Discovering the Lérins islands near Cannes

Situated opposite the Croisette, the Lérins Islands are made up of 2 islands: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. Even before you disembark on these islands, you’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty of the scenery. A place where nature, culture and relaxation are the watchwords.

Just 15 minutes by boat from Cannes, the Lérins Islands are a must-see, with their turquoise waters, legends and unspoilt wilderness. An archipelago to discover without hesitation, with family or friends, during your stay in Cannes.

How do I get to the Îles de Lérins from Cannes?

From Cannes, there are 4 boat companies to choose from:

• Planaria, which takes you to the island of Saint-Honorat.
• Trans côte d’Azur, Riviera lines and Horizon take you to the Île Sainte-Marguerite.

Depending on your budget, you can also hire a private boat to take you to these heavenly islands, while more sporty types may opt for a canoe or kayak.

Where to take the boat to the Lérins islands in Cannes?

You can board the boat for Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat at the Quai Laubeuf in Cannes’ Old Port.

What can you do on Île Saint-Honorat?

This island has belonged to a monastic community since 410 AD. Although smaller than its neighbour, it has a particularly rich historical heritage and its natural setting makes it exceptional.

1. Stroll and discover

This site is a listed and protected natural area. It’s an invitation to relax and unwind, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Cannes. The 3 km-long, relatively flat footpath allows you to discover all the historic sites at your own pace:

The Fortified Monastery

Destroyed and rebuilt several times, this monument features buildings dating from the 11th to the 19th century. The monastery tower is an 11th-century military structure and the fortress is listed as a French historic monument. You can admire the superimposed cloisters and the 12 marble columns.

The church of Lérins Abbey

Its columns and flower-filled gardens are absolutely magnificent – a peaceful setting, surrounded by vines, that calls for serenity and, why not, meditation.

The 2 Napoleonic 18th-century cannonball furnaces, listed as historic monuments

There are only around ten of these left in France, including 4 on the Lérins islands. The cannonballs were highly effective in setting fire to the sails and decks of enemy ships.

The Chapel of the Trinity

This highly original chapel has three apses and a dome that Viollet-le-Duc considered to be the oldest in the West.

The Chapel of Saint-Sauveur

Octagonal in shape and modest in size.

Saint-Pierre Chapel

Numerous medieval burials were discovered in this chapel during excavations.

Other chapels

• Saint-Caprais Chapel
• Saint-Cyprien-et-Sainte-Justine Chapel
• The Saint-Porcaire chapel
• Saint-Michel Chapel

2. The vineyards of the monks of Ile Saint-Honorat

The monks of Lérins Abbey produce wine from 8.5 hectares of vines using traditional methods (integrated cultivation, manual harvesting, etc.). Wine lovers will not be disappointed!

3. The monastic products shop

This is where you’ll find the wine produced on the island, as well as liqueurs, honey, sweets and other delicacies…

4. Swimming

Wild coves with turquoise waters will cool you off in the heat of summer!

5. A stay in a monastery guesthouse

Whether you’re on a spiritual retreat, need to totally disconnect from the world or want to discover the life of a monk, you can spend a few days at the Monastère de Lérins.

6. Restaurant la tonnelle

The monks serve elaborate, typically Mediterranean cuisine, accompanied by a local wine.

Please note: as the island of Saint-Honorat belongs to a Cistercian community, a minimum of decency is recommended. No litter bins on the island.

What to do on the Ile Sainte-Marguerite?

This island is home to a secret story… that of the famous Iron Mask, who was imprisoned for 11 long years in the fort on the island of Sainte-Marguerite. But this wild and unspoilt island has many other surprises in store.

Discovery walks

You’ll love the peace and quiet and the unspoilt nature, with no cars, motorbikes or bicycles on the island. 21 km of hiking trails will allow you to discover the island of Sainte-Marguerite at your own pace. With plenty of swimming and photo breaks in between! The waymarked path has only a few changes in altitude. It takes you to the island’s main sites:

• Discover the village dotted with typical fishermen’s houses.
• The Batéguier pond, where you’ll be able to spot a wide variety of migratory birds.
• The cannonball ovens.
• The Fort Royal and its Maritime Museum.
• Panoramic views over the Ile Saint-Honorat, the Bay of Cannes and the Esterel Mountains.

What can you visit on Sainte-Marguerite island?

The Fort Royal and its Musée de la Mer

Brother of the king, embarrassing witness but too noble to suffer the ultimate punishment… We never really knew who was hiding behind the iron mask. What is certain is that he spent 11 years of his life in this fort before ending his days in the Bastille. The 17th-century fort is a listed historic monument and is open to the public. Guided tours are available from June to September.

The Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea) is located in the “Vieux Château”, and is a museum of underwater and land archaeology, as well as temporary exhibitions. Here’s what you can see

• Water cisterns built in the Gallo-Roman era.
• Roman and Saracen shipwrecks.
• Former state prisons, including the iron mask cell.
• A Huguenot memorial in memory of the Protestant pastors imprisoned on the island.

The Natura 2000 site

The preserved richness of this site makes it a Natural Zone of Floristic and Faunistic Ecological Interest. The ONF monitors this state-owned forest and informs visitors about what to avoid. It is important to preserve the protected plant species, 133 bird species, bats, reptiles and insects that contribute to the balance of this ecosystem. Don’t forget your binoculars! Take advantage of the observatories on the pond to admire all the island’s wild flora and fauna.

Swimming…

Coves, turquoise waters and the song of the cicadas – what more could you want for a refreshing moment of well-deserved rest? Pebble beaches, no sand, so it’s best to bring a pair of sandals. Fishing is forbidden, but you’ll be able to spot plenty of fish and starfish… Masks and snorkels are a must.

Eating out

Picnic tables are set out in strategic locations offering superb views of the sea. The island also has 2 restaurants and 2 fast-food outlets.

Please note: no means of transport is permitted, nor are drones, barbecues or cigarettes (risk of fire).