La Cheminée

La cheminée is a local rock-reef site off the Roquebrune-Cap-Martin area on the French Riviera. The site typically features a gently sloping sand and rocky bottom with a collapsed or chimney-like sandstone formation that provides a vertical profile for viewing marine life. Access is straightforward from nearby coast, with calm conditions often found in sheltered bays of the Ligurian Sea. Expect Mediterranean species typical of coastal reefs—groupers, damselfish, wrasse, sea bream, octopus and with posidonia meadows in the vicinity. Currents are usually mild, making it suitable for entry-level to intermediate divers depending on conditions. The site is commonly visited from local dive centers based in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Menton, or Monaco, all within a short boat ride or shore dive from the coast. Nearby towns, including Menton and Monaco, can serve as convenient hubs for logistics and post-dive planing.