Paris Aquarium (Aquarium de Paris)
Located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Aquarium (Aquarium de Paris)—also known as the Cinéaqua—is the most prominent aquarium in the city. Host to a shark tunnel, over 10,000 marine species, a movie theater, and other attractions, it was founded in the 19th century, making it one of the world’s first aquariums.
The Basics
Located on the site of the former Trocadéro Aquarium, which was built for the 1878 World’s Fair, the Paris Aquarium has long been a popular, family-friendly destination in central Paris. Closed for a period of renovation between 1985 and 2006, the aquarium is now host to over 10,000 sea creatures (or 450 individual species) that hail from French waters and overseas French territories. Its shark tank is a major highlight, as is the recently added Médusarium: the largest jellyfish tank in Europe.
Tickets to the Paris Aquarium can be booked in advance online for your convenience. Given the landmark’s proximity to other major Paris attractions, it’s simple to plan an independent visit as part of a sightseeing excursion.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Paris Aquarium has on-site dining options and a free cloakroom.
The aquarium is fully accessible to strollers and to visitors with limited mobility.
Guided tours for larger groups can be booked in advance.
The on-site shop sells a range of aquatic-themed souvenirs.
How to Get There
The Paris Aquarium is located in the 16th arrondissement’s Trocadéro Gardens. To visit the aquarium by Metro, take line 6 or 9 to Trocadéro station. The aquarium is also served by the RER C, which stops at the nearby Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel station, as well as bus lines 22, 30, 32, 63, and 82. It can additionally be reached on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’ bike.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Paris Aquarium is open daily 10am–7pm (last entry is at 6pm, except on Saturdays, when late opening hours extend to 10pm). It is open on most major public holidays, with the exception of Bastille Day (July 14). The Paris Aquarium also hosts special holiday events, ranging from Easter egg hunts to Valentine’s Day festivities; research in advance to see what’s on.
The Eiffel Tower
The Paris Aquarium is a popular, family-friendly destination in its own right, and it also offers one of the city’s best views of the Eiffel Tower. Pause to capture photos of the world-famous landmark, or even cross the river Seine via the Pont d’Iéna for an up-close visit following your aquarium excursion.
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