Unusual visit to Cannes: the 1st submarine ecomuseum in France
Dive into the Mediterranean's crystal-clear depths off the coast of Île Sainte-Marguerite. Explore the first underwater eco-museum in France and its 6 spectacular sculptures by Jason deCaires. It's an easy boat ride away from Cannes Port, a 10 minute walk from Hôtel des Orangers. A unique experience that you'll never forget during your stay on the Côte d’Azur. 1, 2, 3, dive!
Central Cannes is home to the 3* Hôtel des Orangers on the edge of Le Suquet and just a 10 minute walk from the Mediterranean Sea. The prime location puts you within easy walking distance of the best sights and attractions that Cannes has to offer.
Our teams will be delighted to help and advise you throughout your break in Cannes.
1st submarine ecomuseum in France - Cannes - Credit eric_barnabe_photographie
1st underwater eco-museum in France
Explore the first underwater eco-museum in France and the Mediterranean during your stay at the Hôtel des Orangers in Cannes. 6 huge sculptures designed and made by the artist Jason deCaires Taylor have made their home off the coast of Île Sainte-Marguerite since January 2021. 6 Cannes residents (schoolgirl, retired fisherman, student etc.) modelled for the sculptures that lie over 4m deep in the sea.
Grab your mask and snorkel to see them off the coast of Île Sainte-Marguerite. The 2m high sculptures weigh in at 10 tons each and are inspired by the famous Man in the Iron Mask who was imprisoned on the island between 1687 and 1698.
British artist Jason deCaires Taylor is already famous for his stunning underwater sculptures in Mexico, Canary Islands, Bahamas and Grenada. One of his pieces is on the National Geographic's 25 Wonders of the World.
Work - Vicissitudes - Grenada - Credit Jason deCaires Taylor
Home to marine life
The work is fuelled by both art and ecology. Each sculpture depicts 2 sides of a face: "One side of the mask depicts strength and resilience, the other fragility and decay." The idea is to make people aware of our relationship with the sea and protecting marine life.
The artworks have been specifically designed using eco-friendly PH-neutral materials to attract marine fauna and flora. Over time, the faces will form artificial reefs that algae, coral and animals will bring to life to create an ever-evolving artwork.
The artistic project has seen the ban on mooring boats extend between the Lérins Islands and reduce pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.
Watch France's only underwater eco-museum come to life:
Use your dive into the 1st underwater eco-museum in France to explore the Lérins archipelago, a must-visit whilst on holiday on the Côte d’Azur.