Located in the Mediterranean on the Côte d’Azur and adjacent to the town of Cannes, the Lérins Islands form an archipelago that presents an idyllic setting for all visitors arriving there. Just a fifteen-minute boat ride from the coast, here you can enjoy some of the most spectacular and unspoilt flora and fauna that make the islands a haven of peace and serenity.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Lérins islands, including where to eat and what to do, so that you can make the most of your stay on Cannes’ islands.
Things to see and do in the Lérins Islands
After a boat trip to reach the Lérins Islands, you will discover that there are two of them.
- To the north is Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the two islands, famous for its fortress prison (the Fort Royal), which is said to have held the Man in the Iron Mask, a prisoner from the second half of the 17th century whose identity remains a mystery. The island’s exceptional natural setting is ideal for walks along the seafront: pine and eucalyptus trees make up the island’s 152 hectares of state-owned forest, providing plenty of shade. You can also enjoy exceptional views of the inland mountain ranges and the town of Cannes. If swimming is more your thing, there are a number of beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters dotted around the island, which are ideal if you’d prefer to simply relax and enjoy the island’s characteristic peaceful atmosphere. To learn more about the history of Sainte-Marguerite, why not head to Fort Royal and visit the Iron Mask Museum: it features former cells and a chapel, as well as an area dedicated to underwater and terrestrial biodiversity.
- To the south is the smaller island, Saint-Honorat, perhaps best known for its monastery and its monks who devote themselves to prayer and the production of wine and olive oil. On your way there, you’ll discover a magnificent estate with several cloisters and seven chapels dating back to different eras. Furthermore, two cannonball furnaces built under the orders of General Bonaparte can be spotted along the coast; these formed an essential defensive barrier that prevented enemy ships from reaching the Île Saint-Honorat. Wine enthusiasts will love the vineyard and wine tasting days organised by the monks every first Friday of the month. Here guests can explore the 8-hectare vineyard and sample red and white wines made from six different grape varieties.
Because they are separate from the mainland, the Lérins Islands are a veritable haven of relaxation – a stark contrast with the hustle and bustle of La Croisette!
Where to eat on the Lérins islands: some gastronomic favourites
The Lérins islands present a paradisical setting for those who decide to make the trip there, and the local gastronomy is second to none, with several restaurants serving visitors typical Mediterranean cuisine. Here are the top three restaurants that combine idyllic surroundings with fine dining.
- L’escale: located on Île Sainte Marguerite, this restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and is well known among Cannes’ inhabitants. The secret of its success lies in the tasty Mediterranean cuisine that’s sure to delight the whole family. On the menu: traditional Provençal cuisine based on fresh grilled fish and succulent meat served on a terrace with sea views. A real treat.
- La Guérite: located in a cove on Île Sainte Marguerite, La Guérite is a trendy and festive establishment for international customers. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant is a must. With a clever blend of charm and authenticity, its flavours are sure to delight your palate. Expertly run by chef Yiannis Kioroglou, the meticulously-prepared dishes are exquisitely cooked in the oven, braised or barbecued to perfection. Whether you’re a fan of aromatic herbs or marinades, the chef and his team will provide you with a unique culinary experience, be it for lunch or dinner.
- La Tonnelle: the sole restaurant on the island of Saint-Honorat. The restaurant offers guests top-quality Mediterranean cuisine all year round. Here you can enjoy inspired cuisine based on seasonal produce, with elaborate salads, fish, grilled meat and fresh shellfish, all accompanied by wine from the Abbaye de Lérins.

The history and culture of the Lérins Islands
Because of their location, the Lérins Islands enjoy a Mediterranean culture: the climate is mild and temperate, with plenty of sunshine during the summer months.
Their history is goes back a long way. The island of Sainte-Marguerite is best known for its Fort Royal, built on the initiative of Richelieu in the 17th century and reinforced by Vauban’s fortifications under Louis XIV. The fort was once a state prison where political prisoners were sent – the most famous being the Man in the Iron Mask, whose identity remains a mystery to this day. As mentioned earlier, for those who want to know more, the fort is now open to the public.
Île Saint-Honorat’s history dates back to the 5th century, when the abbey for the Lérins monks was founded. It still remains a spiritual place and is home to about thirty Cistercian monks who take care of the island’s renowned vineyard. This is how the island is perceived: a place of calm and spirituality.
Tips for visiting the Lérins Islands
The Lérins Islands offer a perfect blend of sport and relaxation. If you want to explore the whole island, you’ll need good walking shoes, as well as waterproof ones if you feel like taking a dip. With such indescribable charm, the islands will tempt you to take photos and post them on your social networking accounts. Please note that drones are not allowed on the islands, and there is no public Wi-Fi either, so you’ll have to wait until you get back to Cannes to post them.
Get to the Lérins Islands from Cannes; several shuttles operate from the coast. A 15 to 20-minute ferry ride will take you to these paradisical islands of natural beauty. All our boats are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Alternatively, you can choose between other more expensive or sporty options.
Travel to the Lérins Islands with IMMOSOL
Together, the Lérins Islands are a veritable paradise, just fifteen minutes from Cannes! Whether you prefer to visit the islands to learn more about their history or just laze on the beach, these undeniably beautiful islands are sure to please! If you too would like to visit this little corner of paradise, IMMOSOL offers a range of accommodation options to make it easier for you to find a home in Cannes and the surrounding area. Visit our website to compare deals and discover everything the Lérins Islands have to offer!