Maréis, Public aquarium in Étaples, France.

Maréis is a sea-fishing discovery centre in Étaples, housed since 2001 in the former Saint Frères rope factory, a long red-brick building with several peaked gables and green-framed windows. Its 2,000 square metres of displays cover the work of Étaples fishermen, the fish trade and the seabed of the Channel and North Sea. A 140-square-metre aquarium holds about 500 fish, including cod, haddock, whiting and plaice, plus a touch pool with rays and a trawler.

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.

The aquariology area covers 140 square metres and holds about 500 fish from the English Channel and North Sea, including cod, haddock, whiting and plaice. A basin of rays that children may touch sits alongside a trawler display.