Aquariums in Paris Region

There’s no better place than an aquarium to forget the grey skies of Paris or treat yourself to an afternoon’s voyage across the world. Each aquarium displays a whole diversity of aquatic creatures, from the world’s rarest species to the marine life of our nearest shores. Here’s your chance to observe exotic specimens and join one of the activities and workshops on the topic of the marine world.

Were you into The Little Mermaid or Finding Nemo when you were a child? Visit an aquarium to plunge yourself back into those magical memories. You’ll see the famous clownfish along with other species with the most unexpected names, like seabat, butterflyfish and the convict surgeonfish which is said to have inspired the much-loved character, Flounder.

But these places aren’t just about watching a magical procession of fish. Some species are sure to give you a thrill. You can taunt the piranhas and try counting their teeth, and even walk through a long glass tunnel right among the sharks. For a less scary experience, you can enjoy the soothing sight of the jellyfish tank at the Paris Aquarium. Gazing at this translucent display of light, you can only agree that the jellyfish ballet is one of the most beautiful sights you’ve ever seen.

Have you always wanted to defy a shark? Or play hide-and-seek among the corals with the clownfish? The Sea Life Aquarium beckons you for a fascinating virtual reality immersion. Submarine exploration, dancing with the mermaids or swimming with the manta rays, the choice is yours.

Did you think mermaids existed only in fairytales? Think again! Visit the Paris Aquarium to meet Claire the Mermaid. Listen to her tales and legends, then watch her swim among the fish.

Beyond being a magical place for children and adults alike, each establishment has a whole mission to carry out: To educate visitors about the diversity of marine life, preserve species threatened with extinction, and to spread awareness on the vulnerability of ecosystems… The aquariums of Paris Region all invite you to explore these different aspects.

You’ve probably all seen Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, watched Jaws or gone snorkelling in the Mediterranean… But we tend to have a somewhat inaccurate idea of the aquatic world. All the latest animated features and fun tours, suitable for all, now unveil all the secrets of the world’s marine species.

The keepers and researchers are also on hand to tell you about their work and their missions. The animals’ diet, maintenance of the tanks, reproduction of the different species, etc. And if you’re lucky, the experts may even let you feed some of the fish.

The aquarium is a fabulous place to meditate and its purpose is to make the public aware just how vulnerable the ecosystems are. More than ever before, the marine world is in danger. Faced with climate change, the aquariums are playing their part in research to find solutions to current challenges and protect endangered species. Each aquarium organises all sorts of activities, encounters and exhibitions where you can learn more and get involved with their cause.

It’s easy to forget that aquariums aren’t just about fish. You’ll also see jellyfish, octopuses and spider crabs, performing the most breathtaking show in their underwater seascape. Not to mention their feathered friends, the penguins that you can see in action at the Sea Life Aquarium.

And where there’s an aquarium, there’s also a terrarium. Snakes, turtles and alligators await you at the Palais de la Porte Dorée tropical aquarium, a beautiful and exotic place.

An aquatic experience in the Trocadero gardens? Also known as Cinéaqua, the Paris Aquarium is one of the biggest aquariums in Europe. It also reveals to visitors one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks, with 32 specimens from 4 different species that swim around a huge tank filled with 3 million litres of water. But the local wildlife features here too. Indeed, the aquarium has recreated the river Seine ecosystem, alongside more exotic tanks representing the ocean floor around Tahiti and New Caledonia. Mermaids, jellyfish, activities and amusing workshops complete the picture, to make your visit a truly fascinating experience.

One of the Paris Region’s oldest aquariums still delights children and adults on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes. It houses more than 15,000 fish from 730 different tropical marine species, its speciality. There’s also a reptile terrarium featuring a few specimens of an extremely rare species, the albino alligator.

The seabed can also be explored in Val-de-Marne. The Sea Life Aquarium offers a fun and immersive tour that aims to raise awareness about the need to preserve ecosystems. Children and adults will love the 360° tunnel, the penguin enclosure and activities like feeding the fish or the turtles. An entertaining and informative experience.

Head for the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie where the admission price includes a visit to the on-site aquarium. Marine creatures and plant life can be observed in 3 tanks corresponding to 3 different ocean depths: port zone, 20 metres and 50 metres.

Since 1993, the Maison de la pêche et de la nature has been spreading awareness about the region’s aquatic habitat. Located on an island in the Seine, Île de la Jatte, it houses an aquarium with 18 tanks devoted to local waterlife, as well as a touch pool where visitors can stroke and feed the fish. And for those who think the Seine is boring, think again! The riverbed is home to the catfish, which can measure up to 2.30 metres, or the pike, which has around 700 teeth!