La Loire
What makes the Grand Aquarium de Touraine so unique is that its main theme is the Loire River, and the freshwater fish that inhabit it.
The tour starts at the source of the Loire, with species such as minnows, trout and Atlantic salmon.
The lower reaches of the river are home to common fish such as pike, carp and barbel.
We also find species that made their appearance a few decades ago, such as zander, asp and catfish.
Last but not least, the latest, rarer species to colonize the Loire have not been forgotten and are also present. These include the bouvière, the cyprin arc-en-ciel and the crapet de roche, which can be found in very specific sectors of the river.
After this first section, the largest in the aquarium, we move on to more exotic destinations.
America
The first tank in this new section contains more exotic species found in the Amazon, such as piranhas, pacus and a few small specimens of Pirarara.
Another tank is reserved for alligator fish, mainly found in Texas, USA.
Asia
The Asian section is new, but already boasts some notable species, such as arowana and clown knife fish, both highly prized by Asian sport fishermen.
After this large first section reserved for freshwater fish, from France and elsewhere, several basins are reserved for saltwater fish.
Oceans
The visit continues in salt water, with a large tank featuring small reef sharks such as the blacktip shark, along with other marine species.
Alongside this large tank, several smaller aquariums feature a variety of species often found in the aquarium trade, such as clownfish, surgeonfish and damselfish.
Overseas France
Finally, the visit ends with a section reserved for the French overseas departments, where we realize that while remaining on French soil, we can still have access to exotic species.
In fact, one of the basins contains tarpons, which can be found in the West Indies islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe.
My opinion
The Grand Aquarium de Touraine is a small establishment that has the merit of offering a good variety of species and environments. What's more, the fact that it features local species that are rarely seen in other aquariums makes it particularly original and attractive to anglers!
The other sections are just as interesting, especially as they feature a number of emblematic species of exotic fish, such as tarpon, pirarara and alligator fish, enough to make you want to travel! If you're just passing through or on vacation nearby, I highly recommend a visit.
Grand Aquarium de Touraine
- 1-day adult rate 2024: ?16
- Tour duration: 1h30
- Address: Grand Aquarium de Touraine, Lieu-dit Les Hauts Boeufs, 37400 Lussault-sur-Loire, France
