Le Lido

About this dive site

The dive typically commences over a gentle, shallow meadow before leading to a significant drop-off. This vertical wall descends to depths of up to 42 meters, presenting a spectacular vista for more experienced divers. Along this descent, at a depth of approximately 23 to 25 meters, lies the entrance to the site's main attraction: a small but enchanting cave. The cave itself is distinguished by its unique horseshoe shape and a prominent central pillar, allowing for an easy and fascinating exploration with the aid of a torch. The interior is adorned with red coral and Neptune's lace, creating a breathtaking scene. Historically, the cave holds archaeological significance, with discoveries of Paleolithic artifacts indicating ancient human presence. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine fauna. The cave and its surroundings are often inhabited by moray eels, octopuses, and hermit crabs. The drop-off is home to scorpionfish, and lucky divers might even spot a well-camouflaged spider crab amongst the anemones. While larger pelagic species are not common, the upper part of the drop-off is occasionally visited by groupers. The shallower areas are characterized by Posidonia seagrass meadows, which serve as a vital habitat for various fish species.

For the freediver, Le Lido presents an exhilarating vertical playground, renowned in the local freediving community as a prime training and exploration spot. The experience begins with a calm surface swim before targeting the dramatic drop-off, which plunges to depths of over 40 meters. Freedivers can gracefully descend along this wall, with the main objective being the enchanting horseshoe-shaped cave, situated at a challenging yet achievable depth of around 23 meters. Peering into or even gliding through this unique geological formation with its central pillar on a single breath is a key highlight of the dive. The site's location within the sheltered Rade de Villefranche offers excellent, reliable conditions, making it an ideal location for freedivers to safely push their limits and enjoy the stunning underwater topography that has made this area a legendary spot for the sport.