In this article, the Hotel des Orangers Cannes will take you on a journey of discovery to the Lérins Islands. The Lérins archipelago is a protected and preserved area, and not to be missed during your holiday on the French Riviera. Visitors love the crystal-clear waters, the green natural environment and the impressive historic heritage with the gentle song of the cicadas as a soundtrack. Ready to enjoy a feast for the eyes?
Your 3-star hotel at the heart of Cannes with its private garden and outdoor swimming pool. Stay in one of the 50 rooms with a view over the Mediterranean Sea, the swimming pool or the Esterel mountains.
During your stay at the Hotel des Orangers Cannes, take a trip to the Lérins Islands. These two unique treasures on the French Riviera are another heavenly face of Cannes. Leaving from Cannes harbour, sail across the water towards a natural oasis
Sainte-Marguerite Island, a unique setting for fauna and flora
L'Île Sainte-Marguerite Cannes - Credit Summer Hotels
Sainte-Marguerite Island is a real nature reserve set in the sea, a harmonious combination of nature, serenity and culture. This is the biggest island in the Lérins archipelago. It is 3 kilometres long and is home to a forest of Aleppo pine and eucalyptus trees covering over 150 hectares.
Visit this exceptional site and enjoy a walk in perfect safety along 22 kilometres of marked paths. In the morning, you can explore the history of Sainte-Marguerite Island during a visit to the Royal Fort, a former prison built in the time of Richelieu and then fortified years later by Vauban. The fort was also the residence of the Man in the Iron Mask, a mysterious prisoner who spent 11 years inside prison walls of just 30 m2 at the end of the 17th century. No one knows who he was, what he looked like or even why he was imprisoned.
At lunchtime, you can choose between two restaurants and two snack bars. The La Guérite restaurant welcomes diners on a private beach facing the Baie de Cannes and the Esterel mountains, and serves Mediterranean cuisine created by Yiannis Kioroglou, a prodigy of Greek gastronomy. If you want to have lunch in a relaxed atmosphere, head for the L’Escale restaurant and enjoy a delicious pizza.
You can spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming in one of the island's small creeks. The sea depths are rich in remarkable species and habitats. Bring your diving mask and snorkel to contemplate them in perfect safety. You should also visit the Etang du Batéguier, a lake where many migrating bird species have made their home.
The team at the Hotel des Orangers Cannes also recommends the Sea Museum, an archaeological museum underwater and on land inthe Royal Fort, for a cultural visit for all the family.
Saint Honorat Island, a little haven of peace in the Mediterranean Sea
Ile Saint Honorat Cannes - Credit ced_paps_sensorpics
Sainte-Marguerite Island's little sister, Saint Honorat Island, has plenty of assets of its own. It is smaller in size but has an even richer historic and cultural heritage. First settled in the 5th century by the monk Saint Honoratus, the island is a landmark in Christian history.
The whole island is listed as a French historic monument. It is a real invitation to peace and contemplation. For 1,600 years, the upkeep of the island's 40 hectares has been the work of the monks living in Lérins Abbey. Visitors can attend mass and take part in daily prayers.
Saint Honorat Island is 1,500 metres long and 400 metres wide. It features a superb garden, 7 chapels, Napoleonic cannon furnaces, a fortified monastery-tower dating from the 10th century, as well as an abbey with an abbatial church and vineyards. Wine lovers can visit the vineyards and taste the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Honorat wines on the first Friday of each month.
You can have lunch on the shaded terrace at the La Tonnelle restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine in the spotlight. There is also a snack bar if you are in a hurry with refreshing ice creams and picnic areas available.
Saint Honorat Island Cannes - Credit helena.pnc
Practical information
Access to the two Lérins Islands is by a 15-minute shuttle boat service from Cannes harbour. Book your tickets online ahead of time:
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Sainte-Marguerite Island with the Trans Côte d’Azur company
- Saint-Honorat Island with the Cannes Lérins Island shuttle service
To get even more out of these heavenly landscapes, rent a private boat and savour the panorama over the islands in a peaceful environment. Energetic visitors can also visit the islands on a standup paddleboard or a kayak.
All the reception team at the Hotel des Orangers Cannes are on hand if you want more information and tips for your visit to the Lérins Islands.
