The Aquarium du Grand Lyon is the city’s main family attraction outside the museums, and a reliable plan for a wet day or a break from walking. It stands at La Mulatière, on the edge of the city just south of the point where the Saône meets the Rhône, so it is easy to combine with the Musée des Confluences across the water. Inside, a route of tanks takes you through the underwater world, from local rivers and lakes to coral reefs and the open ocean, with marine species from around the world. The sharks are the stars, with several species on show, and there are colourful reef fish, rays and other creatures that children love to spot. It is a manageable size, so younger children do not tire out, and the visit is easy to fit into a morning or an afternoon. The aquarium opens every day of the week, which is useful on Mondays, when the Confluences is usually closed. This page links to the Tiqets entry ticket.
How to visit: the aquarium is at 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant in La Mulatière. Tiqets lists it as open daily from 10:30 to 18:30. Buy your ticket on Tiqets and show it on your phone at the entrance. By public transport, buses run from Perrache, and from the Confluence district it is a short ride across the Saône; drivers will find it a few minutes from the motorway into the city centre.
What to expect: the visit is largely indoors and takes around ninety minutes to two hours at a child’s pace. It is busiest on Wednesday afternoons, when French schools have time off, at weekends and in the school holidays. Some reviewers find it small compared with the biggest European aquariums, so set expectations for a pleasant half-day rather than a full day out.
Making the most of it: arrive at opening on a weekday for the calmest viewing, and check for feeding sessions when you arrive. Combine it with the Musée des Confluences on the same side of town, or with a picnic in the Confluence district’s riverside parks on a fine day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided indoor route past tanks of freshwater and marine species, with sharks, rays and reef fish.
Best time
Weekday mornings at opening; avoid Wednesday afternoons and school holidays if you can.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
It opens every day, so save it for a Monday when the Musée des Confluences is usually closed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with young children and anyone needing an indoor plan on a rainy day.
- Families
- A manageable size for small children, with sharks and colourful reef fish to keep them interested.
- Couples
- Better suited to families; couples will get more from the Musée des Confluences nearby.
- Pair with
- The Musée des Confluences and the Confluence district, a short hop across the Saône.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
Where is the Aquarium du Grand Lyon?+
It is at 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant in La Mulatière, just south of the meeting of the Saône and the Rhône. It is a short ride from Perrache and the Confluence district.
When is the aquarium open?+
Tiqets lists it as open every day from 10:30 to 18:30. Check for holiday changes before you travel.
Are there sharks at the Aquarium du Grand Lyon?+
Yes, several species of shark are among the highlights. You will also see rays, reef fish and freshwater species.
How long does a visit take?+
Most families spend around ninety minutes to two hours. It is a half-day outing rather than a full day.
Is it a good rainy-day option?+
Yes, the visit is almost entirely indoors. Combine it with the Musée des Confluences for a full day under cover.
