Grand Aquarium de Touraine
Discover diverse marine life, from local Loire fish to sharks, in this accessible and family-friendly aquarium with interactive fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Grand Aquarium de Touraine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse marine life, from local Loire fish to sharks, in this accessible and family-friendly aquarium with interactive fun.
"A brilliant aquarium, definitely in the top 5 with lots to see and great views of the fish."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket with the mini château. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Accessible for Strollers
The aquarium is very accessible, making it easy to navigate with a pram. :wheelchair:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Tunnel
Underwater tunnel
Walk beneath a vibrant underwater world, with sharks and diverse fish swimming overhead. A truly immersive experience!
Loire River Ecosystem
Dedicated exhibits
Discover the fascinating local freshwater fish and the unique ecosystem of the Loire River.
Interactive Kids' Zone
Designated area
Children can color their own fish and see them come alive on a screen, a highlight for many young visitors.
Tropical and Saltwater Worlds
Various tanks
Explore a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to fascinating saltwater species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Combo Tickets for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket with the mini château. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Accessible for Strollers
The aquarium is very accessible, making it easy to navigate with a pram. :wheelchair:
🎨 Kids' Art Station
Don't miss the interactive coloring area where kids' drawings come to life! :art:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available on-site for visitors. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket with the mini château. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Accessible for Strollers
The aquarium is very accessible, making it easy to navigate with a pram. :wheelchair:
🎨 Kids' Art Station
Don't miss the interactive coloring area where kids' drawings come to life! :art:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available on-site for visitors. :car:
🐸 Outdoor Frog Pond
Check out the charming pond full of frogs just outside the aquarium. :frog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Grand Aquarium de Touraine to be a well-maintained and accessible attraction, particularly enjoyable for families. The interactive elements for children and the diverse range of marine life, including local Loire species, are frequently praised. However, some concerns have been raised about the adequacy of space in certain tanks for the animals' well-being.
"Loved it here, very quiet during our visit. There was lots to see and all very accessible. Little one in pram was able to see almost everything. Older one enjoyed colouring in her picture and seeing it come alive on screen!
Great range in gift shop- no cafe just ice-creams and drinks machine.
Lots of parking and pond full of frogs outside"
vikki osborne
"What a brilliant aquarium. Having been to a lot of aquariums this is definitely in the top 5. There are lots of exhibits and you get a brilliant view of all of the fish alongside information in both French and English.
If you plan on visiting here and the mini château you can buy a discounted ticket that allows for admission to both (doesn’t have to be on the same day)."
Alex McMullan
"We had a great time at the aquarium, a lot of local freshwater fish, and it was good to see a diverse saltwater environment. Walking under the tank through the tunnel is pretty cool and the coloring area where kids can upload their colored fish and displays on the screen was a highlight for my daughter."
David Paine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Aquarium de Touraine is located in Lussault-sur-Loire, about 25 minutes from Tours. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site.
Yes, visitors consistently mention that there is plenty of parking available at the Grand Aquarium de Touraine, making arrival stress-free.
Absolutely! The aquarium is only a 25-minute drive from Tours, making it a perfect destination for a half-day or full-day trip.
While specific public transport details are not widely shared, driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
Yes, the Grand Aquarium de Touraine is conveniently located near Amboise, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary in the Loire Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but one review mentioned around 30 euros for adults, with young children often entering for free. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can often find discounted tickets by purchasing a combo ticket that includes admission to the nearby mini château. This offer doesn't require visiting both on the same day.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, purchasing tickets online in advance is generally recommended for popular attractions to save time and potentially secure better rates.
The aquarium typically reopens on February 4th after a break. It's advisable to check their official website for specific daily opening hours, as these can change seasonally.
The aquarium is noted as being very accessible, with visitors mentioning that a child in a pram could see almost everything, suggesting good accessibility for strollers and potentially wheelchairs.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of species, including sharks, tropical freshwater fish, local Loire River fish, crocodiles, frogs, jellyfish, seahorses, eels, and corals. +1
Yes, there's a fantastic interactive coloring area where children can draw their own fish and see them displayed on a screen. This is a highlight for many kids.
The shark tunnel offers a unique perspective, allowing you to walk beneath a tank filled with sharks and other marine life, creating an immersive experience.
Beyond the popular kids' coloring station, the 'petting zoo' koi tank is designed for interaction, though some reviews suggest improvements for animal well-being in this area.
The aquarium is highly recommended for families. It's described as a place that will delight both young and old, with accessible exhibits and engaging activities for children. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no full cafe on-site, but visitors can purchase ice creams and drinks from a vending machine. It's advisable to plan for meals elsewhere.
Information on bringing outside food is not readily available, but given the limited food options, it might be a good idea to pack snacks for younger children.
Yes, being located in the Loire Valley, there are numerous charming restaurants and cafes in nearby towns like Amboise and Lussault-sur-Loire.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside aquariums, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage or rules. Be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
The shark tunnel offers dramatic overhead shots. The diverse tanks with colorful fish and corals also provide excellent photo opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, avoid using flash photography, especially in darker exhibits, to protect the animals' well-being.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With a wide variety of marine life, from local Loire fish to sharks and tropical species, there's plenty to keep children engaged and educated. The overall experience is described as magical and perfect for family outings.
+2💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience without the premium price tag often associated with peak times.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid using flash, especially in darker exhibits, to protect the animals and ensure the best possible photo quality.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Loire River Ecosystem
This dedication to local ecosystems is a refreshing change from aquariums that solely focus on exotic species. It provides an educational opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the Loire and the importance of its conservation. The exhibits are designed to recreate the natural habitats, offering a glimpse into the underwater world of this majestic river.
Visitors often praise the aquarium for its representation of local species, highlighting the beauty and diversity found right in their backyard. It's a chance to appreciate the natural heritage of Touraine through its aquatic inhabitants.
Family Fun and Interactive Experiences
Beyond the digital fun, the aquarium's layout is designed to be accessible for all ages, including those with strollers. This ensures that parents can comfortably navigate the exhibits with their little ones. The variety of tanks and species also keeps children captivated, from the colorful tropical fish to the impressive shark tunnel.
Many reviews highlight the aquarium as a perfect outing for family time, offering moments of wonder and discovery. It's a place where children can learn and be entertained simultaneously, making it a highly recommended destination for those traveling with kids.
+2Animal Well-being Considerations
These observations suggest that while the aquarium aims to be engaging, there might be opportunities for improvement in providing more naturalistic and less stressful environments for some species. Visitors who prioritize animal welfare may wish to consider these points when planning their visit.
Despite these specific concerns, the overall impression of the aquarium remains positive, with many appreciating the diverse range of species and the educational aspects of the exhibits. The focus on local Loire species is also a unique and appreciated element.
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