Diving La Vierge

Site Overview

La Vierge is a reef and wall dive site in Normandy – D-Day Wrecks & Channel, France, reached from the base town of Cherbourg. La Vierge is a rocky reef and wall off Cherbourg, a gentle alternative to the deep wrecks. It is rich in cod, lobsters and conger eels. The site reaches a maximum depth of 26 m with an average profile around 16 m and a shallow start near 8 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the French coastal coast: visibility generally runs from 6 to 20 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 9 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, European Lobster, Conger Eel, Grey Seal, Small-spotted Catshark, Pollock, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. La Vierge is a strong representative of why Normandy – D-Day Wrecks & Channel diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define French underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Normandy – D-Day Wrecks & Channel region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck or reef enthusiasts alike.