Shark, octopus and clownfish are just some of the 3,000 specimens that await you at the Aquarium de Lyon. With its motto “To know is to protect”, the Aquarium welcomes more than 220,000 visitors every year, offering them the opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the world while raising awareness. Dive into the depths of blue magic…
From the trout of Lake Annecy to the sharks at the end of the world…
The Aquarium gives pride of place to tropical species, but doesn’t forget its local treasures! Lyon’s aquatic environment is unique in France. Its location at the crossroads of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and its proximity to the Alps, give our local biodiversity all its credentials. This is one of the aquarium’s main missions: to show that the surrounding fresh waters are teeming with captivating species.
It’s easy to forget that aquariums are still the best way to travel to the other side of the world, without the hassle of jet lag. The Lyon aquarium offers you a trip in less than two hours to Lake Malawi in Africa, or to the depths of the Amazon River, two of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
And what about tasting the salty waters of the seas and oceans? Well, not in a glass of water, but by discovering thousands of underwater species. The colors and shapes of the seabed have nourished our imaginations since the dawn of time. Artificial intelligence can take a back seat to the almost infinite number of color combinations available in our marine environment.
A perfect aquarium for visitors and residents
The 2,500 m² visitor surface area allows visitors to juggle from one tank to another (39 in total), keeping their eyes wide open during the 2-hour visit. The pit alone contains almost 500,000 liters of seawater to recreate a perfect ecosystem for the species. Behind the scenes, six biologists are hard at work to ensure the well-being of these residents. In addition to the aquarium’s animation work, awareness-raising, research and conservation are central concerns. For example, three blacktip sharks were born at the aquarium, an exceptional event given the low chances of reproduction for this species. A must-see activity for children of all ages!
Aquarium de Lyon, 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière
Admission here
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