Looking for a family outing in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire that works whatever the weather? Good news: the Aquarium de Vendée is home to more than 5,000 marine animals from over 400 species, including sharks, turtles, seahorses and tropical fish.
The route is fully covered and heated, and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. It lets you discover several marine habitats in a single visit. The aquarium is one of the best ideas for what to do in the Vendée when it rains. Find out which species to look out for, what activities are on offer and the practical information you need to plan your family visit.
Aquarium de Vendée in numbers
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, avenue de la Mine (85440) |
| Species | More than 5,000 animals and more than 400 species |
| Themes | Atlantic-Mediterranean, Indo-Pacific and tropical |
| Animals to spot | Blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks, turtles, seahorses |
| Visit duration | About 1 hour 30 minutes, along a covered, heated route |
| Prices | Adults from €15.80, children from €11.80 |
Discover the aquarium’s three marine worlds
The route around the Aquarium de Vendée is organised into three geographical worlds. The visit begins with the waters closest to our coast before moving on to warmer seas.
As you walk through, you’ll discover in turn:
- The Atlantic and the Mediterranean, with species found in the waters close to our coast;
- The Indo-Pacific, known in particular for its reefs and colourful fish;
- The tropical waters, home to clownfish and corals, among others.
This progression helps children to picture the different marine habitats more easily and understand where the animals they see actually live.
Watch the sharks, turtles and other marine species
Sharks and sea turtles are among the most eagerly awaited sights of the visit. The aquarium is home to blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks, alongside seahorses, rays and tropical fish.
Throughout the visit, feeding times and activities offer the chance to learn more about the species on show. The team at the Aquarium de Vendée explain how the animals live and answer visitors’ questions, while hands-on workshops give younger visitors a more tangible way to discover some of the animals.
Our tip
Book your tickets online and check the activity times before your visit, so you can plan your route around each of the indoor sessions. You could also round off the outing with a visit to the harbour or Talmont Castle, 15 minutes away, to make a full half-day programme.
Would you like to add a visit to the Aquarium de Vendée to your plans? Book your mobile home in Vendée, in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, and make the most of all the activities nearby!
FAQ – Aquarium de Vendée
Where is the Aquarium de Vendée?
The Aquarium de Vendée is on avenue de la Mine in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (85440), just south of Les Sables-d’Olonne. It is easy to reach by car from the main towns along the Vendée coast.
How long does a visit to the Aquarium de Vendée take?
Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the aquarium’s three worlds and see the different tanks. This may also include a show or talk, depending on what is on the day of your visit.
How much does it cost to visit the Aquarium de Vendée?
Prices start at €15.80 for adults and €11.80 for children. Entry is free for children under 3. Special rates may also be available, depending on the applicable conditions.
Are there sharks at the Aquarium de Vendée?
Yes. The aquarium has blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks, among others. They share their waters with sea turtles, seahorses, rays and plenty of tropical fish, spread across the different worlds along the route.
