Frédéric-Dumas Museum: At the Heart of Diving

Published on 29/09/2025 by CAMPASUN

In Sanary-sur-Mer, the Frédéric-Dumas Museum traces the epic of the ‘Mousquemers‘ (Dumas, Cousteau, Tailliez) and the adventure of autonomous diving. As a ‘historic city of diving,’ the town offers a unique immersion into its heritage. It’s a must-visit, ideally complemented by a stay at Campasun campsites in the South of France to fully discover Sanary and its maritime history.

Frédéric Dumas, Sanary’s Native and Pioneer of the Oceans

Frédéric Dumas (1913–1991), affectionately nicknamed ‘Didi,’ is not just the name on the museum’s façade; he is the spirit of the place. A true Sanary native at heart, he spent his life exploring the underwater world off his town’s coast. It was on Portissol Beach that he perfected his techniques, becoming one of the pioneers of autonomous diving.

But Dumas was much more than a hunter. He was an exceptional diver, a self-taught underwater archaeologist who recovered numerous objects from ancient shipwrecks, and a filmmaker who, alongside Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Tailliez, captured the first moving images of the abyss. The Frédéric Dumas Museum, founded in 1994 by an association of enthusiasts who knew him well, aims to preserve his memory and pass on his extraordinary legacy.

A Unique Collection in France: What to See at the Diving Museum?

Entering the Frédéric-Dumas Museum in Sanary is like traveling back in time. Each object tells a story of courage, ingenuity, and passion. Although compact, the museum visit is incredibly rich.

• Founders’ Treasures: the core of the collection consists of diving and spearfishing equipment from the 1930s to the 1960s. Visitors can explore the history of autonomous diving through the first diving suits, rudimentary spearguns, waterproof camera housings, and fins that enabled the earliest explorations. These items testify to the rapid evolution of a discipline where every innovation was a triumph over the unknown.
• Underwater Archaeology: the museum proudly displays some of the artifacts that Frédéric Dumas recovered from the depths of the Mediterranean. These objects, from ancient or more recent shipwrecks such as the warship Magenta, connect us directly to the history resting beneath the waves, turning the diver into a modern-day archaeologist.
• The Maurice Fargues Space: a poignant tribute. The main exhibition area is dedicated to Maurice Fargues. This name is no coincidence. On September 17, 1947, this master diver of the Underwater Research Group (G.R.S.) became the first man to die while using an autonomous diving suit during a depth record attempt. A year earlier, he had saved the lives of Cousteau and Dumas during a perilous dive in the Fontaine de Vaucluse. This quiet tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the risks taken by these daring men and the unbreakable bond that united this brotherhood of the depths.

Visitor Experience: Key Takeaways from the Visit

Reviews of the Frédéric Dumas Museum are unanimous: it’s a gem. Although modest in size, it leaves an unforgettable impression, mainly thanks to the hospitality and passion of its staff. Reviews often highlight the quality of the guided tour.

« A Truly Fascinating Museum! You can discover many things about the History of Diving and underwater explorations. The person running the museum is extremely friendly, passionate, and takes the time to explain many very interesting details. A visit not to be missed! »

This human experience is at the heart of the visit. The guides do more than monitor the exhibits; they share the epic of the Mousquemers with contagious enthusiasm. This is what turns a simple presentation into a true adventure.

Extend the Adventure: Your Ideal Stay in Sanary with Campasun

After being inspired by the exploits of these adventurers, what better way than to plan your own adventure on the French Riviera? Our Campasun campsites in Sanary-sur-Mer serve as the ideal base camp to explore the region and its many activities.

• For Cultural Explorers: our 4-star Parc Mogador campsite, ideally located just 1 km from the town center and the museum, is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local life. After a day visiting the Frédéric Dumas Museum, you can enjoy the tranquility of its heated pool and zen area. It’s the perfect choice for a stay combining culture and relaxation.
• For Active Families: our 5-star Mas de Pierredon campsite, located 3 km from the beaches, is a true paradise for families. With its large water park, slides, multisport field, and tennis court, there’s plenty to create unforgettable memories. After discovering the history of autonomous diving, your children can enjoy their own aquatic adventures safely.

Beyond the Museum: Sanary-sur-Mer, an Exceptional Destination

Your visit to the Frédéric-Dumas Museum is the gateway to the many other wonders of Sanary. Don’t miss these activities :

• The fishing port and its Provençal market, voted ‘the most beautiful market in France,’ which livens up the town every Wednesday morning.
• Sandy beaches such as Portissol or Lido, perfect for a relaxing day with the family.
• The cultural event ‘L’Art Bleu,’ often organized in partnership with the Diving Museum, celebrates the underwater world each year through exhibitions and lectures.

The Frédéric Dumas Museum is not just a heritage site. It’s an invitation to travel, discovery, and adventure. It stands as a vibrant tribute to the pioneering spirit that made Sanary-sur-Mer the cradle of modern diving. The Dumas Museum is an essential stop to understand the soul of Provence. By choosing to stay at a Campasun campsite, you give yourself the opportunity to fully experience this, combining the city’s cultural richness with the comfort and leisure of high-quality accommodation.

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