When it opened in February 2024 at Tour-du-Parc, the Ostréapolis oyster interpretation center had great ambitions. Deploring a “fiasco”the president of the Gulf of Morbihan-Vannes agglomeration, David Robo, has just announced the closure of this scientific and cultural facility, due to attendance which turned out to be significantly lower than initial objectives.
The city, owner of the center, planned to welcome 40 to 50,000 visitors per year. With just over 8,600 visitors in 2025, the low estimate is far from having been reached. The total amount of the project was estimated at 3.8 million euros excluding tax, and had received public funding from the State, the Region and the Department, as well as European aid. The establishment should, however, maintain its activity until the closing date.
Ostréapolis had given substance to a long-standing project. The idea was born in Tour-du-Parc, a town on the Rhuys peninsula south of Vannes, in 1998. At the time, it responded to the desire to introduce the public to oyster farming, the techniques and professions of this activity, central to the local economy and landscape. In 2014, the Gulf of Morbihan-Vannes agglomeration took up the project, which came to fruition in the following years.
In 2018, the city selected the project by architect Philippe Madec, who proposed an eco-responsible building using materials linked to local know-how. Construction began three years later. In 2023, following a community council session, the community decided to entrust the management and operation of Ostréapolis to the SPL Golfe du Morbihan-Vannes Tourisme, as part of a public service concession by way of leasing for 5 years and 2 months, from November 1, 2023. The contract provided for a financial contribution from the agglomeration to the tune of 500 000 euros spread over the period.
Focused around three poles, the Ostréapolis program aims to discover oyster farming, gastronomy and scientific research. The establishment hosts a permanent exhibition on the oyster, with content on the life cycle of the animal, but also on oyster farming techniques. Temporary exhibitions on the theme of the marine world are organized there, as well as cooking workshops led by chefs, educational workshops and introductions to research in the center’s laboratory. The photographic exhibition “Secrets of the Abysses” is scheduled there until January 3, 2027.
