Near the rocky islet of Bizeux in Saint-Malo, France, a unique underwater experience awaits history and diving enthusiasts alike. Thanks to the efforts of the Adramar Association for Maritime Archaeological Research, divers can now explore a recreated 18th-century shipwreck site, complete with authentic cannons and an anchor from the era.
Imagine stepping into the shoes of Tintin and Captain Haddock, coming face-to-face with a sunken ship steeped in history—this is exactly the kind of journey that awaits off the coast of Brittany. At Bizeux Rock, located near the estuary of the Rance River, supervised diving excursions give visitors the opportunity to explore a reconstructed wreck site designed to resemble the remains of an 18th-century vessel.
The initiative was launched by Adramar (Association pour le Développement de la Recherche en Archéologie MARitime), a non-profit founded in 1993. Over the years, Adramar has participated in several notable excavations, including the famous Natière wrecks near Saint-Malo. The group is also dedicated to promoting maritime heritage, which often remains out of the public eye due to the logistical challenges of underwater access.
In 2016, responding to a regional call for cultural projects in Brittany, Adramar proposed an innovative idea: to reconstruct an archaeological site underwater that simulates what a diver might come across during a real expedition. The motivation stemmed from the fact that, along France’s Atlantic coast, historical underwater sites are usually off-limits to divers due to their fragile nature. “The remnants are delicate—just one kick from a fin can cause damage,” explained Hélène Botcazou, an archaeologist with Adramar. “Yet these shipwrecks continue to fuel the public’s imagination. We wanted to create a site that offers a glimpse of what lies beneath the sea.”
Bizeux Rock, a small island between Saint-Servan and Dinard, was an ideal location. Well known to local diving clubs, the spot features a gentle underwater slope, making it accessible even to snorkelers and beginners. Five cannons previously stored in museum reserves, along with an old anchor recovered by a fisherman, were submerged here and arranged to resemble real wrecks found in the region.
Guided tours, organized either by Adramar or local diving clubs, are the only way to access the site due to its location behind the Rance dam and in an area known for strong currents. During these excursions, participants can swim among the submerged relics, even touching some of the centuries-old artifacts.
“It’s a powerful way to introduce people to underwater archaeology and the maritime heritage of Saint-Malo Bay,” said Yann Goanach, who leads educational outreach at Adramar. “Visitors also learn about how shipwrecks deteriorate over time. This site serves as a truly innovative educational tool for exploring submerged historical treasures.”
With this project, Adramar not only offers a hands-on experience for divers but also bridges the gap between the general public and the hidden world of maritime archaeology—bringing the past to life beneath the waves.
