Museum of the Iron Mask and Fort Royal, Maritime museum at Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite, France
The museum of the Iron Mask and Fort Royal sits within a 17th-century fortress on Île Sainte-Marguerite off Cannes. Inside the stone walls are displays covering maritime history, regional archaeology, and what daily life was like for prisoners held here.
The fortress began as a military base and later became a state prison in the late 1600s. It gained fame after holding the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask from 1687 to 1698.
The walls display paintings by Jean Le Gac, and a memorial honors six Protestant pastors imprisoned here after religious edicts changed. These artworks and tributes reflect the struggles of those held within these stone rooms.
To reach the museum, take a ferry boat from Cannes to the island, which takes about 15 minutes. The ferry dock lands you right near the fortress entrance.
Shipwreck remains from Roman and Saracen vessels lie on the seabed around the island and are displayed in the museum. These underwater discoveries show how these waters served as a route for merchants and raiders across many centuries.
Location: Cannes
GPS coordinates: 43.52390,7.04532
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region depicts a land where architecture narrates a thousand years of history between sea and mountains. From the 12th-century Cistercian abbeys to the brutalist experiments of Le Corbusier, this area features an exceptional built heritage shaped by Mediterranean light. You can find fortresses perched on rocky promontories, Romanesque monasteries where Van Gogh depicted his struggles, and contemporary museums that interact with the blue of the Mediterranean. Vineyards contain large-scale sculptures, the perched villages of Luberon display their medieval architecture in light stone, and Belle Époque villas in Cap d'Antibes mark the golden age of the Riviera. Between the limestone cliffs of the Calanques and the alpine valleys carved with prehistoric signs, Provençal architecture follows the contours of the land, capturing shadow and warmth, blending tradition and modernity. From the port of Marseille to the hanging gardens of Èze, each building bears the mark of a region where Cistercian builders, military engineers, visionary artists, and contemporary architects have inscribed their visions in stone, concrete, and landscape.
Cannes is a city on the French Riviera known for its elegant beaches and glamorous seaside life. Visitors find a mix of modern coastal living and historical treasures that have grown over centuries. The Croisette is the famous waterfront promenade where hotels and cafés define the pace of beachside living. In the old town, the Suquet district, narrow streets and ancient churches await exploration. The Lérins Islands lie offshore and contain a former monastery and historic fortifications. This collection brings together the main places of the city. Alongside beaches and the famous port area, you will find museums, art centers, and villas from different periods. The Forville Market reveals daily life through fresh produce and craftsmanship. Churches in various styles tell the story of local religious history. Parks and viewpoints offer quiet moments and views across the city. Each of these places contributes in its own way to the character of Cannes. Visitors can experience the graceful rhythm of coastal living, explore historic buildings, and discover natural areas nearby. Whether interested in history, art, beaches, or simply the feel of the city, Cannes offers something for different tastes.
Abbaye Saint-Honorat de Lérins
2 km
Villa La Californie
3 km
Fort Royal in Sainte-Marguerite Island
142 m
Monastère fortifié de l'abbaye de Lérins
2.1 km
St. Michael the Archangel Church
2.5 km
Villa Champfleuri
3 km
Fours à boulets des îles de Lérins
1.9 km
Batterie de la Convention
2 km
Villa Les Lotus
3 km
Handi plage
1.9 km
Chapelle de la Trinité de Cannes
1.9 km
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur , Saint-Honorat Island
1.8 km
Villa Wenden
2.8 km
Plage Naturiste de La Batterie
3.2 km
Monument à la mémoire des victimes du génocide arménien
1.9 km
Église Notre-Dame-des-Pins
2.6 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.1 km
Pointe Croisette
1.4 km
Casino Palm Beach
1.5 km
Plage Gazagnaire
1.8 km
Square du 8 mai 1945 (Cannes)
2.7 km
Ile Sainte Marguerite
673 m
Chapelle Saint-Michel de Cannes
1.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Cannes
2 km
Chapelle Saint-Ferréol
2.2 km
Chapelle Alexandra
2.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Caprais de Cannes
1.9 km
Bird hide, scenic viewpoint
927 mReviews
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