Grand Nausicaá: what awaits you at the largest aquarium in Europe

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Northern FranceCultural HeritageNature and Outdoor ActivitiesCoastalWith Family

Sophie et Jacques Rougerie
© Sophie et Jacques Rougerie

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 14 March 2024

On 19 May 2018, Nausicaá is increasing in scope with a new visitor experience, ‘Voyage en Haute Mer’, housed in a stunning new extension in the shape of a manta ray designed by Jacques Rougerie. This will provide an unprecedented marine experience, allowing the public to get even closer to the centre’s many species. Here’s a preview of what to expect.

 Magnus Larsson / Istockphoto
© Magnus Larsson / Istockphoto

Nausicaá is home to no less than 1,600 different species, including the manta ray, the largest ray in the world, which can reach eight meters long and weigh up to 1.8 tons.

A seven-metre-deep fault

Sophie et Jacques Rougerie
© Sophie et Jacques Rougerie

Nausicaá will unveil a spectacular underwater fault reaching a depth of seven metres, offering a unique virtual excursion into the secret world of the ocean deep.

The Malpelo hammerheads

Wolfgangpronai / Istockphoto
© Wolfgangpronai / Istockphoto

Sharks play a vital role in balancing animal populations. Nausicaá has chosen to present hammerhead sharks, an iconic species from the island of Malpelo.

An 18-metre-long tunnel

Sophie et Jacques Rougerie
© Sophie et Jacques Rougerie

A tunnel over 18 meters long allows visitors to walk and be totally surrounded by sharks, manta rays, schools of fish and other species. An immersive experience to fully appreciate the wonders of the ocean.

15 species of jellyfish

Kenny Louie- Licence CC BY 2.0/ Wikimedia
© Kenny Louie- Licence CC BY 2.0/ Wikimedia

Over 15 different types of jellyfish are bred at Nausicaá, including golden jellyfish, whose umbrellas can reach more than 30cm in diameter.

Cutting-edge design

Sophie et Jacques Rougerie
© Sophie et Jacques Rougerie

With its innovative architectural design and impressive dimensions, Nausicaá allows visitors to observe numerous marine species in different ways, and closer than ever before.

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