Best Places for Diving in Cournonsec, France
Cournonsec, a charming commune located along the Gardon River in southern France, offers an array of diving spots that cater to divers of all levels. From clear freshwater lakes to underground rivers with unique geological formations, this area is a diving paradise. Here’s your guide to exploring the best dive sites in Cournonsec.
Top 5 Dive Sites in Cournonsec
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Lac de Cournonsec
- Location: Near the commune of Cournonsec
- Depth Range: 0-3 meters (0-10 feet)
- Highlights: This freshwater lake is a perfect spot for beginners and snorkelers alike. The calm waters and abundance of fish make it an ideal location to get your first diving experience.
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Gardon River
- Location: Flowing through Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Varies, with shallow areas near the shore
- Highlights: The Gardon River offers a mix of freshwater and slightly brackish water conditions. Divers can explore submerged rocks, caves, and overhanging trees creating a diverse underwater landscape.
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Grotte de Cournonsec
- Location: Within the commune
- Depth Range: Up to 15 meters (49 feet)
- Highlights: This underground river system is home to unique geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. Divers can navigate through narrow passages and explore caves with clear water visibility.
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Lac de Gourdon
- Location: Nearby the Gardon River
- Depth Range: 1-8 meters (3-26 feet)
- Highlights: Ideal for intermediate divers, this lake features a mix of colorful flora and fauna, including schools of fish. The underwater scenery is vibrant with plenty to discover.
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Reseau de Cournonsec
- Location: Within the commune
- Depth Range: Varies, up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Highlights: This interconnected network of underground rivers and caves offers experienced divers a challenging yet rewarding dive. The complex underwater landscape provides opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Additional Top Dive Sites in Cournonsec
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Lac de Bédarrides
- Location: Nearby the commune
- Depth Range: 0-4 meters (0-13 feet)
- Highlights: This freshwater lake is another beginner-friendly spot, known for its clear waters and abundant wildlife.
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Gardon River at Saint-Jean-du-Gardon
- Location: About 5 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Varies with the river flow
- Highlights: This stretch of the Gardon River offers a mix of freshwater and brackish water conditions, providing diverse diving experiences.
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Grotte de Saint-Jean
- Location: Near the commune
- Depth Range: Up to 5 meters (16 feet)
- Highlights: This cave system is perfect for experienced divers, with underwater passages that are both challenging and beautiful.
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Lac du Salagou
- Location: About 30 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: 2-8 meters (6-26 feet)
- Highlights: While not directly in Cournonsec, this lake is a popular diving destination just outside the commune. Known for its clear waters and variety of fish species.
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Gardon River at Saint-Sauveur-en-Gardiole
- Location: About 2 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Varies with the river flow
- Highlights: This area of the Gardon River is known for its strong currents and unique underwater landscapes, making it a thrilling dive site.
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Grotte de Gourdon
- Location: Nearby the commune
- Depth Range: Up to 7 meters (23 feet)
- Highlights: This cave system features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, providing divers with stunning underwater vistas.
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Lac de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
- Location: About 40 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: 3-7 meters (9-23 feet)
- Highlights: This freshwater lake offers clear waters and a variety of fish, making it suitable for both divers and snorkelers.
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Gardon River at Salles-de-Céze
- Location: About 5 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Varies with the river flow
- Highlights: This section of the Gardon River is known for its clear waters and diverse underwater life, including various species of fish and aquatic plants.
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Grotte de Saint-Jean-du-Gardon
- Location: About 5 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Up to 8 meters (26 feet)
- Highlights: This cave system features a mix of easy and challenging dives, with beautiful underwater formations.
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Lac de Sainte-Croix
- Location: About 30 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: 1-4 meters (3-13 feet)
- Highlights: This freshwater lake is another beginner-friendly spot, offering clear waters and a variety of aquatic life.
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Gardon River at Saint-Gilles-du-Gard
- Location: About 7 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Varies with the river flow
- Highlights: This area of the Gardon River is known for its strong currents and unique underwater landscapes, providing divers with thrilling experiences.
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Grotte de Saint-Paul-en-Gard
- Location: About 8 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Up to 5 meters (16 feet)
- Highlights: This cave system features impressive geological formations, making it a visually stunning dive site.
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Lac de Saint-Martin-la-Roque
- Location: About 20 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: 3-7 meters (9-23 feet)
- Highlights: This freshwater lake offers clear waters and a variety of fish, making it suitable for both divers and snorkelers.
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Gardon River at Saint-Hippolyte
- Location: About 4 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Varies with the river flow
- Highlights: This section of the Gardon River is known for its clear waters and diverse underwater life, including various species of fish and aquatic plants.
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Grotte de Saint-Étienne-du-Gard
- Location: About 10 km from Cournonsec
- Depth Range: Up to 6 meters (20 feet)
- Highlights: This cave system features a mix of easy and challenging dives, with beautiful underwater formations.
Exploring the diving sites in Cournonsec is an adventure that promises both fun and excitement. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, these locations offer something for everyone. So pack your gear and dive into the wonders of Cournonsec’s underwater world!