About half a mile off the coast of Cannes on the French Riviera, the Lerins Islands offer an exclusive retreat. This group of islands, comprising Île Sainte-Marguerite, Île Saint-Honorat, and two smaller islets, is renowned for its natural beauty and historical allure.
Cruising the clear waters of the Mediterranean is one of the best ways to enjoy the South of France, and a stop at the Lérins Islands adds depth with their natural beauty and charm.
The islands offer hidden beaches and coves, green forests, and centuries-old monasteries, all surrounded by azure waters that invite you to take a deep.
Île Sainte-Marguerite
Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the islands, exudes an air of calm. History meets mystery at the island's Fort Royal, a former state prison. It owes its fame to housing the 'Man in the Iron Mask' for about 11 years. The mystery behind the prisoner's identity has drawn curious visitors to Fort Royal for years.
Today, the fort houses a museum with artifacts offering a glimpse into the island's storied past. Île Sainte-Marguerite's diverse ecosystem is perfect for nature lovers. Scenic trails lead to secluded coves and viewpoints, ideal for a stroll or a picnic.
Le Grand Jardin
Adding to the island's charm is Le Grand Jardin, the only private property on Île Sainte-Marguerite. Once owned by royalty, the 3.5- acre estate has 12 bedrooms across seven buildings.
The gardens are well-kept and provide a serene place perfect for a private retreat. Guests can enjoy access to the property via weekly rentals. It is one of the most exclusive villas on the French Riviera.
The rental offers a full concierge service, wellness treatments, and al-fresco dining with meals by some of the best chefs in the South of France. This makes it an ideal spot for luxury travelers who value privacy.
Écomusee Sous-Marin (Underwater Eco-Museum)
For an underwater thrill, the sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor (Écomusee Sous-Marin) off Île Sainte-Marguerite's coast should be on your list of places to visit. This unique museum features six large masks, three to four meters deep. Each one weighs about 10 tons.
Designed to boost marine life, these sculptures create a synthetic reef. That increases its allure as an ideal place for snorkeling. No visit to the island is complete without a stop at the unique museum.
Île Saint-Honorat
A short boat ride from Île Sainte-Marguerite brings you to Île Saint-Honorat, a smaller island with its own unique appeal.
The island is home to a Cistercian monastery where monks have produced wine for centuries. But Île Saint-Honorat is not just a spiritual retreat. It is also a haven for wine lovers.
Île Saint-Honorat Wine
The eight-hectare vineyard produces high-quality wines. The climate and the island's limestone soil give the highly sought wines distinct traits.
The monks of Lérins produce various wines using earth-friendly methods. The wines are aged in oak barrels in ancient cellars, where they develop complex flavors and aromas.
Visitors to Île Saint-Honorat can enjoy guided tours of the vineyard and wine cellars. Along with tastings, these offer a deep dive into the history behind these wines. The island's serene setting and rich heritage make the wine tastings unique and memorable.
Dining
Dining on the Lerins Islands is delightful and is complemented by the serene ambiance. Île Sainte-Marguerite has two main restaurants: L'Escale and La Guérite. L'Escale offers a casual dining experience, perfect for a relaxed lunch with views of the Mediterranean.
La Guérite, on the other hand, is a waterfront restaurant with a more elegant atmosphere and a beach club vibe. Known for its refined setting and tasty cuisine by Chef Yiannis Kioroglou, the restaurant is popular for social events.
Over on Île Saint-Honorat, the island's signature restaurant is La Tonnelle. It offers delicious meals with views of the bay, making it a must-visit dining spot.
The restaurant focuses on fresh, local produce for a dining delight that matches the ambiance of the island. Given how popular the eatery has become, it is a good idea to reserve a table well before visit. That's very important during the high season.
Getting There
The Lerins Islands are accessible by private yacht or ferry from Cannes, with services all day. The boat ride offers views of the bay, setting the stage for a day of adventure and relaxation. For those willing to stay on the island, Le Grand Jardin has a helipad so guests at the villa can select a helicopter ride instead of a yacht.
Guests can opt for private guided tours or explore the islands at their leisure, with well-marked trails and informative signage enhancing the experience.
