Discover the Best Scuba Diving Spots in France: A Guide for UK Divers
France is not only famous for its food, fashion, and art—it’s also home to some of the best scuba diving destinations in Europe. Whether you're flying in from the UK for a short break or a full diving holiday, France offers unforgettable underwater experiences. From the Mediterranean’s warm, clear waters to the rugged Atlantic coasts and even ice diving in the Alps, there’s something for every UK diver. Let’s explore the top scuba diving destinations in France with travel info, highlights, and practical tips.
Top Scuba Diving Destinations in France
1. Calanques National Park, Marseille – One of the Most Beautiful Scuba Diving Spots in the World
Location: Marseille, 13007, France
UK Travel Tip: Direct flights from London to Marseille; accessible by train from Paris.
Nearby Transport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Saint-Charles Railway Station, Bus lines 83 and 82
Calanques National Park is a diving paradise with limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and diverse marine life. Explore coral-covered walls, hidden caves, and colourful fish species. A must-visit spot for UK divers looking for warm water and vibrant ecosystems.
2. French Riviera, Nice – Scuba Diving with Shipwrecks and Scenic Views
Location: Nice, 06000, France
UK Travel Tip: Numerous UK airports offer direct flights to Nice.
Nearby Transport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), Nice Ville Railway Station, Tram Line 1
The French Riviera offers top-tier diving with access to historic wrecks, underwater cliffs, and marine biodiversity. Ideal for British divers seeking scenic dive spots close to luxury beaches and lively cities.
3. Brittany, Finistère – Explore Shipwrecks and Cold-Water Marine Life
Location: Brest, 29200, France
UK Travel Tip: Ferry routes from Plymouth and Portsmouth to nearby Roscoff.
Nearby Transport: Brest Bretagne Airport (BES), Brest Railway Station, Bus lines B and C
Brittany is perfect for UK travellers who love cold-water diving. Experience sunken warships, kelp forests, and a dramatic Atlantic coastline. Great for wreck diving and spotting species like conger eels and sea bass.
4. Normandy, Cherbourg – Dive into World War II History
Location: Cherbourg, 50100, France
UK Travel Tip: Easy ferry access from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.
Nearby Transport: Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport (CER), Cherbourg Railway Station, Bus lines A and B
For British history lovers, Normandy is a unique diving site. Dive into D-Day wrecks such as tanks, ships, and submarines. It’s a living museum beneath the sea and a top choice for UK scuba diving holidays focused on history.
5. Corsica, Scandola Marine Reserve – UNESCO Underwater Paradise
Location: Galéria, 20245, France
UK Travel Tip: Fly to Nice or Marseille, then take a ferry or domestic flight to Corsica.
Nearby Transport: Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY), Calvi Railway Station, Bus lines 30 and 31
Scandola Marine Reserve is one of the most stunning diving sites in Europe. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts protected coral formations, sea caves, and unique Mediterranean species. Ideal for UK divers looking for eco-friendly dive trips.
6. Dordogne & Lot – France's Best Cave Diving Sites
Location: Cahors, 46000, France
UK Travel Tip: Fly into Toulouse or Bordeaux, then take a train to Cahors.
Nearby Transport: Brive-Souillac Airport (BVE), Cahors Railway Station, Bus lines 7 and 8
The Dordogne and Lot regions are a paradise for experienced UK divers into technical cave diving. Explore crystal-clear springs and submerged passageways like Fontaine de Vaucluse and Ressel.
7. Tignes Lake, French Alps – Ice Diving for the Brave
Location: Tignes, 73320, France
UK Travel Tip: Fly into Geneva, then take a transfer to Tignes.
Nearby Transport: Geneva Airport (GVA), Bourg-Saint-Maurice Station, Bus lines 601 and 602
Tignes offers an extraordinary ice diving experience under frozen lakes. Dive beneath thick layers of ice in the heart of the Alps. This is a bucket-list experience for UK adventurers and available only in winter months.
Best Time to Dive in France (For UK Travellers)
- Mediterranean (Nice, Marseille, Corsica): May to October
- Atlantic Coast (Brittany, Normandy): June to September
- Cave Diving (Dordogne): Spring and early autumn
- Ice Diving (Tignes): December to March
Recommended Dive Centres (English-Speaking)
- Blue Addiction Diving School (Nice) – English-friendly & PADI-certified
- Plongée Passion (Marseille) – Offers courses for UK tourists
- Corsica Diving Center (Calvi) – Guided dives in English
- Le Club Subaquatique Brestois (Brittany) – Best for wreck dives
Marine Life and Underwater Ecosystems in France
France’s waters are teeming with marine life. Depending on location, you may encounter:
- Sea bream, barracuda, and wrasse
- Moray eels, octopus, and conger eels
- Seagrass meadows and coral reefs
- Rare species like sunfish and dusky groupers
Diving Safety and Regulations in France
- Always dive with a licensed instructor or dive buddy
- Get travel and dive insurance that covers Europe
- Respect marine protected zones (e.g. Scandola Reserve)
- Use certified gear and follow local depth regulations
- Watch out for tide conditions and underwater currents
How to Start Scuba Diving in France (For Beginners from the UK)
If you're new to diving, France is a great place to start. Look for beginner-friendly centres offering:
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving courses
- English-speaking instructors
- Gear rental and confined water training
- Open-water certifications for multi-day trips
Final Thoughts: Why France Is a Top Scuba Destination for UK Travellers
From D-Day wrecks in Normandy to the UNESCO-listed waters of Corsica, France is rich with diving diversity. With easy access from the UK, abundant marine life, and world-class dive centres, it’s the perfect destination for British scuba diving holidays. Whether you're into historical wrecks, cave diving, or tropical-like Mediterranean waters, France should be on every UK diver’s bucket list.
