Ville de Grasse Wreck, Porquerolles: Mediterranean's Iron Steamer

Diving the Ville de Grasse transports you to a unique piece of maritime history, an iron paddlewheel steamer that has rested on the seabed for over 170 years. Located about 600 metres southwest of the Grand Ribaud Lighthouse, the wreck lies in two main sections on a sand bottom. The most explored part is the stern, which sits at a depth of 49 metres, presenting a profile unlike many other Mediterranean wrecks.

As you approach the stern, the scale of the vessel becomes apparent, defined by its two large iron paddlewheels still intact, framing the machinery that once propelled it. You can clearly identify the connecting rods and the bulk of the steam engine, with the boiler still in place. This section offers a rare opportunity to see the operational heart of a 19th-century steamer, providing a tangible link to its working life.

The bow section, found at 50 metres, is significantly more damaged and less frequently visited due to its condition. While the stern offers distinct, identifiable structures, the bow presents a more scattered and collapsed profile, making navigation and exploration less straightforward. The lack of superstructure and deck means the light penetrates well into the remaining hull, revealing the contours of the wreck against the sandy seabed.

Life on the wreck is varied, with resident marine species making the structure their home. You will often encounter moray eels (Muraena helena) and conger eels (Conger conger) sheltering within the remaining metalwork. Schools of sars (Diplodus sargus) and cardinalfish (Apogon imberbis) frequently patrol the deeper sections, moving in and out of the wreck's shadows. Occasionally, you may spot an oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) passing by in the blue, a surprising encounter at this depth.