
Ferme de Conclois
21290 Bure-les-Templiers
France
1 Chemin du Bouvet
Giens
83400 Hyères
France
It is a very original underwater exploration that the team of Espace mer proposes to you in the peninsula of Giens before a different and quite as singular immersion, in a place charged with history located just next door.
A safety briefing will take place on arrival at the Espace Mer center. Then head a few meters downstream to the Pointe du Bouvet to explore the site of a sunken treasure, the amphorae. This fun hike is suitable for families aged 8 and over, and takes place in small groups supervised by a state-qualified instructor.
The instructor will guide you for 45 minutes as you discover this incredible collection of ancient objects found in the waters of the peninsula. Your brand-new diploma will be waiting for you at the Espace mer center, where you can change before setting off again on your exploration.
Next, we head for Fort du Pradeau, built in 1634 at the request of Cardinal Richelieu to protect the Hyères roadstead. This historic structure has been fully restored by the Parc national de Port-Cros, which has made it its showcase, inviting you to discover the beauty and magic of its territory in an innovative way.
Through a multi-dimensional tour of the different areas, you'll experience and understand everything that makes up the unique character of this environment, protected since 1963, before enjoying the exceptional view from the large panoramic terrace.
Rate for 1 to 4 pers. 40€
From 4 pers. 35€
Price includes a visit to Fort du Pradeau.
Fred Simion has always been passionate about diving and freediving and became an instructor at the age of 23. He traveled a lot, worked in IT and communication before devoting himself completely to his double passion.
I first worked in diving clubs in Spain and Egypt and I arrived in Hyères ten years ago to join Espace Mer, where I am more particularly in charge of freediving activities. The center was a precursor in creating a freediving section seven years ago.
Very involved in the development of this activity, he is also president of the Apnea commission of the Var within the French Federation of Underwater Studies and Sports (FFESSM). Every year he organizes the departmental championship of the activity.
"As a practitioner, I also do underwater field hockey," adds this discreet sportsman who does not specify that the Hyères club is French champion in several categories!
Accompanying the palm hikes?
It's important to live one's passion every day in one's element. I also appreciate the relationship with people who are never the same. And it allows me to see the evolution of the environment to which I am very attentive.
Gaspard Bollengier, a native of Lyon, arrived at Espace mer in 2001 to take a level 1 diving course gaspard Bollengier first studied sports at university before branching off into sports organization management.
"I came back to do my internships at Espace Mer; I then worked there as a seasonal worker and went to the Maldives for two months during the winter".
He validated his master's degree, passed all the diving levels in Hyères, before following the training courses and obtaining the 1st then 2nd degree diving state certificates and a captain's diploma. First job as an instructor? "I went to work for 10 months in Paris where we dive in pits. He returned to Espace Mer, was hired on a permanent contract in 2013 and joined the company as an associate in 2017.
Gaspard likes family hikes "I live in La Garde, we often walk in the massif of the Colle noire". He appreciates "the calm and the environment. We are lucky to be in a region that is not too built up and where the environment is well preserved".
What about work?
What I like is to share the pleasure of people who are amazed. It's very gratifying and it makes things easier and more enjoyable.
It is also very satisfying, during the baptisms, to succeed in making someone who was not at ease gain confidence and who, suddenly, can enjoy the moment.
For him, the National Park Spirit brand :
First of all, it's a guarantee of quality for people. We realize that more and more people know what a national park is, but for the vast majority, Port-Cros National Park is the island. So there is undoubtedly an educational need, and we plan to increase this awareness.
Gare de Hyères
83400 Hyères
France
714 avenue de la Font des Horts
83400 Hyères
France
112 Place Saint-Pierre
Presqu'île de Giens
83400 Hyères
France