A fifteen minute boat ride from Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer turquoise coves, the fortress of the Iron Mask and a thousand year old abbey. The complete guide to an unforgettable day trip from Monaco.
Facing the Croisette, a fifteen minute boat ride from Cannes, the Lérins Islands form one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Mediterranean. Sainte-Marguerite with its eucalyptus forest, Saint-Honorat with its thousand year old abbey: two car-free islands, turquoise waters and sixteen centuries of history. From Monaco, the day trip could not be easier. In this guide, you will find everything you need to visit the Lérins Islands: boat crossings, the Fort Royal and the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, beaches, coves, the monks' vineyard and practical tips to make the most of your day.
Why visit the Lérins Islands?
The Lérins Islands offer a striking contrast with the buzz of the French Riviera. Just offshore from the grand hotels of Cannes, you will find shaded paths lined with Aleppo pines, coves with crystal clear water and a rare silence, broken only by cicadas.
The archipelago has two main islands. Sainte-Marguerite, the largest and closest to shore, charms visitors with its beaches, the Fort Royal and the famous Iron Mask museum. Saint-Honorat, smaller and more secluded, is home to a community of Cistercian monks who have tended vines here for centuries.
Largely protected as a natural reserve, the islands can only be explored on foot. No cars, hardly any shops: an ideal nature escape to round off a stay in Monaco, much like a day at Mala beach or a getaway to Antibes.
Sainte-Marguerite: beaches, forest and the Iron Mask
Sainte-Marguerite island stretches about 3 kilometres long and 900 metres wide. It is the more accessible of the two: shuttles dock roughly every 30 minutes in summer. Allow at least half a day to walk around it.
The Fort Royal and the Iron Mask museum
Overlooking the bay of Cannes, the Fort Royal was built in the 17th century and later reinforced by Vauban. It was here that the most mysterious prisoner in French history was held from 1687 to 1698: the Man in the Iron Mask, whose identity still fuels every theory, from Voltaire to Alexandre Dumas.
The Iron Mask and Fort Royal museum lets you discover the prisoner's cell, frescoes by artist Jean Le Gac, and a fine collection of underwater archaeology recovered from Roman and Saracen shipwrecks. From June to September it is open daily from 10am to 5:45pm. Admission costs 6.50 EUR (free for under 18s).
Beaches and coves of Sainte-Marguerite
Walking around the island reveals a succession of rocky coves and small beaches, which grow quieter the further you go from the jetty. The south coast, facing the open sea, hides the finest swimming spots, with translucent water over posidonia meadows.
Inland, the Batéguier pond hosts a bird reserve popular with migratory species. The forest paths, planted with eucalyptus and pines, offer welcome shade at the height of summer.
The underwater eco-museum
Since 2021, six monumental faces sculpted by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor have rested a few metres below the surface off the island. This underwater eco-museum is free to explore: a mask and snorkel are all you need. An unusual experience, best enjoyed in the morning when the water is at its clearest.
💡 Concierge's tip
« For the underwater eco-museum at Sainte-Marguerite, aim for the first morning shuttle: the water is clearer, the low light flatters the sculptures and you will have the site almost to yourself. Our guests often set off with a mask and snorkel slipped into their bag by our team. »
Saint-Honorat: the monks' island and its vineyard
Smaller (around 1.5 kilometres long), Saint-Honorat island belongs to the Cistercian congregation of Lérins Abbey. A monastery was founded here around the year 410 by Saint Honoratus, making it one of the oldest monastic sites in the Western world.
Lérins Abbey
Around twenty monks still live on the island, following the rhythm of the daily offices. Visitors can freely explore the abbey grounds, the abbey church and the spectacular 15th century fortified monastery set right on the water. Seven chapels scattered across the island and old Napoleonic cannonball ovens complete the walk.
A vineyard between sea and sky
The monks cultivate around 8 hectares of vines in the heart of the island. Their confidential cuvées, raised between sea and sky, appear on the wine lists of leading restaurants across the region. A monastic shop sells wines, liqueurs and artisanal products. For lunch, the island has a single restaurant, on a terrace facing the waves.
☉ Good to know
Saint-Honorat is still a living monastery: appropriate dress is expected near the abbey and silence is appreciated close to the places of prayer. Swimming is only tolerated along certain stretches of the shore, and private boats may not land without authorisation.
How do you get to the Lérins Islands?
The Lérins Islands can only be reached by boat from Cannes, departing from Quai Laubeuf on the old port. The crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the island.
From Cannes by boat
Two separate companies serve the archipelago. Shuttles to Sainte-Marguerite leave roughly every 30 minutes in high season, from 9am to 5:30pm. For Saint-Honorat, the Planaria company runs the crossing, with an adult return ticket at 19.50 EUR (12 EUR for children aged 4 to 15). Detailed timetables are published by the Cannes tourist office.
Note that there is no direct link between the two islands. To combine them in a single day, you need to return via Cannes, which is perfectly doable with an early start.
From Monaco
Reaching Cannes from the Principality is simple. The direct TER train links Monaco station (a 5 minute walk from the Port Palace) to Cannes in about 1 hour 5 minutes, arriving a 15 minute walk from the boarding quay. By car, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour on the A8 motorway depending on traffic.
When staying at the Port Palace, your concierge can arrange a private Mercedes transfer or even a private boat crossing straight from Port Hercule: find out more about our exclusive services.
Stay on Port Hercule, one hour from the Lérins Islands.
Check availabilitySainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat: which island should you choose?
It all depends on the experience you are after. Sainte-Marguerite is the island of swimming, families and history with the Fort Royal. Saint-Honorat is the island of contemplation, gastronomy and wine. If you only have half a day, choose Sainte-Marguerite, which has more frequent boats. With a full day ahead, connoisseurs often favour Saint-Honorat for its timeless atmosphere.
Practical tips for a perfect day
A few simple habits turn a lovely excursion into a perfect day:
- Leave early: the first shuttles deliver near-deserted islands, especially in July and August.
- Bring water and a hat: shops are scarce, particularly on Saint-Honorat.
- Closed shoes recommended: coastal paths are rocky in places.
- Check the last boat back: it varies with the season and the company.
- Carry some cash: some island vendors do not always take cards.
- Mask and snorkel: essential for the underwater eco-museum at Sainte-Marguerite.
Extend the experience from the Port Palace
The Lérins Islands taste all the sweeter when you return in the evening to a cocoon facing the sea. At the Port Palace, our rooms and suites overlooking Port Hercule are the ideal base for exploring the Riviera: Cannes and its islands one day, the Croisette and Le Suquet the next.
After a day by the water, the terrace of La Môme, our 6th floor rooftop restaurant, prolongs the Mediterranean interlude with sun-drenched cuisine and the yachts of the harbour as a backdrop. Our guests also enjoy a concierge service that takes care of every detail: boat tickets, a reserved table on Saint-Honorat or a private transfer to Cannes.
Port Palace Monaco
Your home port between Monaco and the Lérins Islands
Rooms and suites facing Port Hercule, the train station a 5 minute walk away and a dedicated concierge to plan your Riviera escapes.
Book your stayFAQ: your questions about the Lérins Islands
How long does it take to visit the Lérins Islands?
Allow half a day for a single island and a full day to combine Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. Walking around Sainte-Marguerite takes about 2h30, around Saint-Honorat barely 1 hour.
Can you swim at the Lérins Islands?
Yes, swimming is one of the great pleasures of the archipelago, especially at Sainte-Marguerite. The coves on the south side of the island offer translucent water. There are no lifeguarded beaches: take care with children.
Are there restaurants on the islands?
Sainte-Marguerite has a few restaurants and snack bars near the jetty. Saint-Honorat has a single restaurant, on a terrace facing the sea. In high season booking is strongly recommended, or opt for a picnic in the authorised areas.
Can you stay overnight on the Lérins Islands?
No, there are no hotels or campsites on the archipelago. Only the monastic guesthouse on Saint-Honorat welcomes spiritual retreats. The best solution is to stay on the coast and visit for the day.
Are the Lérins Islands suitable for children?
Absolutely. The crossing is short, the Fort Royal and the legend of the Iron Mask fascinate younger visitors, and the beaches of Sainte-Marguerite are perfect for swimming. Pushchairs can be used on the main paths of Sainte-Marguerite.
Between history, unspoilt nature and crystal clear waters, the Lérins Islands rank among the finest excursions on the French Riviera. One more reason to drop your bags on Port Hercule: the Port Palace, a boutique hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, puts you one hour from this little island paradise.
