Cpes Eric Sauvage

Established in 1994, CPES Eric Sauvage is a long-standing institution in Concarneau, Brittany. Situated at the port, the centre serves as a dedicated hub for those looking to explore the diverse marine environments of the Finistère coast, from the sheltered bay to the more exposed waters of the Glénan Archipelago.

The centre is led by Eric Sauvage, an FFESSM federal instructor and instructor trainer with a background as a military parachutist. This experience underpins a teaching philosophy rooted in professional standards and rigorous safety protocols. The facility itself covers 130 m², featuring a dedicated classroom equipped with video screens for theoretical lessons and post-dive debriefings.

Instruction is delivered by certified FFESSM instructors, with a focus on small group sizes. For scuba diving courses, the ratio is kept to a maximum of 4 divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, the level of supervision remains high and personalised.

CPES offers a comprehensive range of FFESSM/CMAS certifications. Beginners can start with a Baptême de Plongée or the Niveau 1 (equivalent to Open Water Diver). The progression continues through Niveau 2, Niveau 3, and the Bronze, Silver, and Gold diver levels.

Beyond standard scuba diving, the centre is a specialist in freediving and spearfishing. They offer training from N1 to N3 in freediving, as well as structured spearfishing stages (PSM 1, PSM 2, and PSM 3). For those interested in the technical side of the sport, they also provide Lowrance electronics training and specialised coaching for individual divers or spearfishing teams.

The centre operates a single 8.60m SEARIBS designed specifically for the demands of diving and spearfishing. Powered by a 325 CV Suzuki engine, the vessel is built for speed, stability, and reliability in Atlantic conditions. The boat is equipped with Lowrance electronics, including an HDS 16 LIVE combo, 3D Structure Scan, 4G Radar, and a 25-watt VHF to ensure precise navigation and safety.

This RIB allows for efficient transfers to the best spots in the region, including the Glénan islands. The vessel's design provides ample space and a seaworthy behaviour that makes the transit to offshore sites more comfortable for all divers on board.

The shore-based facilities include a technical shop and a sanitary zone with showers. For those not bringing their own kit, the centre offers full equipment hire. This includes Aqualung equipment for scuba diving and Epsealon gear specifically for freediving and spearfishing disciplines.

Available rental items include wetsuits, boots, gloves, and weight belts, as well as mask, snorkel, and fin sets. Divers can also rent cylinders and specific items like diving knives. The centre is well-equipped to handle both recreational divers and those training for specialised roles in the Gendarmerie, Police, or maritime rescue services.

The marine life in the Concarneau and Glénan areas is diverse, with rocky reefs and wrecks providing ample shelter. You will frequently encounter sea bass, sars, and bonitos cruising the water column, alongside larger specimens like red mullet and John Dory.

In the kelp forests and around the rocky structures, look for conger eels, cuttlefish, and various species of wrasse. The area is also home to lobster and various spider crabs inhabiting the crevices of the reefs.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are abundant, including seiches and various species of octopus. On the wrecks and deeper reefs, you can find many different species of fish, including gilt-head bream and various types of sea bream.

The best time to visit for freediving and finning excursions is between April and October. For spearfishing, the season extends from April through November.

Divers should be prepared for the typical Atlantic conditions of the Brittany coast, where tides and currents can influence the ease of exploration, particularly when visiting the offshore islands.