You may not have known this, but our beloved capital city is home to a curiosity that’s over 150 years old: the world’s first aquarium. Opened during the 1878 World’s Fair, this immense 3,500 m² underground aquarium is home to more than 10,000 species of fish and invertebrates from all the seas of metropolitan France and its overseas territories.
The world’s oldest aquarium is in Paris
Formerly known as the Aquarium du Trocadéro, the Aquarium de Paris opened 159 years ago. Nestled in former quarries that are said to have once housed part of Napoleon’s cavalry, you’ll discoveramazing and stunning species from the seas of France and its overseas territories.
In this immense 3,500 m² underground space, you can observe approximately 13,500 fish and invertebrates, including 50 large sharks, 400 coral colonies of every color, andEurope’s largest jellyfish exhibit. A place that is at once scientific, educational, and fun, its mission is to help visitors discover the magic of the ocean.
Closed in 1986, the Aquarium reopened 20 years ago, still guided by its original mission. Visiting this place means appreciating the beauty of the ocean, but also recognizing its fragility and the challenges of preserving marine ecosystems. And for an extra touch of magic,every Saturday evening the Aquarium offers night tours until 9 p.m.
Location: 5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris