Ile de la Fourmigue: Wrecks and Reef in Le Lavandou

The Ile de la Fourmigue is defined by a tiny, lighthouse-topped rock emerging from the sea, located 3 kilometres offshore from La Londe-les-Maures. The dive typically begins on the southwest side, where the seafloor immediately drops away from the surface. This creates a natural starting point for a descent that transitions from a shallow, sunlit reef to a deeper environment rich in both marine life and history.

From a depth of 3 metres, you encounter rocky debris, forming a gentle slope that extends down to a sandy bottom at 28 metres. This continuous incline allows for a gradual exploration of the changing habitat. Within these rocks and crevices, you’ll find species like octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and various wrasse (Labridae), which are common inhabitants of the Mediterranean reef. The structure of the slope provides numerous hiding spots and foraging areas for these resident animals.

The most distinctive feature of the Ile de la Fourmigue is its direct connection to three significant wrecks, which rest naturally at the foot of this small islet. The debris field encountered on the slope eventually leads to the wreck of the Spahis (1887), lying between 18 and 25 metres. This integration of the natural reef with these historical remnants offers a unique progression from marine biology observation to wreck penetration and exploration, all within a single dive profile.

Beyond the Spahis, two other wrecks complete the underwater tableau: the Général Paoli (1881) and a Wildcat aircraft from around 1956. The presence of these vessels highlights the historical significance of this seemingly small islet, whose lighthouse was specifically constructed to prevent future maritime casualties after the sinking of the Spahis. Diving here means tracing a historical timeline that shaped this part of the coast.