L'Impérial de Terre
The landward Impérial rock off Riou, with tunnels at the bottom of its eastern side and a fine wall on the north. Two biological curiosities are noted here: a patch of the introduced hard coral Oculina patagonica at about 4 m and the rare gold coral anemone Savalia savaglia growing on red and white gorgonians on the northern wall.
Facts
- Region: France – Provence & Côte d'Azur
- Area: Calanques, Riou & Cassis
- Depth: 5–26 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: wall, cave, pinnacle
- Coordinates: 43.17275, 5.3932 (approximate)
- Highlights: tunnels, gorgonian, gold coral anemone (Savalia savaglia), Oculina patagonica hard coral
- Tips: The easiest of the three Impériaux – Narval takes beginners here (5–25 m).