Lérins Islands, Mediterranean archipelago 15 minutes from Cannes, France
The four islands of Lérins comprise two main landforms, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, surrounded by crystal waters and pine forests covering 170 hectares.
Fort Royal on Sainte-Marguerite Island served as a state prison in the 17th century, where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask remained confined for 11 years.
Cistercian monks at Saint-Honorat Island maintain wine production traditions since the Middle Ages, crafting wines from eight hectares of vineyards within their monastery grounds.
Regular ferry services connect the Cannes port to both main islands throughout the year, with increased frequency during summer months from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
The Batéguier pond on Sainte-Marguerite Island functions as a protected nature reserve where numerous migratory birds gather during their seasonal movements.
Location: Cannes
Address: Lérins Islands, Cannes, France Cannes
GPS coordinates: 43.51750,7.04500
Latest update: November 21, 2025 08:56
The French Riviera offers numerous sites beyond the main tourist routes. Medieval hilltop villages such as Èze and Saint-Paul de Vence perch above the coast, while historic fortifications like Fort Carré in Antibes preserve the region's maritime past. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Château Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer display architectural styles from different eras. The region extends from the coastline to the backcountry. The Îles de Lérins off Cannes are accessible by ferry, Col de la Bonette reaches 9,193 feet (2,802 meters) elevation, and Vallée des Merveilles in the Mercantour preserves prehistoric rock carvings. Hiking trails cross Parc national du Mercantour and follow the coast at Cap d'Ail. The Gorges du Verdon to the north form one of Europe's deepest canyons. Museums in Nice focus on Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Asian art. The Musée de la Mer on Île Sainte-Marguerite documents the island fortress's history. Smaller towns like Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Le Cannet lie a few miles from the coastal cities. Lac de Saint-Cassien near Montauroux provides water sports in a rural setting.
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortresses, and natural areas. The region features geological formations like the Demoiselles Coiffées, French Riviera coastal landscapes, and alpine territories. Monasteries, castle ruins, and traditional villages display regional history. Natural landscapes include lavender fields and mountain passes.
Abbaye Saint-Honorat de Lérins
1.3 km
Villa La Californie
3.7 km
Fort Royal in Sainte-Marguerite Island
641 m
Monastère fortifié de l'abbaye de Lérins
1.4 km
St. Michael the Archangel Church
3.2 km
Museum of the Iron Mask and Fort Royal
713 m
Fours à boulets des îles de Lérins
1.3 km
Batterie de la Convention
1.9 km
Villa Les Lotus
3.7 km
Handi plage
2.5 km
Chapelle de la Trinité de Cannes
1.3 km
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur , Saint-Honorat Island
1.1 km
Villa Wenden
3.5 km
Plage Naturiste de La Batterie
3.8 km
Monument à la mémoire des victimes du génocide arménien
2.5 km
Église Notre-Dame-des-Pins
3.3 km
Scenic viewpoint
813 m
Pointe Croisette
2 km
Casino Palm Beach
2.2 km
Plage Gazagnaire
2.5 km
Square du 8 mai 1945 (Cannes)
3.4 km
Ile Sainte Marguerite
438 m
Chapelle Saint-Michel de Cannes
952 m
Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Cannes
1.2 km
Chapelle Saint-Ferréol
1.6 km
Chapelle Alexandra
3.3 km
Chapelle Saint-Caprais de Cannes
1.2 km
Bird hide, scenic viewpoint
1 kmReviews
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