Guide to Lérins Islands

The islands can be reached from Cannes in around 20 minutes by sea - the only way to reach these Mediterranean havens. There are no hotels on either one so visitors are free to explore until 6pm when the last ferry leaves, unless of course you are travelling by charter yacht and you can truly
enjoy the beauty of Illes des Lérins before heading back to the luxury of your decks.

On average the islands enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year, creating the perfect environment for producing wine. Île Saint-Honorat is home to Abbaye de Lérins - a 5th Century Monastery where a small community of monks tend to the vineyards of Abbaye to produce award-winning wines from a
selection of some of the best grape varieties. This meticulous care offers the production of seven vintages: The careful work of the monks allows the production of seven great vintages: St Salonius, St Lambert, St.Césaire, St Sauveur, St Cyprien, St Honorat and St Pierre which are recognised worlwide as some of the finest wines in France.

At around two miles long and half a mile wide Île Sainte-Marguerite is covered in trees, trails, towering eucalyptus and secluded beaches. Wildlife and nature thrive here but the island's biggest attraction is 17th-century Fort Royal where France’s most famous prison, the Man in the Iron Mask, was hidden away from prying eyes from 1687 to 1698. 

On Île Sainte-Marguerite’s western side, you will find an idyllic lake, a closed nature reserve that attracts many species of migratory birds. Many nature enthusiasts enjoy admiring them from specially prepared, roofed look-outs followed by an evening of fine dining. There are a few notable restaurants on the island including the fashionable al-fresco style La Guérite which offers a beach front view of Cannes and delicious fresh fish dishes. Beach picnics are also popular with endless views of the Esterel coastline and the snowy peaks of the Alps beyond.

If you are interested in a luxury crewed yachting vacation along this part of the French Riviera, view and compare all yachts for charter in the South of France which are available for private rental cruises.