About half a mile off the coast of Cannes on the French Riviera, the Lérins 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 to appreciate the natural beauty and charm of the Lérins Islands makes it even better.
The islands offer hidden beaches and coves, green forests, and clear waters which hold a special reason to go snorkeling.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry rides from Cannes to the Lérins Islands are available. They leave from Quai Laubeuf in the Old Port (Vieux Port) and take about 15 minutes to arrive in Saint-Marguerite. A private boat charter is also an option if you want control over how much time you spend in and around the islands.
There are no cars on the islands, so plan around walking. Bring comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and swimwear if you want to explore the coves. In summer and on weekends, book ferry tickets and restaurants ahead.
Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat?
Choose Sainte-Marguerite if you want more variety. It is the larger island, with forest trails, coves, Fort Royal, the Man in the Iron Mask story, and the underwater eco-museum off the coast.
Choose Saint-Honorat if the abbey, vineyards, monks' wine, and La Tonnelle are the main draw. The abbey and wine-making shape the island's identity, making the experience very different from Sainte-Marguerite.
If you have a full day, visit both islands. The contrast between the two is the real appeal if you want more than a quick beach-and-walk stop from Cannes.
Sainte-Marguerite Island (Île Sainte-Marguerite)
Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the islands, exudes an air of calm. History meets mystery at Fort Royal, the island's former state prison. It owes its fame to housing King Louis XIV's famous masked prisoner 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. The island featured in the popular French movie Murder in the Lérins Islands (Meurtres aux îles de Lérins). Coincidentally, our first visit to the island was about a month after filming concluded.
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.
Saint-Honorat Island (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.
Île Saint-Honorat's main attraction is the vineyard, which produces a limited amount of wine per year. The island is home to a Cistercian monastery where monks have produced wine for centuries using earth-friendly methods with hand cultivation and no heavy machinery.
Île Saint-Honorat Wine
The wines are aged in oak barrels in cellars where they develop complex flavors and aromas, helped by the vineyards' limestone soil and the island’s unique maritime climate.
Visitors to the island can enjoy guided tours of the vineyard and wine cellars led by the abbey's sommeliers. The island's serene setting and rich heritage make the wine tastings unique and memorable. The tours also offer a deep dive into the history behind the wines.
Dining
Dining on the Lérins 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 your visit.
Films/TV references
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lérins Islands
Which Lérins island should you visit?
Choose Sainte-Marguerite if you want more variety, including forest trails, coves, Fort Royal, the Man in the Iron Mask story, and the underwater eco-museum. Choose Saint-Honorat if the abbey, vineyards, monks' wine, and La Tonnelle are the main draw.
How do you get to the Lérins Islands from Cannes?
The Lérins Islands are reached by boat from Cannes. Ferries leave from the Old Port area, and the crossing is short enough for a half-day visit or a longer island-focused day trip. A private boat charter is also an option if you want more control over how much time you spend in and around the islands.
Can you visit both Lérins Islands in one day?
Yes, you can visit both islands in one day if ferry timing works. It is better as a full-day plan, because each island has enough to justify time on shore.
Are there restaurants on the Lérins Islands?
Yes. Sainte-Marguerite has restaurants including L'Escale and La Guérite, while Saint-Honorat has La Tonnelle. In high season, reservations are a good idea, especially if dining is an important part of the visit.
