With more than 20.000 caves, numerous cave diving locations, and captivating underwater worlds available in France. Well-known diving hotspots can be found in the Lot Département around the city of Rocamadour, the Ardèche valley, and additionally, the Jura Départment.

• The Lot Dèpartment, with the beautiful historical city of Rocamadour, is located in the Midi-Pyrénées region in southwestern France. Thus, Rocamadour attracts visitors for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Therefore, for centuries, pilgrims from many countries, including kings, bishops, and nobles, have traveled there. In the city’s neighborhood, several cave diving hotspots, ranging from moderate to challenging levels, exist. Additionally, good infrastructure and excellent filling stations, like The Cave To Be, are available.
• The Ardèche valley is located in southeastern France, known for its picturesque landscapes and popular tourist attractions. Hiking and canoeing particularly contribute to its renown. While there are some excellent cave diving locations, there is a lack of diving infrastructure such as filling stations.
• The Département Jura, situated within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France, is a more remote and less touristy area. Abundant dry and diving caves are available, but there is no existing diving infrastructure. Divers must bring all necessary equipment themselves. The area is less crowded, offering a more secluded experience, and in most places, you will find yourself alone.

In conclusion, French caves exhibit significant variations in appearance, ambiance, and underwater conditions. Consequently, each cave differs greatly in stone color, dimensions, depth, visibility, current, and, most notably, accessibility. In other words, they present inspiring underwater worlds of France.

Départment Lot underwater worlds

Emergence de Ressel

Two French divers initially explored the entry to the Emergence de Ressel cave in the middle of a river in 1968. They achieved a penetration of 150 m, and by 1973, the line was extended to 300 m. Over the years, cave exploration has persisted, and as a result, the total length of the main line is approximately 4500 m today. In conclusion, the cave offers spectacular views and mostly good visibility.

Trou Madame

Stunning natural surroundings envelop the cave Trou Madame. A small mountain stream descends from the cave entrance, leading to a vast breakdown area and a narrow entrance into the cave. For divers, transporting equipment from the limited parking spots to the cave involves considerable effort. It spans about 200 m walking distance, with an additional 30 m inside the cave during the dry season.The cave features a shallow, multi-siphon style with several air pockets. Moreover, the cave features beautiful stone formations that adorn its interior. It stands out as one of my favorite underwater worlds in the Département Lot, offering typically good visibility.

Le Cunhac (Ressel II)

Le Cunhac is also known as Ressel II, named after its cave entry located in a river. The majority of the cave is shallow, and the final section descends in two steps to a depth of 47 m. The total underwater penetration length is approximately 330 m. The stones are elegantly shaped, and divers can observe several mirror-like reflections on the ceiling.

Département Jura underwater worlds of France

Gour Bleu underwater worlds

Gour Bleu is located near Fontenu in the Département Jura within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It is a shallow cave with approximately 250 m of underwater penetration. Additionally, a substantial dry cave section has been explored, accessible only through diving. However, accessing the cave system’s entry point is challenging, requiring significant effort to transport diving equipment to the cave entrance. In conclusion, Gour Bleu stands out as one of my favorite French underwater worlds in the Département Jura.

Source Bleu de Cuscance

Source Bleu de Cusance is located near Baume-les-Dames, in the Département Doubs within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It is a shallow cave with approximately 150 m of underwater penetration. The picturesque entry into the cave system is through the spring pot known as “Source Bleu de Cusance”, situated at the end of a charming valley. Therefore, a beach trolley is convenient for transporting diving equipment.

Source Du Planey underwater worlds

Source Du Planey is located close to Saint-Loup-sur-Sermouse, in the Département Haute-Saône within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It is a mostly shallow cave, with approximately 200 m of underwater penetration. The beautiful entry into the cave system is the spring pot known as “Source Du Planey”, situated in the middle of a lovely forest. Additionally, a beautiful picnic area is located next to the entrance.

If you are interested in exploring more than just underwater worlds of France, please check out picture galleries of Hungary, Mexico, Italy, and Germany.