L'Ariane

Wreck

IMPORTANT: an authorization from the french navy is required as this wreck is sunk in the middle of a military area. Some local dive clubs have it during the summer period, only some weekends.


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This french submarine L'Ariane(S-640) sunk two times: the first time for some secret tests performed by the french navy, close to la Fourmigue de Giens, then refloated, and sunk near the Cap Cepet (Saint Mandrier) as a training site for Navy Divers. During the last years many tests of the NewSuit (1 atm) have been performed.


The only submarine from the same type is "L'Argonaute" (S-636) visible in La Villette Museum

(http://leclubclio.free.fr/sous-marins/photos/visites/argonaute/a.htm).


According to the SHOM l'Ariance is registered under ref. SHOM# 18035357 and is located precisely at 43?4,2877'N; 05?57,2103'E. Depth 25m.


On the french riviera there are two other submarines: Le Protee near Cassis (127m), and the Rubis, near Cavalaire (38m).


More informations in that book: "Plongee sur les plus belles epaves de Provence" (editions

> Glenat), p.139-141:

I want to dive L'Ariane