Just a few minutes are enough to leave the elegant Croisette promenade behind and enter a completely different world. While Cannes stands out for its luxurious hotels, stylish shops and impressive yachts, visitors offshore encounter a landscape filled with peace and unspoiled beauty. After a short boat trip, the Lérins Islands reveal a side of the Côte d’Azur that many visitors do not initially expect. Instead of crowded beaches, loud music and a lively pace of life, there is crystal-clear water, shady pine trees and hidden coves.
This small archipelago mainly consists of two islands: Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat. Each island has its own character, but they share one thing in common: inviting visitors to leave everyday life behind and enjoy nature in its purest beauty.
Sainte Marguerite is the larger of the two islands and a true paradise for beach lovers. Sainte Anne Beach is located right near the ferry dock. Its gently sloping shore and calm water make it especially appealing to families. Children can play safely in the sea while adults admire the turquoise water.
Those seeking more seclusion will discover countless small coves along the coast. The Dragon coves on the western side of the island are particularly impressive. Light-colored limestone cliffs rise directly from the sea, interspersed with pine trees whose branches stretch almost to the water’s surface. Underwater visibility is exceptionally clear. It is therefore no surprise that snorkelers especially love this area. Colorful fish, seagrass meadows, and fascinating underwater light effects turn every swimming stop into a delightful little experience.
But Sainte Marguerite offers much more than beautiful swimming spots.
A well-planned network of walking paths leads through fragrant pine forests, past eucalyptus trees, to the quieter points of the island. Pointe du Batéguier and Pointe Carbonel in particular are considered discreet recommendations for connoisseurs. Even in midsummer, there is often still a quiet corner here, with only the sound of waves and cicadas to be heard. Those who arrive early in the morning can almost enjoy the island all to themselves. That is precisely what gives this place its special charm.
Sainte Marguerite also holds a special place in history. Fort Royal towers above the coast, its walls linked to one of France’s most mysterious figures. Legend has it that the famous prisoner in the iron mask was once held here. To this day, many legends surround his true identity. Visiting the fortress is an impressive way to connect nature with history.
Not far from there is another special attraction. Offshore, there is an underwater sculpture park. Numerous impressive works of art lie on the seabed and can be explored with nothing more than a snorkel and diving mask. Fish and other marine creatures swim among the sculptures. Art and nature blend together in a surprising way.
The smaller neighboring island, Saint Honorat, offers an even greater sense of tranquility.
Here, the life of Cistercian monks has shaped the daily rhythm for centuries. The monastery still leaves a deep impression on the island today. Vineyards, ancient chapels, and narrow paths lead through a landscape where time seems to pass more slowly. Visitors continually come across peaceful places that invite them to pause.
The coastline here is markedly different from that of the larger neighboring island. Instead of long stretches of sand, the landscape is mainly characterized by low rocky outcrops and small bathing spots right by the water’s edge. Many visitors come here not for large beaches, but for the special atmosphere. When sitting on a warm rock and looking out over the sparkling sea, it quickly becomes clear why this island is considered a place of peace.
Luxury is hard to find on both islands, and that is precisely what gives them their unique charm. There are no large hotel complexes, shopping streets, or wide seaside promenades. Instead, visitors should bring enough drinking water, a small picnic, and sturdy shoes. A snorkel should also be packed, as the underwater world here is among the most beautiful in the entire region.
Another treasure lies hidden beneath the water. Vast Posidonia seagrass meadows surround the islands. They provide habitat for countless marine species, produce oxygen, and protect the coast from erosion. For this reason, many areas are specially protected. Boats must follow strict anchoring regulations so that this sensitive ecosystem can be preserved in the long term. As a result, its exceptional biodiversity is safeguarded for future generations.
Anyone who previously knew only Cannes’ famous beaches will experience a surprisingly different perspective on the Lérins Islands. As soon as the boat leaves the harbor, the high-rise buildings and hotels gradually disappear on the horizon. Just a few minutes later, pine forests, rugged coastlines, and the deep blue of the Mediterranean dominate the scenery. Isn’t it astonishing that two such different worlds can be so close together?
It is precisely this proximity that makes the trip so appealing. In the morning, stroll through the elegant streets of Cannes, and shortly afterward you can swim in a secluded bay—there is hardly a more beautiful way to experience the diversity of the Côte d’Azur. Those who have been here usually do not speak first of the red carpet or luxurious yachts, but of the quiet coves among the pine trees. And honestly, is there a better place to simply relax and let your mind wander?
The Lérins Islands are impressive proof that the French Riviera offers much more than glamour and international film festivals. Just a short distance from Cannes, nature has retained its unspoiled beauty. Anyone wishing to experience the coast in its tranquil form will find here a small paradise that lingers long in the memory.
An article by M. Legrand