The sculptures of the Cannes underwater eco-museum, created by British international artist Jason deCaires Taylor are now in place just off the island of Sainte-Marguerite.
Named Guardians of the sanctuary, the statues that comprise the museum will provide shelter for marine animals and plants.
Six Cannes residents let the artist use their features.
Made from an ecological material, the statues will encourage the return of underwater flora and fauna that will gradually repopulate the area around the works, which has been set aside for safe swimming.
Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera, is famed for its international film festival.
Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels.
Cannes also has the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building complete with red carpet and Allée des Étoiles – the Cannes' walk of fame.
The Île Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of the Lérins Islands, about half a mile off shore.
It is three kilometres in length and 900 metres across.