Where to dive in France: 5 places for 5 kinds of diver
To start out
Southern Corsica & Lavezzi
France
Southern Corsica and the Lavezzi islands have the most sites rated Open Water of any mainland French destination we cover: 5 of 11. Clubs such as Bonifacio Plongée run from May to October.
- Water:
- 13–24 °C
- Try dive:
- €90–190
Season: visit-corsica.com · See the destination, its sites and sources
For warm water
Port-Cros & Hyères
France
The Port-Cros national park and the Hyères islands reach up to about 27 °C in summer, the warmest figure in our mainland data along with western Corsica. The main season runs May to October, and two clubs stay open all year.
- Water:
- 13–27 °C
- Dive:
- €35–95
Season: provence-alpes-cotedazur.com · See the destination, its sites and sources
For wrecks
Normandy D-Day wrecks
France
Ten wrecks from the 1944 Battle of Normandy, all published with their sources. They lie at 10–33 m and need at least an Advanced level. The local club dives all year at weekends; June to September is the best period.
- Best season:
- Jun–Sep
Season: courseulles-sur-mer.com · See the destination, its sites and sources
On a budget
Saint-Malo & Emerald Coast
France
The cheapest dive among mainland destinations with at least two centres checked: from €31 per dive in a multi-dive pack, €35 for a single dive. Water stays cool (8–19 °C): one Saint-Malo club says a drysuit lets you dive all year.
- Water:
- 8–19 °C
- Dive:
- €31–45
Season: adrenactive.com · See the destination, its sites and sources
A first try dive by a marine reserve
Côte Vermeille (Banyuls & Collioure)
France
Banyuls and Collioure, near the Spanish border, have the cheapest try dive among mainland destinations with at least two centres checked, from €45. The tourist board gives April to November for dives in the marine reserve.
- Try dive:
- €45–99
Season: tourisme-pyrenees-mediterranee.com · See the destination, its sites and sources
How we chose
Chosen among our 12 mainland destinations (sea and lakes). Starting out: most published sites rated Open Water. Warm water: highest sourced summer water temperature, in a national park. Wrecks: most published wreck sites. Budget: lowest dive price with at least two dive centres checked. Try dive: lowest try-dive price with at least two centres checked. Prices from dive centres' own websites (October 2026).
Prices change: check with the centre before booking. No destination paid to be listed here.