Fort Royal in Sainte-Marguerite Island, Historical fort and cannon on Sainte-Marguerite Island, France.
The Royal Fort stands 26 meters above sea level with a pentagonal structure featuring deep moats, elevated walkways, and coastal ramparts supported by earthen embankments.
The fort began as a fortified house in 1624, expanded by Spanish forces in 1635, and was recaptured by French forces in 1637 who renamed it the Royal Fort.
The Museum of the Sea within the fort displays underwater archaeological findings, historic shipwrecks, and exhibits about Mediterranean marine life through educational presentations.
Visitors can access the island via ferry services departing from Quai Laubeuf in Cannes, with regular departures and an adult return fare of 18 euros.
The Canon l'Inconnu, discovered in 1995 at 41 meters depth, weighs 2,800 kg and bears the inscription 'Ultima ratio regum' with decorative fleur-de-lis patterns.
Location: Cannes
Address: Cannes - Île Sainte-Marguerite, 06400 Cannes, France 06400 Cannes
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:45
Phone: +33489822626
GPS coordinates: 43.52320,7.04386
Latest update: September 16, 2025 08:33
Between Nice and Monaco, coastal trails provide the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean coastline through various routes. The Cap d'Ail Coastal Path, Nietzsche's Path in Èze with 400 meters of elevation gain, and the Mont Boron Park in Nice with its 11 kilometers of marked trails allow exploration of the region from different perspectives. These routes alternate between seaside sections and uphill segments, offering views over the coast and inland areas. The geological diversity of the region is evident in the limestone cliffs lining the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis, the rock formations of Cap d'Ail, and the red rocks of the Esterel Massif. Further inland, the Verdon Gorges feature a canyon 700 meters deep, while the Mercantour National Park houses the Sentier des Géants within its ancient forest. The historical heritage marks these routes: the Nice Observatory on Mont Gros dates from the 19th century, Fort La Revere overlooks the coast from 696 meters altitude, and Saint-Honorat Island preserves its active monastery. These trails serve as direct accesses to the nature and history of the French Riviera.
The port city of Toulon on the French Mediterranean coast offers numerous subjects for photographers. The historic city centre displays buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral and the town hall with its atlantes by Pierre Puget. The military harbour, one of France's main naval bases, presents warships and submarines. Mont Faron rises 584 metres above the city and provides views across the Toulon roadstead and coastline. The cable car leads to the summit, where the Memorial du débarquement en Provence is located. At the foot of the mountain lies the Mourillon district with its sandy beach and colourful facades along the promenade. The Cours Lafayette market takes place daily and showcases the region's Mediterranean produce. The Toulon Opera House, built in the 19th century, ranks among the largest opera houses in France outside Paris. The old harbour Darse Vieille displays fishing boats and yachts against the backdrop of limestone cliffs.
Discover the main highlights of Cannes, from the famous Croisette and the Lérins Islands to the historic Suquet district. This collection gathers well-known sites, landmarks, natural areas, and cultural venues that contribute to the recognition of this city on the French Riviera.
Promenade de la Croisette
3.2 km
Carlton Cannes
3.2 km
Abbaye Saint-Honorat de Lérins
1.9 km
Villa La Californie
3.1 km
Monastère fortifié de l'abbaye de Lérins
2 km
St. Michael the Archangel Church
2.6 km
Museum of the Iron Mask and Fort Royal
142 m
Villa Champfleuri
3.1 km
Fours à boulets des îles de Lérins
1.9 km
Batterie de la Convention
2.1 km
Villa Les Lotus
3.1 km
Handi plage
1.9 km
Chapelle de la Trinité de Cannes
1.9 km
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur , Saint-Honorat Island
1.7 km
Villa Wenden
2.9 km
Monument à la mémoire des victimes du génocide arménien
1.9 km
Église Notre-Dame-des-Pins
2.6 km
Scenic viewpoint
927 m
Pointe Croisette
1.4 km
Casino Palm Beach
1.5 km
Plage Gazagnaire
1.8 km
Ile Sainte Marguerite
690 m
Square du 8 mai 1945 (Cannes)
2.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Cannes
1.9 km
Chapelle Saint-Michel de Cannes
1.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Ferréol
2.2 km
Chapelle Alexandra
2.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Caprais de Cannes
1.8 kmReviews
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