Ile Sainte Marguerite, Managed biological reserve on Île Sainte-Marguerite, Lérins Islands, France

Ile Sainte-Marguerite is a directed biological reserve covering about 152 hectares of the Lérins Islands off Cannes. A decree of 2006 placed its Aleppo pine woodland, rocky coasts and salt marshes under joint Environment and Agriculture ministry protection. Paths cross the island between the pine stands and the shore.

The area gained protected status in 2006 through a decree between France's Environment and Agriculture ministries. This action aimed to preserve the island's valuable natural habitats for the long term.

The reserve displays rare Mediterranean plants through pathways that wind through different natural areas. You can see plant species here that exist in only a handful of places across this part of France.

The island is reachable only by ferry from Cannes, with the journey taking about 15 minutes. Plan ahead for the boat trip and check ferry schedules before you go.

The reserve's species counts include 133 birds, 17 plants, 6 bats and 4 reptiles. Among the birds recorded here is the Audouin's gull, a scarce Mediterranean breeder, and the island's ponds and pine woods also draw migrating passerines each spring and autumn.