The Lérins archipelago, an island paradise on the Côte d'Azur

Sainte-Marguerite is the largest island in the Lérins archipelago. At 3 kilometres long and almost a kilometre wide, the island boasts a number of interesting sites. So it's well worth a day's visit!

Its wild setting, with beaches, coves and the state-owned pine and eucalyptus forest, will delight nature lovers and photographers alike. The island has over 20 kilometres of footpaths, including the Etang du Batéguier to the west of the island. It's renowned for its bird sanctuary, making it a great place to explore with the whole family!

Inhabited for centuries, the island of Sainte-Marguerite is also famous for the story of the Man in the Iron Mask. In 1687, the Fort's prison housed a figure wearing an iron mask who could not be identified! The Fort Royal, built by Richelieu, is now home to the Iron Mask and Fort Royal Museum. This is a museum of underwater and land archaeology (admission charge).

As for the practical side of your discovery, there are a number of shops, restaurants and cafés on the island. Most of these are open in fine weather from April to October.

Finally, don't hesitate to take the plunge and admire France's first underwater eco-museum: since 2021, several statues have been submerged not far from the shore of Sainte-Marguerite!

Saint-Honorat has been a spiritual centre dedicated to the Christian faith since the 5th century, and the island is home to a fortified monastery that is open to the public. Today, the modern monastery, whose construction began in 1863, is home to a congregation of Cistercian monks.

A shady path leads around the entire island, shaded by superb umbrella pines.

⭐ Le 16 Quai Saint-Pierre is a flat rental located near the port of Cannes. From the pier you can easily reach the Lérins Islands. This flat of over 70 m² has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 4 people. Decorated in a modern and functional style, the flat offers a beautiful view of the Cannes marina.

In the living room you will find a flat-screen cable TV. The bathroom has a washing machine and shower for your convenience, and the flat's kitchen is equipped with an oven and fridge. Please note that towels and bed linen are provided.

⏰ When should you visit the islands of the Lérins archipelago?

The Lérins islands can be explored by day, all year round, from the port of Cannes. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when you can swim in the warm sea. Out of season, this part of the Côte d'Azur finds a more serene atmosphere, so it's worth checking the boat timetables.

🚌 How do I get to the Lérins islands?

The islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat belong to the commune of Cannes.

🚘 By road, several major routes serve Cannes (A8 motorway).

🚈 If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF provides several connections from Paris, and Cannes station is accessible by TGV.

✈️ The town is also linked to the capital by air. Nice Côte d'Azur airport is just a few kilometres from Cannes.

🛥️ The easiest way to reach the islands is from the port of Cannes. The pier is just past the Quai Laubeuf car park. You can use the shuttle bus service or hire a boat, with or without a skipper, to enjoy more freedom and the pleasures of the sea.

🚗 Where can I park near the port of Cannes?

Most car parks in Cannes town centre are chargeable, and the same applies to the harbour area. The nearest car park to the pier is the Laubeuf pay car park. This open-air car park is managed by CITEPARK. This is the best parking option if you want to use the shuttle buses to the Lérins islands, as the landing stages are at the end of the pier, right next to the car park. Try to get here early to find a parking space, especially during the summer holidays.