Discovering Barry Beach, a historic diving site in Bandol
Located between the bustling downtown Bandol and the start of the coastal path leading to the wild landscapes of the Engraviers point and the Moutte bay, Barry Beach offers visitors a preserved natural setting. Mainly composed of pebbles, it stands out for its easy access, notably thanks to a gently sloping ramp ideal for divers carrying their equipment. From the beach, one can gaze towards Bendor Island, offering a stunning view of one of the gems of the Var coastline.
A site steeped in history: the cradle of modern scuba diving
Barry Beach is not only a pleasant site for swimmers and walkers: it holds a major place in the history of scuba diving. In 1943, it was right here that pioneers Philippe Tailliez, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and Frédéric Dumas conducted the very first tests of the famous regulator imagined by Émile Gagnan. This event marked a turning point; it was at this precise location that the first self-contained breathing apparatus dive occurred, which Jacques-Yves Cousteau would later recount in his iconic book, The Silent World.
This revolutionary invention would forever change the way of diving, whether professional or recreational. Today, it is possible, just as those ‘Mousquemers’ did at the time, to easily immerse from the shore to explore Bandol’s underwater wonders.
A commemorative plaque to remember the Mousquemers
A bronze plaque, clearly visible on a stele erected facing Barry Beach, commemorates the memory of these three diving pioneers, affectionately nicknamed ‘Mousquemers’. But why was this site chosen for these historic tests? Simply because Philippe Tailliez lived, at the time, in the large house located just opposite, on the other side of the road, where today’s divers often park their vehicles.
Tips for a dive tracing the steps of the pioneers
To live the historical experience, go on foot to the small square between the sea and the road. Cross the palm trees where the commemorative monument stands, then take the stairs or ramp to reach the beach.
Enter the water and fin about fifty meters into the heart of the cove. Less than a meter below the surface, a remarkable seamount awaits the curious: descend at this spot and explore the coralligenous massif. The underwater walk occurs between 7 and 14 meters deep, allowing you to admire Mediterranean fauna, including brown meagres or cuttlefish, under natural light, thanks to the south-facing exposure of the reef.
Take the time to immerse yourself in the history of the place, watch for the vibrant colors of underwater life, and perhaps set your own record for dive duration!
Practical information for your dive at Barry Beach
- Address: Avenue Albert 1er – 83150 Bandol
- GPS: 43° 08′ 06.1″ N / 005° 44′ 33.1″ E
- Walking distance from the parking lot: 40 meters
- Surface finning: 50 meters
- Maximum depth: 14 meters
- Entry into the water: Sheltered from the mistral
- Major advantage: A dive accessible without a boat!
Activities not to be missed: Bendor, the island of timeless charm
Before putting your head back underwater, take advantage of your visit to Bandol to embark at the port towards Bendor Island. The first island on the coastline acquired by Paul Ricard – before the Embiez –, Bendor is a true invitation to discovery.
In the 1950s, Paul Ricard transformed this simple rock into an artistically designed oasis, drawing up the plans himself for this human-scale village, complete with a port, shops, art workshops, and a bar. The colorful houses stand out like a theatrical set between the blue sky and the deep blue Mediterranean. Stroll around the island, discover the numerous statues that punctuate the trails, and enjoy exceptional panoramas of the surrounding bay.
Don’t miss the universal exhibition gallery and the museum dedicated to Ricard wines, spirits, and advertising items. A true escape from time, Bendor Island was, during the 1960s, a place of celebration and artistic encounters where Salvador Dalí, Fernandel, Raimu, Joséphine Baker, Luis Mariano, Gilbert Bécaud, Jacques Dutronc, and many other celebrities, came to revel during jazz evenings of the ‘Jet Set’.
This article, originally written by Eric Vastine for the print edition of PLONGEZ!, has been adapted for the web.