Océanopolis

Océanopolis is the large ocean discovery centre of Brest, on the shore of the Port de Plaisance du Moulin Blanc, with the waters of the Rade de Brest in front of it. It opened in 1990 and has grown into one of the largest aquarium complexes in Europe, with dozens of tanks and thousands of animals of around a thousand species. The Brest region is a centre of marine science in France, and the centre combines entertainment with research and education, which makes it a popular destination for families.

The visit is organised into themed pavilions. The tropical pavilion recreates a coral reef and the ecosystems of warm seas, with brightly coloured fish, sharks and rays swimming in huge tanks, and a walk through the Indo-Pacific habitats gives an idea of how fragile coral reefs are. The polar pavilion presents the cold waters of the Arctic and the Antarctic, with a colony of penguins and the sea creatures that live under the ice, and its cool air makes a contrast with the tropical hall. The temperate pavilion, which concentrates on the seas of Brittany and the Atlantic, shows the marine life of the nearby coast, including seals and kelp forests, and the Breton pavilion uses a lot of natural light. An outdoor area includes a trail for otters and other animals of the shoreline.

Alongside the animals, the centre explains the effects of climate change and pollution on the oceans, with exhibitions, films and talks. Feeding sessions and presentations take place on a schedule, so check the programme when you arrive. The centre is large, and a visit often lasts three to five hours, and it is wise to wear comfortable shoes and bring something warm for the polar hall.

Some parts of the site have been closed for renovation from time to time, and opening times and ticket policy change from season to season, so check the website before travelling and see which areas are currently open. Combined tickets for the main sights of Brest, along with public transport, are sometimes sold in summer.

Océanopolis suits families with children, school groups, and anyone interested in marine life or the sea. It makes a good outing in wet weather, which is frequent in Brittany. Within Brest, the Château de Brest, with its naval museum, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Brest are good additions, and the Conservatoire botanique national de Brest is another interesting visit.