A tranquil escape from the lively French Riviera, the Lerins Islands offer visitors an enchanting blend of natural beauty and historical wonder.
Nestled in the shimmering Mediterranean just off the coast of Cannes, this small archipelago consists of four idyllic islands, but only two are accessible to the public: Ile Saint-Honorat and Ile Sainte-Marguerite.
Each of them has its own charm and are an attractive haven for nature enthusiasts, gourmet food lovers, and history buffs alike.
Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest and most prominent of the islands, is home to stunning beaches and Fort Royal, a 17th-century fort where the enigmatic Man in the Iron Mask was famously imprisoned.
Alternatively, Île Saint-Honorat is an ethereal paradise steeped in history and spirituality, where monks have cultivated vineyards and led contemplative lives since the Middle Ages.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip, from transportation and accommodations to activities and dining options.
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→ In a hurry? Get your tickets for the ferry between Cannes and Sainte-Marguerite here.
Are the Lerins Islands worth visiting?
Yes, the Lerins islands are absolutely worth visiting.
Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat to recharge your soul or an enriching experience to feed your sense of adventure, the Lerins Islands undoubtedly offer a dreamy and unforgettable destination and an easy day trip from Cannes.
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How do you get to Lérins Islands?
The islands are easily accessible from Cannes, Nice, and Antibes by the Lerins Islands ferry. However, they are usually considered two different trips because most ferries don’t make stops at both islands.
Alternatively, you can also book a private boat tour to the islands or even a sunset cruise.
Getting to Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Getting to Ile Sainte-Marguerite from Cannes is very straightforward, as it takes only 15 minutes from the port of Cannes (get your ferry tickets here).
From Nice, it takes around 45-60 minutes to reach Ile Sainte-Marguerite and you can either book the direct ferry (available only during the high season), take the train to Cannes or book this transfer that includes both transportation from Nice to Cannes and the ferry ticket.
Getting to Ile Saint-Honorat
Getting to Ile Saint-Honorat from Cannes is also easy and you can get your ferry tickets here.
→ For another wonderful day trip idea, check out Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A brief guide to Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Ile Sainte-Marguerite is the biggest of the two islands and it’s best known for its stunning beaches, historical significance, and Fort Royal (also called La Masque de Fer), which is a 17th-century fortress where the infamous ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was allegedly held, prisoner.
Read: The ultimate travel guide to Ile Sainte-Marguerite.
Best things to do in Ile Sainte-Marguerite
There are plenty of nice things to do in this island.
Here, you can explore Fort Royal, where you can visit the cell where the Man in the Iron Mas was held, and also visit the Museum of the Sea. Also, you can walk around the many beautiful trails on the island, relaxing at it’s hidden beaches and swimming in the turquoise water.
Restaurants in Ile Sainte-Marguerite
As far as restaurants go, there are only two restaurants on the island: L’Escale and La Guérite.
L’Escale is a good place for a casual lunch with outstanding food. La Guerite, on the other hand, is more sophisticated and has a beach club atmosphere with beautiful views.
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A brief guide to Ile Saint-Honorat
The neighboring island, Ile Saint-Honorat, is another wonderful place to visit.
This island has served as both a hideaway and a spiritual sanctuary for the devoted monks of the Cistercian Congregation of the Immaculate Conception for over 16 centuries.
Home to the stunning 19th-century Abbaye de Lérins, this secluded paradise offers an idyllic seclusion that inspires reflection and tranquility.
With gentle coastal breezes and an abundance of fresh produce from their kitchen garden, local seafood, and a touch of divine wine, the island’s monks have embraced a simple yet charming existence on L’ile Saint Honorat.
Best things to do in Ile Saint-Honorat
The island’s main attraction is the majestic Abbaye de Lérins and its expansive grounds.
Exploring the abbey, its gardens, and the surrounding areas will give you an insight into the spiritual way of life that has been practiced here for centuries.
Also, do not miss the wine scene in Ile Saint-Honorat.
The 8-hectare vineyard of the abbey holds a rich history and timeless charm like no other.
Cultivated by the monks who work maintaining the vineyard and producing the finest quality of wines using ancient methods passed down through generations.
The serene environment, coupled with the monks’ unwavering dedication to the craft, results in a remarkable collection of wines that beautifully capture the essence of Saint-Honorat Island.
. Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs are undeniably drawn to the allure of this monastic vineyard in search of exquisite and unforgettable taste encounters.
Restaurants in Ile Saint-Honorat
When it comes to dining, the island’s signature restaurant is La Tonnelle. Here, you can enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views of the bay. Make sure to make reservations in advance as this exceptional restaurant is quite popular during the high season.
Where to stay in Cannes
Cannes has many charming boutique hotels to choose from. These are some of my favorites:
- B&B Villa Du Roc Fleuri
- Hotel Le Suquet Cannes
- Five Seas Hotel
- Hôtel Martinez, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Read: The best hotels in Cannes
Lerins Islands Travel Guide & FAQ
What are the 2 islands off Cannes?
The islands of Cannes are the Lerins Islands, which consist of Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Ile Saint-Honorat.
Is there a hidden beach in Cannes?
There are many secret beaches to discover in Ile Sainte-Marguerite, right off the coast of Cannes.
How much is the ferry to the Lerins Islands?
The ferry tickets cost around 20 euros for the round trip.
What island near Cannes has a monastery?
Ile Saint-Honorat has a monastery, the Abbaye de Lérins.
How are the beaches in the Lerins Islands?
The beaches in Ile Sainte-Marguerite are beautiful and secluded, with crystal-clear waters and unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Saint-Honorat, on the other side, is not really famous for its beaches.
More amazing day trips from Cannes
Looking for more day trips from Cannes? I got you.
Some wonderful places worth visiting on a day trip from Cannes include Saint-Paul de Vence, Grasse, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and Esterel.
Conclusion: Lerins Islands Travel Guide
That’s a wrap! Now you know everything you need to know to start exploring the Lerins islands.
These wonderful gems of the French Riviera are some of my favorite places to visit and I’m sure you will love them just as much.
