The most beautiful seabeds to observe with the family in France

No need to travel to the other side of the world to discover the seabed. France offers a variety of amazing places to practice snorkeling. Children can be introduced to this activity from the age of 6 or 7. Equipped with fins, a mask, and a snorkel, you can discover the diversity of the French seabed, its landscapes, its fauna, and its flora as a family. Canopea invites you on a tour of some of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in France.

Snorkeling in the Mediterranean

The warm water of the Mediterranean is perfect for snorkeling. The best spots are found in rocky areas, in clear and shallow water. The Mediterranean coast is home to a large number of places that meet these criteria. It should be noted that the Mediterranean is home to an exceptional variety of marine life, including a third of endemic species, which is more than enough to enhance your aquatic hikes.

•       La Palud Beach, Port-Cros, Var

Off the coast of Hyères, the island of Port-Cros is a protected national park offering one of the most interesting snorkeling spots in the Mediterranean. Head to the north of the island and La Palud beach. You can reach it via a hiking trail. After a 40-minute walk, you will easily locate the site for your aquatic tour, which stretches from the beach to the Rascas rock located just opposite. The fish-filled seabed in this area makes it a place conducive to beautiful encounters: octopuses, barracudas, sea bream, damselfish, colorful wrasses, salema porgy, combers…

•       Anse de Magaud, La Garde, Var

Just a few kilometers from Toulon, in La Garde, the pristine landscape of the Anse de Magaud offers a beautiful pebble beach sheltered by pine trees. By taking the marked marine trail or straying slightly from it, you will discover an underwater landscape made up of rocks, sandy bottoms, and large seagrass beds, as well as abundant local wildlife: salema porgy, sea bream, gilthead bream, octopuses, and the inevitable red starfish!

•       The Calanques of Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône

The reputation of the Calanques National Park in Marseille is well established. In summer, tourists and locals mingle to enjoy the beauty of the place. The variety of underwater landscapes and the numerous animal and plant species present also appeal to snorkeling enthusiasts, a very common practice in the calanques. During your aquatic tours, expect a few encounters with cetaceans, especially dolphins, which are not that rare in the region!

Observing the seabed in Corsica

A meeting place for divers from all over the world, Corsica is full of many magnificent spots for snorkeling enthusiasts. In the transparent waters of the "Island of Beauty," you can easily observe cuttlefish, wrasses, and sea bream. With a little luck, you may also have some more rare and surprising encounters, such as spotting rays, moray eels, or sea bream.

•       Lavezzi Islands, Southern Corsica

Located about ten kilometers from the coast, the Lavezzi Islands are a small archipelago consisting of a main island and a few islets. A protected marine reserve, they are a true natural aquarium. The fish are numerous and accustomed to snorkelers, and are easy to observe. It is not uncommon to come across a few groupers, which is why the region is nicknamed "Grouperville"!

•       The Gulf of Sagone, Southern Corsica

Another magnificent snorkeling spot. The Gulf of Sagone is less frequented than the Scandola Reserve, located further north and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It therefore serves as a good alternative for those wishing to avoid the crowds. The location offers a wide variety of terrain and magnificent seabed to satisfy snorkelers. They will be able to observe the very rich fauna and flora sheltered in the rocks and (almost) spared from pollution.

Observing the seabed in Brittany

We are leaving the climate of the south of France for the more invigorating one of the Breton coasts. Yes, snorkeling is not only practiced in warm waters. In Brittany, you can also practice snorkeling, even if the water is sometimes a bit chilly and you have to remain cautious regarding currents and tides. However, the seabed offers beautiful scenery and a varied fauna and flora, typical of the Atlantic. During your tours, you might come across the fish and crustaceans you are used to putting on your plate: sea bass, mullet, mackerel, and wrasse, among others.

•       Glénan Archipelago, Finistère

Do you know where one of the most beautiful diving spots in France is located? Take a guess: a lagoon atmosphere, white sand, transparent water offering a gradient of blues from the darkest to turquoise. No, you are not in Polynesia, but in Brittany. The nine islands of the Glénan archipelago are home to abundant wildlife. While swimming underwater, you will discover a landscape made of kelp, those brown algae that form long, flat ribbons. You will come across numerous crustaceans and marvel at the colorful jewel anemones clinging to the rocks!

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