Île Sainte-Marguerite

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the Cannes harbour, Île Sainte-Marguerite is an unexpected pocket of wild beauty and quiet history. The largest of the Lérins Islands, this pine-scented escape is covered in eucalyptus and umbrella pines, with turquoise coves lapped by the Mediterranean. It’s a place where day-trippers trade the Riviera’s glitz for silent forest walks, a crumbling fort, and the ghost of the Man in the Iron Mask.

Highlights & What to See

• Fort Royal – The star-shaped 17th-century fortress that famously imprisoned the Man in the Iron Mask. Explore the ramparts, the prison cells, and the small Musée de la Mer with its underwater archaeology finds.
• Snorkelling in the crystal coves – The island’s eastern side has calm, shallow inlets perfect for snorkelling. Bring your own gear; the water is clear enough to spot fish and sea urchins among the rocks.
• Walking the island’s trails – A network of paths crisscrosses the island, leading through fragrant pine groves and past saltwater lagoons. The coastal walk to the far end takes about an hour and offers stunning views back to Cannes.
• Plage de la Batéguier – The main sandy beach near the ferry dock, with shallow water and a casual beachside café. It gets busy by midday, so arrive early to claim a spot.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ideal – take the first ferry in the morning to beat the crowds, spend a few hours walking the trails and snorkelling, then enjoy a leisurely lunch before catching an afternoon ferry back. If you want to linger, the island has a simple restaurant and a snack bar, but no overnight accommodation on the island itself.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Île Saint-Honorat – The smaller, quieter sister island, home to a working Cistercian monastery and vineyards. A 30-minute walk around the island reveals ancient chapels and a peaceful abbey where monks still produce wine and liqueur.
• Cannes – The glamorous mainland city is the gateway to the islands. Combine your island trip with a stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette, a visit to the old town (Le Suquet), or a browse of the Marché Forville food market.
• Antibes & Juan-les-Pins – A 30-minute train ride from Cannes, Antibes offers the Picasso Museum and a lively Provençal market, while Juan-les-Pins has sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene.

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