Top 10 Scuba Diving Spots in the South France

While it may come as a surprise, France has more to offer then just Paris and crossiants, the South of France has some of the most sought after scuba diving spots world! In the four corners of France, it's possible to find places to dive in France with breathtaking scenery. These are aquatic landscapes to be seen at least once in your life if you're an seasoned diver. In this article, our experts have put together the 10 best spots to dive in the South of France this year.

The 10 best spots to dive in France in 2024

1. Riou-Archipel: cradle of scuba diving.
2. Gulf of Porto: to explore the Scandola reserve.
3. The Cerbère Banyuls Park: in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees.
4. The Lavezzi Islands: for diving in turquoise waters in France.
5. The Glénan Archipelago: a hidden gem in Brittany.
6. Calvados: explore the historic shipwrecks of Normandy.
7. Lake Tignes in Savoie: for an unforgettable ice diving experience.
8. The Port of Cros and Porquerolles: between teeming marine life and shipwrecks.
9. Fréjus: to discover the submarine Le Rubis.
10. The Overseas Territories: to enjoy the most beautiful diving spots in 4 corners of the globe.

The 10 Best Spots for Dives in the South of France 2024

Get ready to dive into French scuba territory as we explore the 10 best places to dive in France in 2024 whether you're a novice or an experienced diver.

1. The Riou Archipelago in Marseille: Cradle of Scuba Diving

Visible from the coast of Marseille, the Riou-Archipel is one of the most unspoilt marine islands on the French Rivera, making it an ideal spot for diving in France. The only people who can access the island are divers.

There are 21 dive sites on the Rio- archipelago, along with several wrecks. The dive sites are also incredibly diverse. In particular, you can discover underwater caves, wrecks and magnificent schools of fish.

Our favorite spots for experienced divers: The Falls of the Moyades site located at the northern tip of Riou island (from 5 to 45m).

If you're planning to dive in the Riou archipelago, why not couple this experience with a visit to Marseille over a long weekend? Don't hesitate to consult our complete guide :

• Also worth reading: Complete guide to a long weekend in Marseille.

Important information for diving at the Riou Archipelago

• What level to dive from Baptism to PADI Level 2.
• Where to book: on the Phocéenne diving website.
• What's the price? from 160€ for a baptism (110€ for Snorkelling).
• Best time to dive: June to October (water at 59°F at the start of the season and reaches 75°F on average).

2. Golf of Porto in South Corsica

The Reserve de Scandola and de Capo Rosso in the Golf of Porto in Haute-Corse are two of the most protected reserves on the Corsican coast. Even though it's forbidden to dive in the heart of the reserve, you can discover its colorful borders.

In the Golf of Porto, you can dive among the sites of Punta Muchillina (18 to 65m), Capo Rosso (3 to 43m), Monte Rosso (surface to 38m). For beginners, there are also palm hikes to be made on Scopa Point.

The best diving spots in Porto recommended are as follows:

Important information for diving in the Gulf of Porto

• What level to dive: All levels.
• Where to book: on the Plongée Porto website.
• How much does it cost? from €55.
• Best time to dive: April to October.

3. Cerbère Banyuls park in the Pyrénées Oriental

In third place on our list of the best spots to dive in France, the Cerbère Banyuls park in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees. Located on the Mediterranean coast between Cerbère and Banyuls-sur-Mer, this marine park offers an exceptional diving experience for all those wishing to explore the richness of this region.

With dive spots in the Cerbère Banyuls park ranging from 0 to 55m deep, you'll be able to admire dense marine biodiversity from the very first meters of depth.

Our favorite diving spots: The sites of Cap l'Abeille and Tinyes.

Important information for diving Cerbère Banyuls park

• What level to dive: All levels.
• Where to book: on the Plongée Cap Cerbère website.
• How much does it cost? from €95.
• Best time to dive: April to November.

4. Lavezzi Islands in South Corsica

4th best diving destination in France, the Lavezzi Islands in Southern Corsica. This archipelago, located at the tip of Corsica near Bonifacio, is a veritable paradise in France for experienced divers and beginners alike.

The region's crystal-clear waters are reminiscent of the paradisiacal settings of tropical regions. You can take advantage of exceptional visibility to explore the various coral reefs, underwater caves and even catch a glimpse of some shipwrecks.

Among the must-see dive sites on the Lavezzi Islands, you'll find:

The Lavezzi islands are a must-see stop in Corsica. Whether you want to dive or enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

Don't hesitate to check out our vacation itinerary, if you're planning to visit these islands :

• Read also: Road Trip Corsica in 1 week.

Important information for diving in the Lavezzi Islands

• What level to dive: All levels.
• Where to book: on the Bonifacio Plongee website.
• How much does it cost? from 90€.
• Best time to dive: between May and October.

5. The Glénan Archipelago in Brittany

Located off the coast of Concarneau in Brittany, the Glénan archipelago is the 5th destination on our list of the best spots for diving in France. Although located in Brittany, the clarity of the water around this archipelago offers unrivalled visibility for the regions.

Often dubbed the “Breton Caribbean”, divers can take advantage of these clear waters to admire colorful coral reefs, dense seagrass beds and a multitude of underwater caves. The icing on the cake, the Glénan archipelago is home to several wrecks, including the l'Alja (a Dutch cargot sunk in 1940) and the Arab (a corvette sunk in 1796).

The following dive sites are not to be missed in the archipelago:

Important information for diving in the Glénan archipelago

• What level to dive: All levels.
• Where to book: on the CIP Glénan website.
• What's the price? from €70.
• Best time to dive: May to September.

6. Calvados wrecks in Normandy

In 6th place on our list of the best places to dive in France is The Wrecks of the Landing, one of the world's most unique sites for scuba diving.

When you dive the D-Day landing beaches, you'll be diving right into the heart of one of the defining moments of the 39-45 war. The diversity of wrecks on the seabed is breathtaking. American destroyer, the LST 523 and the HMS Pylades are cult wrecks that you can explore during your exploration activity.

The majority of wrecks are less than 30m deep, making the dive spots accessible to all types of divers.

Good to know: Visibility is reduced under the English Channel. You'll need to use a torch, which makes exploring this dive spot in France incomparable.

Important information for diving in Calvados

• What level to dive All levels.
• What price? varies according to club.
• Best time to dive: June to August (water at 55-60°F in June).

7. Dive under the ice in Savoie's Lac de Tignes

Lac de Tignes is one of France's most unusual diving destinations. Located in Savoie, you'll dive beneath a 1-2m-thick layer of ice that creates fascinating light effects at the heart of this Savoyard lake.

Perfect for divers who want to dive in winter without leaving the country, this is a winter adventure you'll long remember. Open even to beginners looking for a magical experience, each diving session is supervised by qualified instructors.

Important information about diving in Tignes

• What level to dive: All levels.
• Where to book: on the Tignes website.
• How much does it cost? from 110€
• Best time to dive: late November to May (inquire in advance about ice conditions).

8. Port Cros in the Hyères archipelago

Located in the heart of the Hyères archipelago, Port Cros is one of the most beautiful diving spots in France. The marine flora and fauna are rich, and you'll be able to encounter emblematic species such as groupers, barracudas and moray eels.

Port Cros also boasts a number of wrecks on its seabed, including the Donator and the Grec, which are historic vessels around which a veritable marine ecosystem has been created.

Not-to-be-missed diving spots in Port Cros include:

Important information for diving at Port Cros

• What level to dive: From level 1 to level 4.
• Where to book: on the Mio Palmo Plongée website.
• How much does it cost? from 90€.
• Best time to dive: between April and September.

9. Discover a submarine in Fréjus

The latest spot for diving in mainland France, Fréjus. After Port de Cros and Porquerolles, Fréjus has one of the most beautiful diving spots on the French Riviera.

Between wrecks, archeological sites and exceptional marine fauna, divers of all levels will marvel at so much beauty.

Among the sites not to be missed in Fréjus, we recommend diving in one of the following:

.

Good to know: The wreck of the submarine le Rubis is very well concervé, and rests upright on its keel. An impressive sight with an abundance of fauna.

Important information about diving in Fréjus

• What level to dive: All levels
• Where to book: on the CIP Fréjus website.
• How much does it cost? from €70.
• Best time to dive: May to September.

10. Diving in Dom-Tom outside metropolitan France

Our final destination on this list of the best dive spots in France isn't in mainland France, but in the French Overseas Departments and Territories.

These overseas territories boast exceptional marine biodiversity that it would be sad not to explore. La Martinique and la Guadeloupe are two regions brimming with spots, each more incredible than the last.

In Martinique, the spots of Anses d'Arlet, Baie de Saint-Pierre and Rocher de Diamant under favorites. In particular, you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seahorses, and batfish.

In Guadeloupe, the Cousteau Reserve, the Saintes spot and the Pointe de la Grande Vigie are must-sees. The waters in this part of the world are rich, and you're bound to encounter Javanese moray eels, leopard ray stingrays and the occasional sleeper shark.

Important information for diving in the French Dom-Tom

• What level to dive All levels
• Where to book: on the Alpha plongée and Plongée Guadeloupe websites.
• How much does it cost?from €55.
• Best time to dive: November to April in Martinique and December to June for Guadeloupe.

FAQ Scuba Diving in France: Discover the Depths

If you still have questions after browsing this list of the best diving destinations in France, don't panic. Our experts have answered the most frequently asked questions on the internet and put them together in this section of our article.

Where to dive in France with a PADI?

The French coastline is packed with diving spots where you can discover the seabed at depths of over 6m. Among the main and most recommended spots you'll find:

• Port de Cros and Porquerolle
• Fréjus
• L'Archipel des Glénan
• Saint-Malo
• Lavezzi Islands

Where to dive in the south of France

If you're looking for a place to dive in the south of France, Fréjus, Port Cros, the Isles de Lérins (underwater eco-museum) and the réserve de Banyuls-Cerbère are must-sees.

How much does a scuba diving experience cost in France?

The average price of a diving baptism in France is about €70 per person. Several factors can affect this price, including the duration of the dive, the location and the dive center. As a general rule, count on between 50 and 100€ per person.

Where to snorkel in France?

As with oxygen tank diving, France has many incredible freediving spots. Among the most exceptional, you'll find:

1. Lérins Islands (French Riviera)
2. The island of Porquerolles (Provence)
3. La réserve naturelle des Sept îles (Bretagne)
4. Les îles Lavezzi (Corsica)
5. Lagoon (Mayotte)

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