Fifteen minutes by boat from the Croisette, the Lérins Islands feel like another century. There are no cars, no hotels and almost no crowds once you walk beyond the landing stage — only umbrella pines, eucalyptus, shallow turquoise water and two islands with very different personalities. Sainte-Marguerite guards a royal fortress and the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask; Saint-Honorat is still farmed by Cistercian monks who make some of the most sought-after wine in Provence. For anyone staying in Cannes, this is the easiest half-day escape on the French Riviera.
Sainte-Marguerite — Fortress, Forest and Coves
The larger island lies barely 1,100 metres offshore and is covered by a protected forest of Aleppo pine and eucalyptus crossed by flat, well-marked paths. A full loop of the coastline takes around two hours at an easy pace, with constant views back to the Estérel hills and the bay of Cannes. There is a single restaurant near the harbour and a couple of seasonal snack points, so most visitors bring water and a picnic.
The Royal Fort and the Man in the Iron Mask
Above the harbour stands the Fort Royal, rebuilt under Louis XIV by Vauban. Its most famous prisoner, the masked man held here from 1687, inspired Alexandre Dumas and centuries of speculation about his identity. The fort now houses the Musée de la Mer, with Roman and Saracen wrecks recovered from the surrounding seabed and vaulted cells you can walk through. Allow an hour, and check opening days before you sail — the museum closes on Mondays outside high season.
Swimming, Trails and the Étang du Batéguier
The southern shore hides a string of small pebble and rock coves that stay calm even when the Croisette is busy, while the interior lagoon, the Étang du Batéguier, is a birdwatching reserve where flamingos and herons stop over. Water shoes help on the stony entries, and there is no shop for supplies, so bring what you need. Mornings are noticeably quieter than afternoons in July and August.
Saint-Honorat — The Monks' Island
The smaller island has been a working monastery since the fifth century and is still home to a community of Cistercian monks. It can be walked end to end in about forty minutes, past the fortified tower on the shoreline, the abbey church and chapels scattered among the vines. It is a place of silence rather than sightseeing: swimwear and loud groups are discouraged, and part of the island is reserved for the monastic community.
Lérins Abbey Wines and La Tonnelle
The monks cultivate roughly eight hectares of vines — Chardonnay, Clairette, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Pinot Noir — and their limited-production bottles, together with the Lérina liqueur, are sold mainly at the abbey shop and a handful of restaurants. Tastings can be arranged in advance. The island restaurant, La Tonnelle, serves Provençal dishes under the pines and books out quickly at weekends.
Ferries, Timings and Practical Tips
Boats leave from the Quai Laubeuf terminal, just west of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite is served roughly every hour and the crossing takes about 15 minutes; Saint-Honorat is served by a separate operator with a crossing of around 20 minutes. The two companies do not share tickets, so visiting both islands in one day means returning to Cannes in between. The last boats of the day leave in the late afternoon and are strictly enforced — there is no accommodation for day visitors.
Arriving in Cannes with a Private Chauffeur
Parking around Quai Laubeuf is limited and expensive in season, and missing a boat can cost you half the day. A Mira Azur chauffeur collects you from Nice Airport, Monaco or your hotel, sets you down at the terminal a few minutes before departure and is waiting at the same spot when you return — luggage stays in the car, and the island day can be combined with lunch in Cannes or a detour to Antibes on the way back.
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