On Saturday 19th May 2018, a massive expansion of NAUSICAA, the French National Sea Centre in Boulogne-sur-Mer (North of France), will open to the public for the first time. With this increase in size, NAUSICAA is beginning a new chapter in its history. This new building will contain one of the World’s largest aquariums and it is located just two hours away from London. An amazing destination for lovers of the sea, where you can experience the vastness and fragility of the Ocean.
NAUSICAA will take part to the France Show, the UK’s largest French exhibition (Olympia, London) on Friday 26th January 2018 to introduce this major event. Come and meet us to know more (stand L70)!
One of the World’s largest aquariums
The expansion of NAUSICAA is based around a BIG TANK with a capacity of 10,000 m3 offering a voyage on the high seas. Management of the high seas is one of the major issues of the 21st century, and the United Nations is discussing methods of governance. Visitors will see vastness here: a powerful and living Ocean. The area resembles the island of Malpelo off the coast of Colombia. This extraordinarily-sized structure is a real architectural, aquatic and technical challenge which has been realised at NAUSICAA for the first time in Europe!
Sharks, manta rays and shoals of other fish will inhabit this area. An 18-metre-long transparent tunnel offering multiple views, a trench measuring 7.5 metres, giant windows and a viewing panel measuring 20 metres long and 5 metres high will give spectacular views of the big tank.
Nearly 60,000 creatures will be on display in the 15,000 m² of exhibition space. A further 22,000 creatures will be added to the iconic species that are already there.
NAUSICAA is much more than just an aquarium… In 27 years, NAUSICAA has welcomed over 15 million visitors and become a major player in efforts to raise awareness of the marine environment. It is a Centre where the unique marine environment can be discovered in a fun, educational and scientific way, with a primary focus on the relationship between Mankind and the Sea.
The Opal Coast on UK’s doorstep
NAUSICAA is located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, North of France, on the Opal Coast.
Classic, sporty, traditional or quirky, the Côte d’Opale, or Opal Coast, unveils an ever-changing, radiant landscape that takes everyone by surprise. Here, where the sea rubs shoulders with nature, the air refreshes and invigorates. Miles of fine sand and high cliffs take it in turns to grace the coastline, tempting you to discover its many treasures. Originating from a cultural melting-pot rooted in its maritime traditions, you will find authentic and charming fishing villages and port towns peppered with incongruous traces of history, lavish manor houses and cosy fishermen’s cottages.
Boulogne-sur-Mer and its surroundings have a great diversity of beauties: City of Art and History, first fishing port in France, home town of NAUSICAA, the Belle Epoque and high-class seaside resorts of Wimereux and Hardelot, the sand beaches of le Portel and Equihen Plage… A dominating nature and a charming way of life.
