Diving in Normandy - advice please.

[nickb]

I'm off to Normandy for 4 days diving in June and am looking for some digs, B&B, hotel or whatever.

We'll be diving out of a place called Courseulles-sur-Mer near Caen and anywhere within a short drive would be great.

Has anybody been over there and if so are you prepared to recommend anything?

[jackadam]

I dived it last year - absolutely fabulous. However, I did it on a Liveaboard (Loyal Watcher), we went in June, viz wasn't brilliant (lots of particulate), but the wrecks and sense of history is awesome. Only disappointment was we that we didn't dive the Leopoldville, (loads of good sites on the net).

In terms of reads I can recommend D-Day Wrecks of Normandy, authored by Mark James.

Have a good one and look forward to hearing how you enjoyed it.
Regards,

[chrisch]

I can' help with B&B sorry - but just to warn you (if you don't know).

To dive in France you need a medical of less than 1 year vintage. You also need a FFESSM licence (euro 46) some insurance cover is mandatory.

The licence & insurance can be bought from the dive shop. Some shops are a little "easy" in their interpretation of these things, but they are French Law and most shops are quite keen on having everything correct.

I'm sure you will have a great time, but make sure of the medical before you go!! (Or lose a day at the French quacks!)

Best
Chris

[awalker]

Might also be worth having CMAS qualification card if you are BSAC qualified.

http://www.bsac.org/services/cmascards.htm

As some dive centres seem to not recognise non CMAS qualifications for depth i.e. wont allow you to dive over 20M even if you are qualified to dive 30m+ ** Just what I have heard **

I think this is further south in France that this has been problem.

I have one now just in case, dont really want to miss out on some great diving for the sake of £17.

Enjoy your diving.

I will be out the on the Loyal Watcher in May, cant wait!