The Lérins Islands from Cannes

Facing Cannes, the Lérins Islands are one of the best day trips to enjoy during a stay on the French Riviera. From the port, a short boat ride is enough to leave the city’s lively atmosphere behind and reach a quieter setting, with pine trees, coves, walking paths and clear water.

Sainte-Marguerite Island and Saint-Honorat Island each have their own character. Sainte-Marguerite is larger and more natural, ideal for walking, swimming and visiting the Fort Royal. Saint-Honorat is more peaceful, known for its abbey, vineyards and quieter atmosphere.

Whether you have half a day or a full day, it is an easy escape to organise from the centre of Cannes.

 

1. Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the Lérins Islands

Sainte-Marguerite is often the first choice for discovering the Lérins Islands. It offers a good balance between nature, walking and heritage.

Visitors come here to follow the trails, enjoy the coves, swim, have a picnic or visit the Museum of the Iron Mask and the Fort Royal. The island is easy to explore on foot, even without a fixed plan.

It is a good option if you are looking for a change of scenery without going far from Cannes. In just a short time, the atmosphere feels completely different.

 

2. Saint-Honorat, a quieter and more spiritual island

Saint-Honorat offers a different atmosphere. Smaller and quieter, it is known for its abbey, monastery, vineyards and paths along the water.

People come here to slow down, walk peacefully, enjoy the views and discover a unique place in the bay of Cannes.

It is a lovely idea if you are looking for a more restful escape, away from the noise and movement of the city centre.

 

3. How to reach the islands from Cannes

Departures are from the Old Port of Cannes, mainly around Quai Laubeuf and Quai Saint-Pierre depending on the boat company. Several boat shuttles connect Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite, while Saint-Honorat is served by a dedicated company.

The crossing is short, around 15 minutes from Cannes according to the Tourist Office. That is what makes the Lérins Islands so easy to include in a stay, even if you are only in Cannes for a few days.

Before leaving, it is best to check the boat schedules, especially outside the high season or if you want to return late in the day.

 

4. An easy trip from Hotel Alnéa

Located in the centre of Cannes, Hotel Alnéa makes it easy to reach the port on foot and take the boat to the Lérins Islands. It is a practical option if you want to organise your day without a car, starting directly from the city centre.

You can plan a morning on Sainte-Marguerite, a quieter day on Saint-Honorat, or even keep this trip as an easy last-minute idea during your stay.

After returning to the port, it is simple to continue the day with a walk along the Croisette, dinner in the centre or a drink on a terrace.

 

5. What to bring when visiting the islands

To enjoy the Lérins Islands properly, it is better to bring a few essentials.

Comfortable shoes are useful for walking. You should also bring water, sun protection, a swimsuit and something to eat if you plan to stay for several hours.

The islands are best discovered on foot. There is no need for a complicated programme. The simplest way is often to choose one island, take your time, stop in a cove, then return to Cannes in the late afternoon.

 

6. A nature break just off Cannes

The Lérins Islands are one of the easiest and most pleasant outings from Cannes. They allow you to change atmosphere quickly, without a long journey or complicated planning.

Between Sainte-Marguerite, larger and wilder, and Saint-Honorat, calmer and more intimate, everyone can choose the escape that best fits their stay.

For travellers staying in the centre of Cannes, it is an easy activity to plan and often one of the best memories of the trip.

 

CREDITS :

@cannesactu
@cannesofficedetourisme