Top 6 not-to-be-missed diving

spots in the South of France

Dive into the turquoise waters of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, swim above the Posidonia meadows and the other underwater wonders of the Mediterranean… Kitted out with goggles, snorkel and flippers, on your own or with a professional you’ll meet some lovely things in a beautiful blue world!

Discover submarine wildlife just opposite Marseille

At the Frioul islands, Le Grand Congloué is well-known among diving enthusiasts. This small rocky islet, an actual marine reserve, is home to a large variety of species that you can discover during a dive with a seasoned guide. A few kilometres away as the crow flies you’ll find the Riou Islands, an archipelago which is in the Calanques National Park You can reach its caves, known as Les Impériaux (the Imperials) by boat from Marseille. As diving is locally a very popular sport, there are a number of diving clubs around Marseille. And there’s something for all levels, from beginners’ lessons to sea outings for seasoned divers, so let yourself be tempted!

Try your hand at being an explorer in the Mediterranean near Antibes

Several popular diving sites in the bay of Golfe Juan promise some outstanding discoveries. From Cap d’Antibes to the îles de Lérins and the wrecks of ships, you’ll be amazed… flippers and all! Diving conditions are generally good and offer clear visibility to observe the abundant marine life. Admire La Fourmigue which is like a little Atlantis. In other words, a legendary city engulfed by the water of the Atlantic Ocean according to Greek mythology. Corals, starfish, and sponges all populate this site which is famed for its strong currents and depths. It has been nicknamed “Dante’s Inferno” due to a difficult technical dive to a depth of 40 metres and therefore reserved for experienced divers.

Back to the past in diving mode in Cavalaire

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is a diving reference in the Var. Between Saint-Tropez and Le Lavandou, experienced divers venture off to discover several wrecks which are easy to reach, one of the most popular being “le Rubis”. This French navy submarine was sunk in 1944. At a depth of 40 metres, only experienced divers with a deep sea diving certificate can admire it. Nearby, the “Togo”, a German cargo sunk in 1944 at a depth of 60 metres, also attracts the curiosity of qualified divers. You will also need to have the appropriate experience to be able to visit it. To guarantee your safety and the conservation of the wreck, we recommend you dive with a qualified guide or instructor.

Get an exotic feel on the Côte Bleue at L’Arche du Moulon

At L’Arche du Moulon on the Côte Bleue, you’ll feel at home in the sea. This diving site in the Bouches-du-Rhône, on the seafront to the north of Marseille, boasts a natural arch formed by the erosion of the limestone rock. To get to know it, head 20 metres under the surface. The narrow passages which lead into the arch are its main attraction. Under the Rocher du Moulon, you’ll find a wall of Gorgonian sea fans and a coralligenous population. All around you, corals, anemones and multicoloured sponges live in harmony. Get nearer to explore the underwater caves and caverns, coral reeds and schools of fish. The site is accessible to divers of all levels, but beginners must be accompanied by an experienced guide.

Enjoy the underwater peace and colours on the Ile des Embiez

Not far from Six Fours les Plages in the Var, Ile des Embiez has several diving centres which offer sea outings and lessons for beginners. Among the popular diving sites around the island, you have the Grotte de la Triperie, the Roche aux Oiseaux and the Pierre de la Commune. Here, snorkelling is child’s play, particularly from Crique des Allemands and the Grand Rouveau beaches. But please respect the marine environment and avoid touching or disturbing animals and corals.

S’offrir une virée sous-marine au Cap d’Antibes

Prenez une grande inspiration et plongez dans les eaux cristallines du Cap Gros sur le Cap d’Antibes. De ce côté-là des Alpes Maritimes, les sites de plongée les plus appréciés restent la grotte du Cap Gros, la faille de l’île de la Tradelière et le Rocher de l’Ours. En pleine immersion, vous découvrirez des bancs de poissons, tortues de mer, seiches, poulpes et par chance, des dauphins. Entre les formations rocheuses d’exception, les grottes et épaves, certaines zones protégées autour du Cap d’Antibes nécessitent une autorisation spéciale pour la plongée. Petit conseil, renseignez-vous auprès des centres de plongée locaux pour connaître les réglementations en vigueur.