Diving the Wreck of the Ville de Rouen

Site Overview

Wreck of the Ville de Rouen is a wreck and reef dive site in Atlantic Coast, France, reached from the base town of Les Sables-d’Olonne. The Ville de Rouen is a cargo wreck off Les Sables-d’Olonne, now a refuge for conger eels, lobsters and cod. The surrounding sand holds crabs and flatfish, making it a classic Atlantic wreck dive. The site reaches a maximum depth of 28 m with an average profile around 18 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 8 to 20 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius with moderate surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Conger Eel, European Lobster, Atlantic Cod, Small-spotted Catshark, Pollock, Spider Crab, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. Wreck of the Ville de Rouen is a strong representative of why Atlantic Coast 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 Atlantic Coast 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.