Maréis, Public aquarium in Étaples, France.
Maréis is a public aquarium in Étaples housing over 500 marine animals from the English Channel and North Sea in specialized tanks and environments. The facility spans multiple areas where visitors can observe different marine habitats and species.
The aquarium was founded in 2001 and occupies a former building where fishing nets were manufactured. The location choice directly connects the facility to Étaples' maritime past.
Former fishermen and their family members guide visitors through exhibits, sharing firsthand knowledge of local fishing practices. Their stories come from real experience and offer personal insight into life at sea.
The aquarium operates daily throughout the year, with online reservations recommended to guarantee entry due to capacity limitations. Plan enough time for a full visit, as the exhibits offer many details to explore.
In the nursery section, visitors can watch baby skates and catsharks that may hatch from their eggs at any moment. This unexpected moment makes each visit potentially special.
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