Experiencing the purest shade of blue, borderline tear-inducing, amid abundant waters: Mastering freediving on the radiant French Riviera with a five-time World Champion.
In the sun-drenched heart of the French Riviera, the serene waters of Cap-Ferrat continue to captivate and inspire, not just with their mesmerising beauty, but also with their rich history in the world of freediving. This connection to the underwater realm was solidified by the iconic 1988 film *Le Grand Bleu*, directed by Luc Besson, which showcased the region's exceptional diving conditions and crystal-clear blue waters to a global audience.
Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a half-day 'World of Silence' freediving experience at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, centrally located next to the entrance of Nice's Place Massena, on one of the famous stretches of seafront real estate. The cost for this immersive adventure was €1,400 per person or €1,200 for two, a testament to the exclusivity and expertise on offer.
My guide for this underwater odyssey was none other than Arthur Guérin-Boëri, the most titled French freediver in history. A man who has not only mastered the art of apnea but has also revived the spirit of Cocteau through his global adventures. Arthur is the first person to free dive 300 meters and has become world champion five times through his mastery of dynamic apnea.
As we set off from the Anantara Plaza Hotel, I couldn't help but wonder if President Macron and his wife Brigitte would choose the stillness below Cap-Ferrat or opt for a château vineyard during their stay at the hotel. But for now, my focus was on the task at hand.
Arthur began by teaching my companion and me a personal apnoea method, which I have since practiced at least twice a week to manage stress. As we ventured into the waters, I felt a sense of total bliss, a connection to the ocean that I had never experienced before.
Gilles Gabardini, a marine researcher and tech diver, was present to ensure safety during our freedive. He encouraged us to view the early warning signs of low oxygen levels as a positive, not a cause for panic. This approach helped me to relax and enjoy the experience even more.
The test of my breath-holding abilities came towards the end of the session, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could hold my breath for 3 minutes. A feat I never thought possible before this experience.
Chris Cotonou, the writer who lives between London and Tunis and is the author of Columbia Pictures: 100 Years of Cinema, was also a participant in this unique adventure. Chris has been fortunate to interview a variety of great artists and filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, Jeremy O Harris, and Luca Guadagnino, and his presence added an extra layer of excitement to the day.
As we ascended from the depths, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of Cap-Ferrat and the legacy of *Le Grand Bleu*. The film's influence is still felt today, with freediving excursions offered to explore the Mediterranean depths, evoking the spirit of *Le Grand Bleu* and its romantic vision of the sea.
In conclusion, Cap-Ferrat remains a premier freediving destination on the French Riviera, steeped in both cultural and sporting significance. Whether you're a seasoned freediver or a novice looking to experience the underwater world, Cap-Ferrat offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Mediterranean. Rooms at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel start at €350 a night, making it the perfect base for your underwater adventure.
Sports such as freediving are still a captivating aspect of Cap-Ferrat's rich history, as demonstrated by the participation of Chris Cotonou, an author known for his work on cinema, in a recent freediving experience at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel. This exclusive adventure, which costs €1,400 per person, showcases the continued popularity and prestige of sports like freediving in the region.
