Creation of the first aquariums 1950 (≈ 1950)
René Coutant develops aquariums in a closed circuit.
1972
First opening to the public
First opening to the public 1972 (≈ 1972)
250 m2 in La Ville-en-Bois, La Rochelle.
31 juillet 1985
Destroyer fire
Destroyer fire 31 juillet 1985 (≈ 1985)
The aquarium and the neighborhood are destroyed.
1988
Re-opening near the Minimes
Re-opening near the Minimes 1988 (≈ 1988)
1,600 m2 and 36 aquariums inaugurated.
2001
Move to Old Port
Move to Old Port 2001 (≈ 2001)
Extension to 8,445 m2 and 3 million litres.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
René Coutant - Founder and pioneer
Creator of the first closed circuit aquariums.
Éric Cordier - Project architect 2001
Designs the current aquarium at the Old Port.
Origin and history
The Aquarium La Rochelle, owned by the Cousant group, is one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. Located opposite the Old Port of La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime, it houses 12,000 marine animals of 600 species distributed in 82 aquariums. It presents itself as a centre for studying and preserving marine ecosystems, while being a major tourist site, attracting 800,000 annual visitors, making it the first site in Charente-Maritime and the second in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Founded in the 1950s by René Coutant, pioneer of closed-circuit aquariums, it opened its doors in 1972 on a 250 m2 surface in La Ville-en-Bois. A fire destroyed the site in 1985, but it reopened in 1988 near the Port des Minimes, with 1,600 m2 and 36 aquariums. In 2001, he moved to the Old Port, extending over 8,445 m2 with 3 million litres of water, including a shark basin.
The aquarium plays an active role in scientific research, collaborating with universities and organizations such as the Société des Sciences Naturelles de Charente-Maritime. It also houses the Marine Turtles Study and Care Centre (MSTCC), which treats and releases stranded turtles on the Atlantic coast, supported by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. Its missions include species conservation and public education.
With record attendance and ambitious scientific programs, the Aquarium La Rochelle combines tourism, pedagogy and marine preservation. Its evolution reflects a growing desire to protect the oceans while raising awareness of contemporary ecological issues.
