France

Explore France

Diving in France offers an exceptional experience for enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure. The country's diverse diving environments range from vibrant coral reefs in the Mediterranean to the dramatic walls and wrecks along the Atlantic coast. Notably, France is the birthplace of Jacques Cousteau, a pioneer in the world of scuba diving, which adds a historical depth to the diving culture here. Enthusiasts can explore underwater caves, particularly in regions like the Lot and Dordogne, renowned for their intricate and fascinating cave diving sites.

Marine life in France is both abundant and varied, featuring species like colorful groupers, playful dolphins, and elusive seahorses in the Mediterranean Sea. The country also offers a range of dive styles, including shore dives, boat excursions, and liveaboard adventures, catering to divers of all preferences. Seasonal changes bring different delights; for instance, the summer months are ideal for warm water diving in the south, while the Atlantic coast offers rich experiences year-round. Under French law, diving is carefully regulated, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience led by the Dive Director, who oversees every aspect of each dive.

Places to Explore

Southern France

365 Divesites • 53 Centers

Corsica

91 Divesites • 13 Centers

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

PLONGEQUILIBRE

Computer Diving

18 Nov 2025 + 218 more

SSI designed the Computer Diving program to help certified divers become familiar with the features and benefits of using a dive computer. By understanding and knowing how to use all the functions of a dive computer, you will not only increase your dive safety but also make planning and executing your dive easier. The SSI Computer Diving program explores the functions and capabilities of different dive computers and explains how to use these functions before, during, and after your dive. Often, divers purchase a computer and only use it for its basic information. Get the most out of your investment by learning to use your dive computer to its full potential. Start your SSI Computer Diving specialty online today!

Instructor Evaluation

AQUADOMIA

Instructor Evaluation - IE

21 Nov 2025

Instructor Evaluation (IE) je posledním krokem dvoustupňového přístupu SSI k výcviku instruktorů. Divemaster instruktoři nebo SSI ekvivalentní profesionálové budou muset nejprve úspěšně absolvovat Instructor Training Course (ITC), kde se naučíte, jak:

- vést akademické lekce
- Vést výcvik v uzavřených vodách
Vyučovat potápění na otevřené vodě a různé specializované programy, jako je Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy a další.
Rozvíjet dovednosti v oblasti řízení studentů a komunikace

Jste již zkušeným instruktorem v jiné agentuře? Můžete mít nárok na zkrácené možnosti oboardingu, kdy budete muset absolvovat pouze určité části Instructor Training Course (ITC) a následně absolvovat Instructor Evaluation (IE). Pro více informací kontaktujte nejbližší SSI výcvikové centrum.
Jste již certifikováni jako Assistant Instructor u jiné agentury? Můžete pokračovat ve své profesní cestě se společností SSI. Kontaktujte místní SSI výcvikové centrum a prozkoumejte své možnosti.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

PLONGEQUILIBRE

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

29 Nov 2025

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Bouley Bay Dive Centre

Dry Suit Diving

10 Jan 2026 + 1 more

Drysuit diving opens up a world of opportunities, including diving remote Arctic destinations and exploring cold-water dive sites teeming with life. Dry suit diving also keeps you warm on multi-dive days when you do not want to spend your time getting in and out of a cold wetsuit. The SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty program is the best way to become a dry suit diver and teaches you all the knowledge and techniques you need to dive safely and comfortably in a dry suit. You will learn how to use specialized equipment, like dry suits and BCs, the benefits of dry suits and how to deal with dry suit emergencies – which are unique to this type of diving. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty certification.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Argonaute

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

13 Jun 2026

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Centers Map

WAGIC DIVE

La Pleta Terra Major, Casa 34B, AD300 Ordino, AND

PUWA

Magasin Plongéquilibre, 75008 Paris, FRA

REN’SPORTS

102 RUE EUGENE POTTIER, 35000 RENNES, FRA

ARCHIPEL PLONGÉE

8 Résidence les Villégiales du quai d’honneur, 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer, FRA

PLONGEQUILIBRE

84 RUE DU ROCHER, 75008 PARIS, FRA

ÉMOTIONS Plongée

431 rue de la Plage, 74500 Amphion-les-Bains, FRA

CHANGO DIVING

Quai Lunel et 14 quai des docks, 06300 NICE, FRA

BORMES PLONGEE

Quai d’honneur, 83230 BORMES LES MIMOSAS, FRA

ARMOR PLONGEE

chez LE GAL Jean-Pierre, 22410 Saint-Quay-Portrieux, FRA

Espace plongée UCPA Dijon

12 rue Alain Bombard, 21000 DIJON, FRA

TORRA DIVING

La plage, 20110 BELVEDERE CAMPOMORO, FRA

Aquabormes

Cap Blanc 39, 83230 Bormes les Mimosas, FRA

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ Revellata

As if resting on the water, Cape Revellata is an exceptional land and sea site due to its isolation, its preservation, and its beauty. This site’s underwater architecture is extravagant, filled with canyons, corridors, dizzying drop-offs, and much more!

★★★★☆ Cap Gros

Cap Gros offers a variety of dives. From two to thirty metres, passing through posidonia, rocks with drop-offs, to finish on the corralligenous...

★★★★☆ Les Moyades

Small rocky island located south of Marseille, off the Calanques massif. It is part of the Riou archipelago, a beautiful canyon followed by a drop off. It is not uncommon to see groupers, greater forkbeards, eels, anthias, damsel fish and even barrakudas.

★★★★☆ Les Gorets

Flagship site of the Gulf of Morbihan, to the west of the Long Island in the heart of a protected area, the Gorets site promises you some of the most beautiful dives in Brittany! The North-South oriented drop-off presents one of the most beautiful fields of European gorgonians!

Scubapro, Stephen Frink