Board the ferry at Cannes port at your chosen departure time. Just a short 15-minute ferry ride off the French Riviera coast, Ile Sainte-Marguerite forms part of the Lérins Islands archipelago in the Golfe de la Napoule, and offers a heady blend of culture, history and nature.
When you arrive, step off the ferry, breathe in fragrant scents of pine and eucalyptus and head off to begin exploring independently. Pick a hiking trail — well-marked trails cover the island — and traverse dense forests for a botanical discovery. Or simply stroll to the Batéguier pond to spot migratory birds, or Point de la Convention to appreciate a range of unique plant species that call Ile Sainte-Marguerite home.
No trip to the island is complete without a visit to the Fort Royal, a former prison fortress built by Spanish invaders in the 17th century. Here is where the notorious ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ is said to have been imprisoned. Today the fortress finds new use as a maritime museum, with a wealth of archaeological finds that include 1st-century murals, artifacts from a 10th-century Saracen shipwreck and even Roman–era ceramics.
Another option is the Méditerranoscope marine research center, which works to protect the diverse sea life in the waters around the Lérins Islands. If you get hungry, you can choose from two restaurants and two sandwich kiosks. Or bring a picnic!
Ferries run regularly between Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Cannes, so when you’re ready to head back to the mainland, hop aboard for the short crossing back to port.
Points of Interest
- Cannes - Île Sainte-Marguerite
- Round-trip ferry ride
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Take a brief ferry ride from Cannes to Ile Sainte-Marguerite and enjoy a day of outdoor activities and rest. Travel a mere 15 minutes away from the French Riviera to the biggest of the Lérins Islands, and use your time there as you see fit. Embark on a forest trail, explore a diverse range of bird and plant species, tour the maritime museum, or delve into the Fort Royal, where the story of the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ is brought to life. Opt for one of the several departure times throughout the day to tailor your visit to Ile Sainte-Marguerite.
- Drinks can be purchased on board; there are no bathroom facilities on the ferry
- Be sure to check exact ferry departure and return times before your trip; the last departure from Ile Sainte-Marguerite to Cannes varies depending on the time of year (5pm in winter, 6pm in spring and autumn and 6:30pm in summer)
- From Fall until Spring, the Royal Fort and Museum is closed on Mondays
- From November to April, all restaurants are closed on the Island
- No PCR or No Health pass needed to get on board
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
