Visit the Lérins Islands: a comprehensive guide

On holiday on the French Riviera? So don’t wait to visit the Lérins Islands and discover this jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean!

Direction la Baie de Cannes to visit the Lérins Islands! By lifting your eyes, you will see them off, green and turquoise water encircles.

The Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat face each other and compete with beauty and hidden treasures. The program: nature, cultural and historical discoveries. The perfect combo for an exceptional getaway, at the heart of a must-see site in the South of the France .

To help you spend a memorable time, we provide you in this comprehensive guide, the best ways to visit the Lérins Islands.

The Lérins Islands in a few words

The Lérins Islands are a French Mediterranean archipelago, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes , on the French Riviera. The archipelago consists of two main islands, each with an uninhabited islet, the Tradelière and the Saint-Ferréol islet.

In his heart, there is also a rock called “Island”. It is all this small set, bordered with crystal clear waters, which constitutes the archipelago of the Lérins Islands.

The largest island, Saint Marguerite, is located in the North. Just about 20 lucky people have the privilege of staying on the island of 2.1 km2.

It is covered by 152 hectares of Aleppo pine forest and eucalyptus. But his greatest treasure is his legendary royal fort, famous for holding between his walls, the Man with an iron mask.

To the south is the island of Saint-Honora, six times smaller than its great sister. It is the place of life of twenty Cistercian monks.

The latter still cultivate nowadays, the vineyards that surround the sublime abbey where they live. At the far south of the island, perched on a rock, is the ancient medieval fortified monastery, founded by the monk Honorat, around the year 400.

So, going to visit the islands of Lérins?

1. The boat crossing

To visit the islands of Lérins, you must first find a way to get there! From Cannes, many boat companies, shuttles, or ferries, offer round-trip crossings, for very reasonable prices.

The crossing lasts 15-20 minutes , and offers a magnificent view of the bay of Cannes. Once you arrive on the island of your choice, go to the assault of these natural jewels and all the treasures they contain.

Practical information:

• Boats are leaving every 30 minutes about, from the Laubeuf dock in Cannes;
• Count around 15€ return tripwhatever the island of arrival;
• You have to go to the appointment place 30 minutes before departure.

2. Hiking

The hike is certainly one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to visit the islands of Lérins!

The island of Marguerite offers kilometers of marked trails, which cross the middle of the state forest covering the island. You will be literally transported by the delicious smell of the pines of Aleppo and eucalyptus that compose it.

Then make a hook by the Bateguier pond to observe the many species of migratory birds. Don’t miss visiting the sublime Fort Royal, once a man’s residence with an iron mask.

To finish the visit, go to the Museum of the Sea, located in the fortified enclosure of the site. Of course, your walk will be punctuated with stop swimming, in some of the sublime coves that surround the island! As you stroll on the island of Saint Honorat, you will discover a preserved nature and an absolute tranquility.

The paths that border the turquoise water will lead you to the various historical monuments that the island has, such as the tower-monastery, the chapel of Saint-Sauveur, the Trinity or the two Napoleonic calves.

Finally, the abbey where the monks live and the wine tasting they produce are essential if you visit the islands of Lérins.

3. The kayak

One of the best experiences to visit the islands of Lérins, it’s certainly in sea kayaking! Indeed, you will be completely free to discover the two islands and organize your day as you like.

You will evolve over the water in a peaceful and wild setting, to discover an exceptional panorama. Take a break on beautiful beaches for a swim, meal, or simply to contemplate the surrounding environment.

The more kayaking is that it will allow you to explore unattainable coves from the farmland, and to visit the islands of Lérins at your own pace.

Practical information:

• To visit the islands of Lérins by kayak, there are many renters in Cannes, which will be your starting point.
• You have the choice between single-place or biplace kayaks;
• You have to count between 30€ and 40€ the day for rent;
• Before you leave, you will be provided with the weather balance, a path with the location of the coves and the unmistakable beaches, and general navigation and security rules;
• For this activity, it is necessary to swimming 25 meters without assistance.

4. The cruise in catamaran

Many Canadian companies offer catamaran cruises to visit the islands of Lérins. At the departure of the Port of Cannes, you will embark on a modern catamaran equipped for an unforgettable cruise.

On the programme: breathtaking view, refreshing swim in turquoise waters and snorkeling stop to discover the incredible submarines.

Depending on the options you choose, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and make stops in a few coves.

And for a romantic moment, choose a glass of champagne at sunset... Choose the formula that best suits you to discover this beautiful archipelago.

Practical information:

• For a cruise of a half day (3h), count around 60€ by person, and 110€ for one full day with lunch on board ;
• Masks and tubas are included in the price.

5. Helicopter flight

Would you like to visit the Lérins Islands in an original and surprising way? So, go for a helicopter flight!

You will discover the Côte d’Azur from the sky, and enjoy a different view of the islands of Lérins. It is a breathtaking panorama that awaits you, and an unforgettable experience.

Practical information:

• The departure is on the Port of Cannes;
• Prices start at 85€ per person, for 15 minutes flight;
• If you wish to extend the pleasure, flights 25 and 45 minutes are also possible for prices ranging from 165€ and 290€.

6. The scuba diving

It would be a shame to leave the bay of Cannes, and to visit the islands of Lérins without exploring its fabulous seabed, which are among the most beautiful in the region. You will have no trouble finding a diving club to make you experience this incredible experience.

If you are a novice in this matter, you can opt for a diving baptism, and discover absolutely new sensations in a magical environment.

For regulars, exploration outings are also available, with or without supervision, depending on your level. Ready to feel like a fish in the water?

Practical information:

• The squadron team will equip you with all the equipment (supplied) and you will ship to the islands of Lérins;
• A diving baptism lasts around 20 minutes, for a price around 60€ ;
• Count about 45€ for an exploration dive, material not provided;
• The excursion can last until 4h, with the possibility of making snorkeling in the shallow funds near the islands.

7. Overflight by private plane

Want to play it jet set for a few hours? So climb aboard a private jet for an unforgettable flight.

A tailor-made moment awaits you, as you will discuss your itinerary with the pilot, to make it unique. You will have a view on the Lérins, Cannes or the Massif de l’Esterel , that you could never have imagined.

A wonderful way to visit the islands of Lérins!

Practical information:* Duration : 1h ;

• Tariff: from 145€ by person;
• Starting point: Cannes aerodrome.

8. Stand up paddle

Discover the stand up paddle to visit the islands of Lérins! If you already know this practice, you can simply rent a paddle and go discover the islands in autonomy.

But if you are a novice in this matter, choose to be supervised by a monitor. It will be a pleasure to learn the basics, and to guide you throughout your journey on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

It is a great activity to do with family or friends, ideal for visiting the islands of Lérins.

Practical information:

• A safety brief on the practice of stand up paddle will be given to you at your departure;
• Several packs are available to choose from, including the rental of the paddle, the return journey by motor boat to take you near one of the 2 islands, and the monitor;
• For 1:30 walk accompanied, count 40€ by person, and 60€ for 3h. If you decide to leave day (6h), it will cost around 100€ ;
• For stand up paddle alone, count around 15€ per hour, 40€ to 50€ half day, and 70€ to 80€ All day.

"No need to go far to take full sight of it"... By going to visit the Lérins Islands, this phrase will take its meaning!