On holiday on the Côte d’Azur? Then don’t wait any longer to visit the Îles de Lérins and discover this jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean!
Head for the Bay of Cannes to visit the Lérins Islands! Look up and you’ll see them off the coast, lushly green and surrounded by turquoise waters.
Facing each other, Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat rival each other in beauty and hidden treasures. On the program: nature, culture and history. The perfect combo for an exceptional getaway, in the heart of an unmissable site in the South of France.
To help you have the time of your life, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best ways to visit the Lérins Islands.
The Îles de Lérins in a nutshell
Photo credit: Shutterstock – GLF Media
The Îles de Lérins is a French Mediterranean archipelago in the Alpes-Maritimes department on the Côte d’Azur. The archipelago comprises two main islands, each accompanied by an uninhabited islet: La Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol.
At its heart is a rock called « l’Îlot ». This small group of islands, bordered by crystal-clear coves, forms the archipelago of the Lérins Islands.
The largest island, Saint Marguerite, lies to the north. Barely twenty lucky people have the privilege of staying on the 2.1 km² island year-round.
It is covered by 152 hectares of Aleppo pine and eucalyptus forest. But its greatest treasure is its legendary royal fort, famous for holding the Man in the Iron Mask within its walls.
To the south lies the island of Saint-Honora, six times smaller than its big sister. It is home to some twenty Cistercian monks.
They still cultivate the vines surrounding the sublime abbey where they live. At the southernmost tip of the island, perched on a rocky outcrop, is the ancient medieval fortified monastery, founded by the monk Honorat around the year 400.
So, are you ready to visit the Lérins Islands?
1. The boat trip
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To visit the Lérins Islands, you first need to find a way to get there! From Cannes, numerous boat, shuttle and ferry companies offer round-trip crossings at very reasonable prices.
The crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes, and offers a magnificent panorama of the Bay of Cannes. Once you’ve arrived on the island of your choice, set off to discover these natural gems and all the treasures they contain.
Practical information:
- Boats depart approximately every 30 minutes from the Quai Laubeuf in Cannes;
- The return fare is around €15, regardless of the island of arrival;
- You must arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the boat departs.
2. Hiking
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Hiking is certainly one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to visit the Lérins Islands!
The island of Marguerite offers kilometers of marked trails, winding through the state-owned forest that covers the island. You’ll be carried away by the delicious scent of Aleppo pine and eucalyptus.
Then make a detour to the Etang du Batéguier to observe the many species of migratory birds. And don’t miss a visit to the sublime Fort Royal, once home to the Man in the Iron Mask.
To round off your visit, head to the Musée de la mer, located within the fortified walls of the site. Of course, your walk will be punctuated by a stop for a swim in some of the sublime creeks that surround the island! Take a stroll around the island of Saint Honorat, and you’ll discover unspoilt nature and absolute peace and quiet.
The paths along the turquoise waters will take you to the island’s various historic monuments, including the monastery-tower, Saint-Sauveur chapel, Trinité chapel and the two Napoleonic cannonball furnaces.
Finally, the abbey where the monks live and the wine tasting they produce are a must if you come to visit the Lérins Islands.
3. Kayaking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jacob Lund
One of the best ways to visit the Lérins Islands is by sea kayak! You’ll have complete freedom to explore the two islands and plan your day as you see fit.
You’ll cruise along the water in a peaceful, untamed setting, discovering an exceptional panorama. Take a break on one of the magnificent beaches for a swim, a meal or simply to contemplate your surroundings.
The best thing about kayaking is that it lets you explore coves inaccessible from land, and visit the Lérins Islands at your own pace.
Practical information:
- To visit the Lérins Islands by kayak, there are many rental companies in Cannes, which will be your starting point.
- You can choose between single-seater and double-seater kayaks;
- You should expect to pay between €30 and €40 per day;
- Before setting off, you will be provided with a weather report, a route map showing the location of inlets and unmissable beaches, and general navigation and safety rules;
- For this activity, you need to be able to swim 25 metres unassisted.
4. Catamaran cruising
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vera NewSib
A number of Cannes-based companies offer catamaran cruises to the Lérins Islands. Departing from the Port of Cannes, you’ll board a modern, fully-equipped catamaran for an unforgettable cruise.
On the program: breathtaking views, a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters and a snorkeling stop to discover the incredible underwater world.
Depending on the options you choose, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and stop off at a few coves.
And for the ultimate romantic moment, opt for a glass of champagne at sunset… Choose the formula that suits you best to discover this magnificent archipelago.
Practical information:
- For a half-day cruise (3 hours), expect to pay around €60 per person, and €110 for a full day with lunch on board;
- Masks and snorkels are included in the price.
5. Helicopter flight
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Would you like to visit the Lérins Islands in an original and surprising way? Then opt for a helicopter flight!
You’ll discover the Côte d’Azur from the air, and enjoy a completely different view of the Lérins Islands. A breathtaking panorama awaits you, and an unforgettable experience.
Practical information:
- Departure from the Port of Cannes;
- Prices start at €85 per person for a 15-minute flight;
- If you want to extend the pleasure, 25- and 45-minute flights are also available, for prices ranging from €165 and €290 respectively.
6. Scuba diving
Photo credit: Facebook – Loïc Michel
It would be a shame to leave the Bay of Cannes and visit the Lérins Islands without exploring the fabulous seabed, one of the most beautiful in the region. You’ll have no trouble finding a diving club where you can enjoy this incredible experience.
If you’re new to the sport, you can opt for a scuba diving experience, and discover absolutely new sensations in a magical environment.
For the more experienced, we also offer exploratory outings, with or without supervision, depending on your level. Ready to feel like a fish in water?
Practical information:
- The team will equip you with all the equipment (provided) and you will leave by boat for the Lérins islands;
- A first dive lasts about 20 minutes and costs around 60€;
- Expect to pay around €45 for an exploratory dive, equipment not included;
- The excursion can last up to 4 hours, with the possibility of snorkeling in the shallow waters around the islands.
7. Private overflight
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Want to jet set for a few hours? Then climb aboard a private jet for an unforgettable flight.
A tailor-made moment awaits you, as you discuss your itinerary with the pilot, to make it unique. You’ll have a view of the Lérins Islands, Cannes and the Esterel massif that you could never have imagined.
A wonderful way to visit the Lérins Islands!
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Practical information:
- Duration: 1 hour;
- Price: from 145€ per person;
- Departure point: Cannes airfield.
8. Stand-up paddle
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Discover stand-up paddling to visit the Lérins Islands! If you’re already familiar with this sport, simply hire a paddle and set off to discover the islands on your own.
But if you’re new to the sport, choose to be supervised by an instructor. He or she will be happy to teach you the basics, and guide you through the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
It’s a great activity to do with family or friends, ideal for visiting the Lérins Islands.
Practical information:
- A safety briefing on stand-up paddling will be given at your departure;
- Several packages are available to choose from, including paddle rental, a round trip by motorboat to take you to one of the 2 islands, and the instructor;
- For a 1h30 guided tour, count €40 per person, and €60 for 3h. If you decide to go for a full day (6h), it will cost around 100€;
- For stand-up paddle rental alone, expect to pay around €15 per hour, €40 to €50 for a half-day, and €70 to €80 for a full day.
« You don’t have to go far to enjoy the view »… When you visit the Îles de Lérins, this phrase will take on its full meaning!