Dive into Océanopolis

Published on June 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Home to marine animals, Océanopolis is one of Brittany's most popular sites for diving right into the heart of the ocean. This place of exploration and inspiration highlights all the facets of the marine world. In fact, Oceanopolis is much more than just an aquarium, bringing together more than 10,000 sea animals. And it offers a journey above the surface that will raise awareness of the richness of the marine environment, for young and old alike.

Its aim is to raise awareness of the challenges and threats posed by human activities. To achieve its goal, this temple for animals is divided into four sections: three pavilions specialising in one theme and a trail dedicated to otters. Visitors can admire polar seals (unique in Europe), follow penguins, search for Nemo in a rainbow of tropical fish or come face to face with a shark. Set sail for one of Brest's flagship sites to explore the undiscovered seabed.

Divers and fish put on an enchanting show in the "Reef Fish" pool.

Summary

Immerse yourself in Océanopolis

Immerse yourself in Océanopolis

It covers around two-thirds of our planet. It always arouses the curiosity of scientists. And it's said that in some places it's more than 11km deep... It's the ocean. This blue mass is mysterious, intriguing and inspiring. Opened in June 1990, Océanopolis celebrates this marine world.

At the head of this project are Eric Hussenot (biologist) and Jean-Paul Alayse (oceanographer). In the 1980s, the two CNRS researchers embarked on a project to create a museum-aquarium in Brest. The project was born under the name "La Maison de la Mer" before taking on its current name "Océanopolis" with the addition of several specific areas.

Today, it is housed in a huge building in the shape of a giant crustacean. In fact, this building is nicknamed "the crab". It covers more than 9,000 m2 and is divided into four major marine ecosystems: three pavilions and an otter trail.

The pavilions have been created in the image of natural ocean habitats. Throughout your visit to this discovery centre, you'll find a wealth of activities and information, including feeding the animals, meeting the seals, wandering through the tropical greenhouses and watching the sharks and penguins.

The Brittany pavilion, formerly the temperate pavilion

Opened in 2017, this pavilion invites visitors to discover the Breton coastline in a more modern and fun way. It is divided into several themes: the Iroise Marine Park, the world of plankton, biodiversity and the continental shelf. It also highlights the different professions linked to the sea. On the programme: activities and films.

The tropical pavilion

Make way for warm, tropical weather... This section houses a 1,000m2 aquarium with sharks. For those who don't like "Jaws", several pools reveal a rainbow of colourful fish. Visitors can also stroll through the mangrove with its oversized plants.

The polar pavilion

Head for the Antarctic and the Arctic. The visit begins with a panoramic film on polar species. We then set off to discover the largest colony of penguins and bearded seals. Speaking of these seals, they landed in 2015 at Océanopolis, which is now the second aquarium in the world to host this species.

The otter trail

Near the polar pavilion is the otter trail, which brings together two species (the European otter and the Alaskan sea otter).

Practical info

🍽 Where to eat?

L'embrun is a restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Pape. His cuisine is based on products sourced from regional producers, such as buckwheat butter and seaweed bread. For dinner, choose from one of three multi-course gourmet menus.

🛌 Where to stay?

Located a 9-minute walk from Océanopolis, the hotel is almost inside the marine complex. It offers 90 soberly decorated rooms, with spa and restaurant.

🧭 Where is it located?

Océanopolis nestles in the Moulin-Blanc marina area, with the harbour and boats as a backdrop. Just off the cove that extends the harbour, you come to a large sandy beach.

🚎 How do you get there?

It is located near the Moulin-Blanc marina and can be reached by bus number 3.

Timetable and prices 2023 :

⏰ Open every day from 9.30am to 6pm (closes at 7pm during the summer season) Rates 💰: €22 for adults / €16.50 for children / free for under-threes Audioguide available and paying.

by Jude JONES

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