The Lérins Islands

Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat: protected and unspoilt land.

These little gems are an idyllic haven of untouched nature in the Mediterranean that bring visitors a unique spectacle of flora, fauna and history where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask meets the peaceful Cistercian monks. All you'll want to do is explore.

The City of Cannes thanks you for keeping your litter and taking it back to the mainland.

Ile Sainte-Marguerite, a real haven of peace

The biggest of the Lérins Islands has an idyllic setting among the coves and pine and eucalyptus forest. It stretches 3km from Lake Batéguier and its bird reserve to Pointe de la Convention with 22km of footpaths winding through the island. The island is jam-packed with history alongside archaeological ruins and the Fort Royal home to the Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal.

Document to download
Map of Sainte-Marguerite island (pdf 4,1 Mo)

Batéguier pond

Batéguier pond with the île Saint-Honorat in the background

The Estérel from the island

The Fort Royal

Gatehouse of the Fort Royal

Umbrella pines

Eucalyptus alley

Between the islands

Underwater funds and posidonia

Ile Saint-Honorat, the spiritual one

Île Saint-Honorat is the smallest of the two Lérins Islands. Saint Honoratus founded an abbey here in the early 5th century which played a key part in promoting the Christian doctrine around the western world. The island is home to a fortified monastery open to the public. Monks sought shelter here between the 11th century and French Revolution and it was built so they could stand firm against invaders from the sea. Building work on the monastery began in 1863 and it is now home to a congregation of Cistercian monks.

More - Lérins abbey's website