are the experiences you won’t want to miss during your visit.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions
Discover the many facets of underwater life through a variety of exhibits, including display panels, models, and videos. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Concarneau Marine Station—the oldest still in operation in the world—which was inaugurated in 1859 by Victor Coste. You’ll also explore the crucial role of plankton, the diversity of the coastline, 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 in Concarneau is a truly unique destination for anyone eager to explore the fascinating world of the sea. Whether you’re an explorer at heart, a marine life enthusiast, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Marinarium is sure to meet your expectations. There, you’ll discover a wide variety of marine species, deepen your knowledge of the history and biological diversity of the oceans, and have fun with engaging, interactive activities.
Open year-round, the Marinarium offers affordable prices for everyone. For the best experience, be sure to book your visit online to enjoy priority access.
Get ready for a memorable adventure at the Marinarium de Concarneau!
FAQ
What is the Marinarium in Concarneau?
The Concarneau Marinarium is a center dedicated to exploring and learning about marine biodiversity. It is part of the Concarneau Marine Station, which holds the distinction of being the oldest marine biology station still in operation in the world, founded in 1859 by Victor Coste.
What are the opening hours and prices of the Marinarium de Concarneau?
The Marinarium is open to visitors from February 10, 2024, through January 5, 2025, except on December 25 and January 1. Opening hours vary throughout the year: from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in February, March, October, November, and December; from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in April, May, June, and September; and from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in July and August. The standard admission fee is €8 for adults and €6 for children ages 3 to 12. A reduced rate of €6 is available to Education Pass holders, job seekers, and non-school groups of more than 20 people.
A family pass is available for €24 for two adults and two children. In addition, an annual membership card is available for €25, or €21 for a renewal.
What activities are on offer at the Marinarium de Concarneau?
Visitors to the Marinarium can enjoy a variety of activities, including: themed activities in the educational area designed for all ages during school breaks, Monday through Friday; interacting with a touch tank under the supervision of a staff member in July and August, as well as feeding the animals near the large tank on Mondays and Thursdays at 4 p.m.; and educational excursions along the coast during low tides and spring tides to discover marine biodiversity and learn best practices for shore fishing.
How do I get to the Marinarium de Concarneau?
The Marinarium is located in Concarneau, in the Finistère department of Brittany. To get there, head to the marina, where the Marinarium is located on Place de la Croix. The site is open daily from February through December, with hours that vary depending on the time of year.
Official website of the marinarium: Concarneau Marine Station
