The Ville de Rouen was a French four-masted iron barque of 1,303 tons and 66.9 m, built by Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire at St Nazaire, one of only a small number of four-masted ships lost on the WA coast. She left Cardiff for Fremantle with pig iron, fire bricks and alcohol and, approaching at night in poor visibility on 28 October 1901, ran aground on a reef north of Guilderton. The French consul blamed strong currents and restricted visibility rather than the captain.

The wreck lies about 3 nautical miles offshore near the Moore River mouth. The ship's structure has been flattened and reclaimed by the reef, but its fittings, masts and deck machinery remain. The debris covers about 90 m, from the bow in 9 m on sand to the stern on reef in 5–7 m. Large mast sections lie towards the southern edge, and deck winches are visible.

The reef and wreckage support buffalo bream, sweep, wrasse, herring cale and lobsters, with kelp and sponges on the ironwork.

The long run from Two Rocks means few divers visit, and those who do need calm weather and an early start. It suits Open Water divers with their own boat and an interest in maritime history. The wreck is protected, so nothing may be removed. Guilderton makes a pleasant base.

Water temperatures on this coast range from about 17–18 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer; a 7 mm wetsuit with a hood suits most of the year.

Launch at the Two Rocks Marina ramp (off Two Rocks Road, about an hour from the Perth CBD) and run about 11 nautical miles north to the site, 3 nautical miles offshore near the Moore River mouth, west of Guilderton. The bow is at S 31°21.567' E 115°26.833'. Anchor in the flat sand west of the bow.

Allow 30–40 minutes each way.

The north-metro offshore sites face the open Indian Ocean with no island shelter. Swell comes mainly from the south-west and west, and the summer south-westerly sea breeze usually arrives late morning to early afternoon, making the run home rough. Dive in swell under about 1.5 m and light winds.

The 11-mile run from Two Rocks makes the afternoon sea breeze a real concern, so start early. Winter fronts close the coast for long periods.

Anchor in sand west of the bow (in 9 m), follow the debris field east over the reef at 5–7 m to the stern, checking the masts on the southern edge and the deck winches, then return.

No regular operator; private boats from Two Rocks and occasional club trips.