La Vierge

The rock that gave the site its name resembled a Madonna holding a child until the 2004 earthquake broke off its head. Below it, divers wind through canyons, arches, enclaves and faults, a layout complex enough that dive centres recommend following a guide. The light in the canyons is striking, and large snappers, French and cherubfish angelfish, black durgons, porcupinefish and spiny lobsters are common. In spring thousands of small baitfish gather here, followed by hunting jacks and mackerel, and a well-camouflaged toadfish is a regular find. The boat moors in a sheltered basin at 5 to 7 m on the south side of the Augustins.