Lérins islands
The Lérins Islands are a French archipelago located south of Cannes, in the Alpes-Maritimes department. The Lérins Islands are composed of three islands.
The island of Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the two, is said to have housed the Man in the Iron Mask in its fort. In reality, the fort was used as a prison for him. It is nearly 3.2 km long and about 900 metres wide. There are only 20 inhabitants on the island of Sainte-Marguerite. The island is very popular for its long walks and numerous coves. You will find beautiful eucalyptus and pine woods, the eucalyptus being the oldest in Europe. Most of the island is covered by forest, which is a protected area owned by the state.
Almost 1 km from the island of Sainte-Marguerite is the island of Saint-Honorat, which is the second island in the Lérins Islands. Further from the coast and smaller than Sainte-Marguerite, it is also less known. The latter is 1460 metres long and 400 metres wide. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are separated by a narrow channel called “Plateau du milieu”. Wooded with maritime pines, it is known thanks to its ancient monastery, dating from the 10th century and called the monastery of Lérins. It was built by the abbey of Lérins, on the south coast of the island of Saint-Honorat. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1840.
The island of Saint-Ferréol is the last islet composing the archipelago of the Lérins islands. Much smaller than the other two islands, it is not very well known, as tourists and locals prefer the island of Sainte-Marguerite.
The Lerins Islands are very popular with locals and tourists, and to get there you just have to take a boat from the port of Cannes. It costs between 6 and 15 euros to get there.
You will find all the information (timetables, ticketing) on the following official website: Iles de lérins
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