Nausicaá, Centre National de la Mer

Nausicaá, Centre National de la Mer, is France's national sea centre and, by its own description, the largest aquarium in Europe, on Boulevard Sainte-Beuve in Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Opal Coast of northern France. It houses more than 58,000 animals and suits families, school groups and day-trippers from Paris, Lille, Brussels or London.

Jacques Rougerie's design and later extensions

A jury chose a design by the architect Jacques Rougerie, known for buildings inspired by the sea, and the centre opened on 18 May 1991 to explain the ocean and the ways people use it. A 1998 extension doubled the exhibition space to 4,500 square metres, and a much larger wing built around an open ocean tank opened in 2018. The tanks now hold about 17 million litres of water. The centre drew more than 900,000 visitors in 2023 and is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Malpelo Island waters in a 10 million litre basin

Voyage en Haute Mer (Journey on the High Seas) recreates the waters around Malpelo Island off Colombia in a 10 million litre basin. Sharks, rays and shoals of fish swim past windows on several levels; the largest pane, 21 metres wide, 6 metres high and 48 centimetres thick, is described as the biggest aquarium window in Europe. A manta ray and zebra sharks are among the residents.

Des rivages et des Hommes (Mankind and Shores) covers more than 160 species from the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the tropics and the coast of California, with sea lions and African penguins. More than 20 penguin chicks have been born at Nausicaá under a European conservation programme. Dans l'œil du climat (In the Eye of the Climate) uses 360 degree projections to show how the ocean and climate are linked. The lagoon area is closed for renovation in late 2026.

Shark and sea lion feedings and guided tours

Feedings and shows are included in the ticket: typically zebra shark feeding at 10:45, touch tank feeding at 11:00, high seas feedings at 12:00 and 14:00, and the sea lion session at 15:00. Guided tours (sharks, the tropics, behind the scenes) cost €13.60, and a "keeper for a day" experience costs €130 to €160.