Lérins Islands: Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat?
Cannes fifteen minutes behind you, pine trees, coves and no reason to optimise the day. The only decision that matters is choosing the right island.
Mametas CheckedFerries and visitor logistics rechecked 15 October 2026 · official sources
First time, swimming, forest and the most freedom: Sainte-Marguerite. Monastery, vineyards, quiet and a more distinctive atmosphere: Saint-Honorat. Do one properly.
Sainte-Marguerite: the easy first choice
The larger island is about 3 km long, with pine and eucalyptus forest, coves, the Fort Royal / Iron Mask museum and 22 km of paths managed through the protected natural area. It gives you more room to walk away from the landing stage and find your own rhythm.
Choose it for: swimming, walking, picnic, family day, Fort Royal, or simply a nature reset from Cannes.
Boat. Trans Côte d’Azur, Riviera Lines and Horizon serve Sainte-Marguerite from Cannes. Trans Côte d’Azur says individual travellers do not need a reservation; buying online still saves you the ticket-office queue. Official ferry overview ↗︎
Saint-Honorat: the quieter choice
Saint-Honorat is smaller, around 1.5 km long, and organised around the Lérins Abbey, vineyards and monastic landscape. Planaria, operated by the monks, runs the crossing from Quai Laubeuf in Cannes.
The fortified monastery can be visited free of charge. The island has public toilets and water fountains; one restaurant and one snack bar operate near the landing stage and are closed from January to mid-February according to Cannes Tourism.
Boat. Planaria lists the adult return fare at €19.50; its ticket page says online sales are temporarily suspended and sends buyers to the Planaria office on Quai Laubeuf. Tickets and live times ↗︎
Can you do both in one day?
Technically, with enough timetable management. Practically, Mametas says no. Cannes Tourism confirms there is no direct shuttle between the two islands; you have to go back to Cannes and change operator. Two islands in one day gives you more transport and less island.
Swimming, food and what to pack
Sainte-Marguerite has multiple coves and wild swimming spots. Saint-Honorat also works for a swim, but its identity is calmer and more monastic. Both islands have picnic areas. Bring water anyway, plus sun protection, shoes that can handle paths and something to swim in.
Fire is strictly prohibited and both islands are non-smoking areas. On Saint-Honorat, dress appropriately around the monastery. And remember you are on an island: no shop on Sainte-Marguerite, a few restaurants near the landing stages, then nothing. If it is not in your bag, it does not exist, and check the time of the last boat before you go.
How long?
Half-day: possible for Saint-Honorat or a focused Sainte-Marguerite visit. Full day: better if swimming is part of the plan. If you catch yourself calculating how to leave after ninety minutes so you can also fit Antibes, Cannes and a rooftop cocktail into the afternoon, the island has already lost.