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Home » Cannes and surrounding area

Visit the island of Saint-Honorat (Cannes): Things to do + ferry

by Claire | November 10, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (détails)

Located in the Bay of Cannes,Saint-Honorat Island is the smallest of the 2 Islands de Lérins. It is particularly famous for its Abbey of Lérins. Between natural landscapes, vineyards and historic monuments, we loved exploring this jewel of the Côte d’Azur!

Here are our practical tips for planning your visit and the best things to do.

Discover all our tips for visiting Saint-Honorat Island in Cannes!

This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Content masquer
Is a visit to Saint-Honorat island worthwhile?
Things to do on Saint-Honorat Island?
Saint-Honorat Island: access + map + ferry
Practical tips for visiting Saint-Honorat island

Is a visit to Saint-Honorat island worthwhile?

Yes, Saint-Honorat island is well worth a visit.

It’s a hidden treasure on the French Riviera, an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity. On this garden island, monks have for centuries perpetuated the art of caring for magnificent trees, vines and plants, creating a veritable haven of peace.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the Promenade de la Croisette, this island offers a quiet getaway where time seems to slow down. In addition to its peaceful beaches and secluded coves, the magnificent gardens surrounding the monastery add to its charm and invite contemplation and meditation.

It’s one of the must-do activities in Cannes! It even features in our article on the best islands on the Côte d’Azur!

landscape

Things to do on Saint-Honorat Island?

Visit Lérins Abbey

We loved visiting Saint-Honorat island for its rich historical heritage and natural setting. During our walk, we discovered 7 10th-century chapels and ruins dating back to the 11th century. The most famous is the Chapelle de la Trinité, on the eastern tip of the island. This group of religious buildings belongs to theAbbey of Lérins. There’s also a fortified monastery (currently being renovated), 2 churches and vineyards.

abbey

Discover the island’s wine heritage

The monks of Lérins Abbey cultivate 8 hectares of vineyards on the island. They then make the wine using traditional, ancestral techniques. You can buy bottles of wine on site, as well as other monastic products (such as liqueur and olive oil). The monks also organize “vine and wine” days that will appeal to the oenophiles among you! Find out more here.

vineyard

Bathing in a wild cove

On both sides of the island, we discovered numerous small coves with breathtaking views over the bay. Our photo shows a bird perched on a rock in the foreground,Sainte-Marguerite Island in the background and Cannes on the horizon. Remember to bring a mask and snorkel for snorkeling along the island’s coastline! The water is turquoise and transparent. We advise you to wear water shoes to walk on the rocks without injuring yourself.

landscape

Search for ball-bearing furnaces

The Îles de Lérins are home to 4 strategically placed cannonball furnaces: 2 on Île Sainte-Marguerite and 2 on Île Saint-Honorat. You should know that there are only a dozen of this type left in France! Built on the orders of General Bonaparte in 1793, they were used to defend the coast.

ball furnace

Explore the bunkers

Along the way, we came across several bunkers. These are remnants of the German occupation, built during the Second World War. Strategically positioned on the waterfront, they offer privileged views over the bay.

bunker

Observe the local flora and fauna

During our exploration of the island, we came across several species of migratory birds. We even managed to capture a few of them on film! We were captivated by the flora and fauna of this natural area off the coast of Cannes. Surrounded by trees, plants, rocks and the sea, it’s the ideal place to recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the Croisette.

bird

Picnic on the island

In our opinion, the best option for eating on the island is to bring your own food. You’ll find several picnic tables positioned facing the Bay of Cannes or between 2 trees blown down by the wind. Ideal for a gourmet, natural break!

picnic
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Saint-Honorat Island: access + map + ferry

Where is Saint-Honorat Island?

  • East of the Côte d’Azur,
  • Between Antibes and Saint-Raphaël,
  • In the bay of Cannes,
  • Antibes to Cannes: 10 min.
  • Saint-Raphaël to Cannes: 20 min.

Here’s a map of the Côte d’Azur islands to help you find your way around:

Carte iles cote azur riviera francaise
Map of Saint-Honorat Island in Cannes

Island map

It is the smallest of the 2 de Lérins Islands. It is 1,500 metres long.

Map of Saint-Honorat Island, Cannes
Map of Saint-Honorat Island, Cannes

Ferry access

From the old port of Cannes, it takes 20 minutes to reach Saint-Honorat island by ferry. Shuttles run frequently. They are operated by the monastery.

ferry

Private boat excursion

Would you like to contemplate the Lérins Islands from the sea? Enjoy a private boat excursion to discover an exceptional panorama of the Côte d’Azur!

landscape

Consult our boat trip offers to the Îles de Lérins.


Visiting difficulties

Several trails cross the island. Make sure you wear good shoes, as the ground is raised. There may be roots, rocks or branches. A fall can happen.

landscape
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Cannes
  • Best things to do in Cannes
  • Best hotels to stay in Cannes
  • Best restaurants
  • Best museums in Cannes
  • Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days (coming soon)
  • Rent a car in Cannes
Antibes

Practical tips for visiting Saint-Honorat island

How long

Allow half a day to tour the island and visit the Abbaye de Lérins.

Best moment

We recommend visiting the island in low season to avoid the crowds of tourists. The 2 islands are very busy in summer, especially in the afternoon. Don’t forget to book your ferry tickets early to be sure of getting a place!

ferry

Restaurants

On the island, you can choose between 2 restaurants. However, we strongly recommend that you bring your own picnic. It has several dedicated areas with superb views. Ideal for a convivial meal with family or friends in the great outdoors!

Hotels

There are no hotels on Saint-Honorat Island. However, check out our recommendations for accommodation in Cannes below:

WHERE TO STAY IN Cannes

Option 1: Downtown

Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:

  • Five Seas Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
  • Hotel BW Le Mondial – prices, pictures and availability
Five Seas rooftop pool

Option 2: on the Croisette

Along the seafront promenade and beaches.
We recommend..:

  • Hotel Le Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
  • Hotel Martinez – prices, pictures and availability
Hotel Carlton

Option 3: The Suquet and surrounding area

On the heights of the old town, with lots of charm.

  • Hotel le Suquet – prices, pictures and availability
  • Hotel Canopy by Hilton – see prices, pictures and availability
Terrace at Le Suquet hotel

See our reviews of the best hotels in Cannes (coming soon)

See all available accommodations
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