Guided wreck exploration, 42m depth, and advanced-level access from the Annecy dive center.
Cold-water boat wreck dive on Lake Annecy for advanced divers.
Cold-water boat wreck dive on Lake Annecy for advanced divers.
Le France is a famous Lake Annecy wreck dive on a sunken paddle steamer in cold freshwater. The site is reached by boat and suits advanced divers who want a historic, deep wreck with a deliberate pace rather than a casual shore entry. Expect a well-preserved hull, modest visibility compared with sea diving, and conditions that reward drysuit-level thermal protection, careful buoyancy, and conservative gas management. It is a rewarding dive for teams that value structure and patience over easy sightseeing.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
Up to 42m
Depth Note
Reported as a 42m-deep wreck at the lake bottom and treated as an advanced-level exploration dive.
Best Season
Summer
Typical Conditions
Cold freshwater with a calm lake feel and a clear need for thermal protection.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Cold-water wreck dive; thermal protection and conservative gas planning matter more than speed.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Access
Reached by boat through Annecy-area dive centers; organized guidance is the normal way to visit the wreck.
Aquatic Life
Burbot are commonly seen near the bottom, and char can appear during spawning periods.
Facilities
Local diving clubs offer training, guided excursions, and gear support for lake dives.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Guided wreck exploration, 42m depth, and advanced-level access from the Annecy dive center.
Experienced divers can visit the wreck, and diving clubs offer sessions during the summer.
Freshwater wreck, cold-water dive, typical visibility in the 3-10m range, and not for beginners.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.

Shore dive at Annecy-le-Vieux with a sugar-loaf rock and lake structure.

Lake Annecy meadow dive with easy shore access.

jet de la rose is a steep lake wall with a long approach and a deep drop-off.

Lake training spot with a pontoon entry and easy first-dive conditions.

Lake Annecy wall dive below Château de Duingt.