Havens of peace overlooking the Esterel massif and the bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands invite you to a peaceful escape, far from the hubbub of Cannes just a thirty minutes from the Croisette and its luxurious buildings. The archipelago is mainly made up of two large islands:Sainte-Marguerite Island which is the dream playground for naturophiles of all kinds and the Saint-Honorat Island and monastic environment. To discover the joys of the Mediterranean, trust EDEN CAB which puts at your disposal its limousine and luxury vans with driver for your trips.

The Lérins Islands: a marvel of Cannes

Mediterranean archipelago in the Alpes Maritimes department, the Lérins Islands Cannes are built around 5 islands, the two most famous of which are Sainte-Marguerite Island et Saint-Honorat Island. These two main islands are completed by the Ilon islet, Saint-Ferréol islet and Tradelière. 

The Lérinian archipelago covers an area of 2,5 km2 with 12 km of coastline. It is attached to the commune of Cannes whose distance from the Croisette from Sainte-Marguerite Island is approximately 1,3 km. The islands offer views of the surrounding mountain ranges, to name just a few. Massif de l'Esterel and the Moors, la Cheiron mountain even the Mercantour-Argentera massif. 

Historically, the island of Santa Margarita was occupied as early as the 6th century BC by the Ligurians, who were later driven out by the Romans during the ancient period. The Spanish used the archipelago as a fortification and defense site during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. During World War II, the Italians and Germans also used it as a prison, which is now open to the public. 

For its part, Saint-Honorat has a rich monastic history with the abbey founded in the 5th century. Today, the island still houses a monastery welcoming Cistercian monks who practice viticulture. 

Discovering Sainte-Marguerite Island

Nature lovers? You are welcome on the Sainte-Marguerite Island, accessible from the various ports of the Riviera such as that of Villefranche-sur-mer. Virtually uninhabited since it has barely twenty permanent inhabitants, the site is home to a 152-hectare state forest of Aleppo pines as well as the oldest Eucalyptus forests in Europe. The more athletic can take advantage of this to go hiking with marked trails on the 8km long ring road, the opportunity to explore the island in a peaceful environment and in complete autonomy since there are numerous explanatory panels which provide information on the history, fauna and flora.

Still for nature lovers, more precisely ornithology, Batéguier pond is a place not to be missed. It is home to a rich biodiversity composed of migratory and sedentary birds: herons, egrets, terns, cormorants... Observatories have been set up so that they can be admired without disturbing them.

For their part, lovers of old stones will inevitably make a stop at the famous Fort Royal, an emblematic monument erected in the 17th century. It was here that the mysterious Man with Iron Mask, a famous anonymous inmate whose identity is still controversial. The prisoner's cell can be visited in a silence steeped in history.

Other site: the Museum of the Sea which is located within the fort and which exhibits marine archaeological remains found off the coast of the island as well as objects from ancient Mediterranean civilizations.

Maritime experience in Sainte-Marguerite

Who says Sainte-Marguerite Island, says swimming in the wild coves. The island is full of small natural beaches with crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Some are located away from the main trails in order to enjoy a setting intimate and peaceful, perfect for relaxing in the sun or swimming in the clear sea. 

The maritime experience can be taken even further during a scuba diving in the ecomuseum located between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat which is made up of six cement sculptures representing heads. The statues are submerged about 5 meters in the sea and were created by the British artist Jason fromCaires Taylor.  

Incursion on the Island of Saint-Honorat

Smaller, more intimate and infinitely quieter than its neighbor Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-Honorat Island is a timeless place, bathed in silence and spirituality. Located just south of Sainte-Marguerite Island, it is separated from it by a narrow stretch of sea.

Inhabited continuously for more than 1600 years by Cistercian monks, this peaceful island is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Europe still in operation. Its history dates back to the 4th century, when Saint Honoratus founded a religious community there that attracted many scholars, religious figures and historical figures. Even today, the monastic community lives according to the rule of Saint Benedict, in silence, in prayer and in work.

In order to preserve the tranquility and spiritual vocation of the place, Access to the island is limited to day visitors, without tourist accommodation or motor vehicles. Here, everything is done on foot, with the greatest respect for the natural rhythm of the place and the religious hosts.

The island is distinguished by its well-kept Mediterranean vegetation, its century-old olive trees, its carefully tended vineyards, not forgetting its striking views of the Bay of Cannes and the Esterel Mountains.

Monastic life at Saint-Honorat

The historical and spiritual heart of Saint-Honorat is undoubtedly Lérins Abbey, a masterpiece of Cistercian monastic architecture. The current monastery, which is still inhabited by monks, is open to visitors for part of the day.

Not far from the cloister, you will discover a impressive medieval building: the fortified abbey, built between the 11th and 15th centuries to protect the monks against Saracen invasions. The stone structure standing on the water's edge offers a spectacular view of the sea and the Cannes coastline. 

Saint-Honorat Island is also renowned for its exceptional monastic wine, produced since the Middle Ages with the greatest respect for nature and traditions. The monks cultivate nearly 8 hectares of vines in a unique terroir between sun, sea wind and Mediterranean soil.

They produce confidential vintages, often organic or using sustainable agriculture. Among them, we can mention the Saint Salonius, Saint Honorat red or alternatively prestigious sweet wines like Lérina. As a little anecdote, Lérins wines were served at the Heads of State lunches during the G20 in Cannes in 2011.

These wines can be tasted in a dedicated place located at the entrance to the island and which also offers the sale of bottles. 

It is interesting to note that it is possible to sleep on the Lérins Islands in Saint-Honorat as part of a spiritual retreat. Adults seeking serenity, students preparing for exams, or anyone seeking inner peace are welcome. 

How to get to the Lérins Islands?

To join the Lérins Islands from Cannes, you can count on the services of EDEN CAB.

• Regular departures from the Port of Cannes

• Private boat or public shuttle option
  
• Duration: approximately 15-20 minutes

• Possibility of organization tailor-made with private driver to the pier. 

• Available vehicles: Mercedes V-Class, luxury sedans Mercedes E Class ou Class S, VIP minibus

• Bilingual driver, local advice, bottled water on board.

The Lérins Islands are a must-see destination for those visiting Cannes and its surrounding areas. A perfect blend of nature, history, and serenity, they appeal to all tastes. With a high-end private transportation service, your visit becomes even more unforgettable. Book your excursion to the Lérins Islands with a private driver in Cannes now.