Just a few hundred yards from La Croisette, opposite the Bay of Cannes, stand the Lérins Islands. In an idyllic and protected natural setting, the Mediterranean’s two beauty spots offer visitors a unique blend of flora and fauna, of rich history marked by the mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask and the serenity of Cistercian monks. There’s so much to explore, so all aboard, the boat is waiting from the Old Port of Cannes !
Sainte Marguerite Island
This is the nearest island to the mainland. From Cannes, its shores seem so close that the brave might almost be tempted to swim over. Sainte-Marguerite Island stands out because of its size and the variety of its biotope. Rare Mediterranean plants and migratory birds people shores lapped with translucent water where posidonia beds abound. The minute you disembark, you will be struck by the fragrance of pine and eucalyptus trees. A botanical track marked out by the National Forest Authority is definitely the best way of
threading your way along the island’s meandering paths. To the west, you can admire the landscape from the Pointe du Dragon viewpoint, embracing a breathtaking panorama from Anthéor to Cannes. On the other side, one can contemplate Cap d’Antibes from Pointe de la Convention and its small fort, still standing after all these years. History lovers will be sure to visit the royal fort. Built on a promontory, this military construction was home to the legendary Man in the Iron Mask, imprisoned for over ten years without his true identity or crime really being known. The Sea Museum inside the fort retraces this episode of history and also provides visitors with information about maritime history, underwater flora and fauna and the archaeological vestiges on the island. Rich in terms of history and nature, Sainte-Marguerite is also the perfect spot for relaxing. There are tens of hectares of clearly mapped out land, plus creeks for swimming.
Saint Honorat Island
Saint-Honorat is separated from Sainte-Marguerite by 600 metres of sea. It is owned by a monastic community that has worked the natural resources of the island since the 5th century, growing vines. Lérins Abbey is home to Cistercian monks. The island suffered the assaults of major invasions during the Middle Ages. The fortified monastery bears witness to this period and constitutes one of the finest examples of feudal architecture in Provence. Facing out to sea, Saint-Honorat is now a renowned tourist destination, conducive to meditation but also to tasting excellent wines, one in particular; the famous Lérina liqueur.
More pious than its big sister, Saint-Honorat boasts an outstanding collection of chapels. Dotted around the island, they have attracted pilgrims from the mainland since the 6th century. The two oldest chapels, damaged by the onslaughts of time, have been renovated: Saint-Sauveur to the northeast and Saint-Porcaire, nicely sheltered by the monastery ramparts. Here time stands still. Monastic life dictates a rhythm we no longer know on the mainland. Remembering how to take the time to enjoy life is just one of the many reasons for losing oneself for a day on the shores of Saint-Honorat.
Download the brochure : GUIDE DES ILES DE LERINS
