The Touraine Aquarium
The Touraine Aquarium: dive into the waters of the world!
Welcome to France’s largest freshwater aquarium—and so much more! Located in the heart of the Loire Valley châteaux, the Aquarium de Touraine opened in 1994 with the initial aim of showcasing the species that inhabit the Loire River. The site soon expanded to include areas dedicated to tropical waters and a shark tunnel. Today, it offers a comprehensive look at aquatic species from around the globe, while also raising questions about the preservation of their habitats in the face of climate change and human activity.
The Touraine Aquarium, a showcase of the waters of the Loire
The tour begins with a dive into the fresh waters of the Loire. As France’s longest river, it has shaped the landscapes of Touraine—a region recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Loire is home to species typical of cold freshwater environments, such as trout and salmon. Indeed, the tanks display these animals in settings that replicate their natural habitat as precisely as possible. The lighting is subdued, revealing the silt-covered piers of a bridge; mysterious, gigantic, and fearsome creatures—Wels catfish—swim through these deep waters. Some specimens can reach lengths of 2.5 meters and weigh up to 120 kilograms!
Journey through tropical waters
The atmosphere shifts dramatically as you discover tropical rivers and swamps. Sharp-toothed species—such as caimans, piranhas, and electric eels—inhabit this exotic environment. The Indo-Pacific zone teems with vibrant, colorful life, including small clownfish and seahorses frolicking among the coral reefs. The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the impressive 15-meter-long shark tunnel, home to white-tip and black-tip sharks.
Educational activities at the Touraine Aquarium
Become an animal keeper for a day at the Aquarium de Touraine and get up close to the animals! Join the aquarium’s keepers for a morning of feeding the species and cleaning the tanks, while gathering plenty of memories and fascinating facts along the way. Meanwhile, “The Lab” opens at 3:30 PM for an hour-long session with the keepers who care for the animals year-round. Have your questions ready and listen closely so you don’t miss any key information about the inhabitants’ feeding habits or their natural environments.
Practical information
- In 2026, the Aquarium de Touraine is open:
From February 7 to November 1, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and subsequently on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until January 2. - The “Duo” ticket combines admission to the Aquarium de Touraine and the Parc Mini-Châteaux at a rate of €25 for visitors aged 13 and over, and €18 for children aged 3 to 12.
- The Aquarium is also included in the City Pass offered by the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office, which provides access to 10 regional attractions at a special rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Aquarium de Touraine?
The Aquarium de Touraine is located in Lussault-sur-Loire, approximately 7 km from Amboise and less than 20 km from Tours. It is easily accessible by car, motorhome, or tour bus and features a very large car park.
What can I see at the Aquarium de Touraine?
The Aquarium de Touraine features around 80 tanks of various sizes, organized into three aquatic zones. Visitors can observe over 5,000 animals representing 360 different species.
How long does a visit to the Aquarium de Touraine take?
A visit to the Aquarium de Touraine lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. For those who prefer to stroll and take their time, the visit can extend to over two hours.
Are pets allowed at the Aquarium de Touraine?
No; for obvious reasons regarding the well-being of the resident species, pets are not permitted at the Aquarium de Touraine.
What is the admission price for the Aquarium de Touraine?
For 2026, admission to the Aquarium de Touraine is €17.50 for visitors aged 13 and over, and €13.00 for children aged 3 to 12. Reduced rates are also available for visitors with reduced mobility and for families with at least three paying children.
A “Duo” ticket combining the Aquarium de Touraine and the Parc Mini-Châteaux is available for €25.00 (ages 13+) and €18.00 (children aged 3 to 12).
Finally, the Aquarium is included in the City Pass offered by the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office, which provides access to 10 regional attractions at a special rate.
What are the opening hours for the Aquarium de Touraine?
In 2026, the Aquarium de Touraine is open:
From February 7 to November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and then on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until January 2.
(Ticket office closes one hour before closing time; last entry at 5:00 p.m.)
