Description of the attraction
CinéAqua is an oceanarium in the center of Paris, right on the Trocadero square. Everything around breathes history, and it is a little unexpected to find yourself among the aquariums with fish. But this is not just an oceanarium. It was here that in 1878 the underground Trocadero Aquarium was opened, arranged for the World Exhibition.
The aquarium was organized underground, on the site of the former quarries - at the base of the Chaillot hill, suitable voids were selected, widened and reinforced with concrete. In huge containers more than 4 meters high, fish swam calmly - the light entered the room only through the roofs of the containers, and the fish did not see people staring at them from the dark corridors. Huge artificial stalactites reminded visitors that they were in a grotto. The aquarium was designed by the chief engineer of the Parisian roads and bridges Guckler, he also invented a special apparatus for aerating the water, which was supplied from the city reservoir and was not rich in oxygen. The famous scientist-naturalist Pierre Carbonier became the director.
At first, the aquarium was only a successful attraction, but later, with an annual subsidy from Paris, it also became a center for fish farming. Here they took care of the settlement of French waters with valuable fish, raised various types of salmon and released fry into reservoirs throughout France.
Subsequently, the aquarium was closed, and it was only in 2006 that its premises were completely reconstructed under the CinéAqua.
Now here on 3500 square meters underground in 43 pools live more than 9000 fish of all kinds of colors and habits. You can admire not only fish - there are octopuses, starfish, crustaceans, a large number of corals. In the "shark tunnel", 26 sharks swim directly over the heads of visitors. Very popular, especially among children, is the open pond where you can stroke fish. In two cinemas, films about marine life and Disney cartoons are shown, special children's events and concerts are held.
