Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Located opposite the Croisette, the Lerins Islands consist of 2 islands: Sainte-Marguerite Island and Saint-Honorat Island. Before even landing on these islands, you will be captivated by the beauty of the landscapes. A place where nature, culture and relaxation are the key words.
Just 15 minutes by boat from Cannes, the Lerins Islands are a must-see with turquoise waters, legends, and preserved wild nature. An archipelago to discover without hesitation, with family or friends, during your stay in Cannes.
How to get to the Lerins Islands from Cannes?
From Cannes, the crossing is made by boat via 4 maritime companies to choose from:
- Planaria which takes you to Saint-Honorat Island.
- Trans côte d'Azur, Riviera lines and Horizon, these maritime companies take you to Sainte-Marguerite Island.
Depending on your budget, it is also possible to rent a private boat to get to these paradise islands, the more athletic might opt for a canoe kayak.
Where to take the boat to the Lerins Islands in Cannes?
Boarding for Sainte-Marguerite Island and Saint-Honorat Island is at quai Laubeuf, at the Old Port of Cannes.
What to do on Saint-Honorat Island?
This island is the property of a monastic community present since 410 AD, smaller than its neighbor, it is however endowed with a particularly rich historical heritage and its natural site makes it exceptional.
1. Stroll and discover
This site is a classified and protected natural area. It invites relaxation and rest, a welcome break of calm after the excitement of Cannes. The 3 km walking trail, relatively flat, allows you to discover all the historical sites at your own pace:
Destroyed and rebuilt several times, this monument presents constructions from the 11th to the 19th century. The monastery tower is an 11th-century military work and the fortress is classified as a French historical monument. You can admire the superposition of cloisters and the 12 marble columns.
Its columns, its flowering gardens are absolutely magnificent, a calm environment, surrounded by vines that calls for serenity, and why not, for meditation.
There are only about ten left in France, including 4 on the Lerins Islands. The cannonballs were very effective for setting fire to the sails and bridges of enemy ships.
Very original, it is composed of three apses and a dome that Viollet-le-Duc considered as the oldest in the west.
Octagonal in shape with modest dimensions.
During excavations, numerous medieval burials were discovered in this chapel.
Other chapels
- Saint-Caprais Chapel
- Saint-Cyprien-et-Sainte-Justine Chapel
- Saint-Porcaire Chapel
- Saint-Michel Chapel
2. The vineyard of the monks of Saint-Honorat Island
The monks of Lerins Abbey produce wine on 8.5 hectares of vineyard in an ancestral way (sustainable cultivation, manual harvesting...). Wine lovers will not be disappointed!
3. The monastic products shop
Here you will find the wine produced on the island, but also liqueurs, honey, candies and other treats...
4. Swimming
Wild coves with turquoise waters will refresh you in the heat of summer!
5. A stay at the monastic hotel
Spiritual retreat, need for total disconnection, or discovery of the monks' life, it is possible to stay a few days at the Lerins Monastery.
6. La tonnelle restaurant
The monks offer typically Mediterranean cuisine, accompanied by a local wine.
To remember: Saint-Honorat Island belonging to a Cistercian community, a minimum of decency is recommended. No trash cans on the island.
What to do on Sainte-Marguerite Island?
This island harbors a historical secret... That of the famous Man in the Iron Mask, indeed, it is in the fort of Sainte-Marguerite Island that he was imprisoned for 11 long years. But this wild and preserved island has many other surprises in store.
Discovery hike
You will appreciate the calm, the preserved nature, no cars, motorcycles or bicycles circulate on the island. 21 km of hiking trails will allow you to discover Sainte-Marguerite Island at your own pace. All this, interspersed with swimming and photo breaks! The marked trail has few elevation changes. It leads you to the main sites of the island, namely:
- Discovery of the village dotted with typical fishermen's houses.
- The Batéguier pond where you will have the opportunity to see very varied species of migratory birds.
- The cannonball ovens.
- The Royal Fort and its Sea Museum.
- Panoramic views of Saint-Honorat Island, the Bay of Cannes or even the Estérel.
What to visit on Sainte-Marguerite Island?
Brother of the king, embarrassing witness but too noble to suffer the supreme 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 at the Bastille. The 17th-century fort is classified as a historical monument, this memorial site is open for free visits. A guided tour is offered from June to September.
The sea museum is located in the "Old Castle", it is an underwater and terrestrial archaeology museum, temporary exhibitions are also presented. Here is what you can see:
- Water cisterns built in the Gallo-Roman era.
- Roman and Saracen wrecks.
- The former state prisons, including the cell of the man in the iron mask.
- A Huguenot memorial in memory of the Protestant pastors imprisoned on the island.
The preserved richness of this site makes it a Natural Zone of ecological, floristic and faunistic interest, the ONF monitors this state forest and informs visitors about the gestures to avoid. It is important to preserve the protected plant species, the 133 bird species, the bats, reptiles and insects that participate in the balance of this ecosystem. Take advantage of the observatories located within the pond to admire the entire wild flora and fauna of this island, don't forget your binoculars!
Swimming...
Coves, turquoise waters and the song of cicadas, what more could you ask for a refreshing moment or well-deserved rest! Pebble beaches, no sand, better to bring a pair of sandals. Since fishing is prohibited, you can observe many fish, starfish... Masks and snorkels are a must.
Dining
Picnic tables are arranged at strategic locations offering a superb view of the sea. The island also has 2 restaurants and 2 fast food points.
To remember: no means of transportation is authorized, as well as drones, barbecues and cigarettes (fire risk).
