Located a mere 30 minutes by boat from Cannes, Île Saint-Honorat, along with Île Sainte-Marguerite, comprise the picturesque Îles de Lérins. You can book a trip by boat online via the cannes-ilesdelerins.com/en website or directly at the ticket office where the boats leave from the Billeterie Planaria at the Quai des Îles – Quai Maxime Laubeuf in Cannes.
The island is the perfect size for a satisfying day out. You can tour the entire circumference of the island with ease, stopping by to relax and swim along its stretches of beaches.
The island is also home to the Abbaye de Lérins (Lérins Abbey) which houses 21 Cistercian monks, who make their own wines and liqueurs. You can have a look at the vines dotted around the island and buy their wines and liqueurs (as well as jams and more !) in the shop.
Next to the shop you can pop into the abbey church for a minute of quiet, and continue your visit to spot the island’s 10th C. chapels and 11th C. ruins.
For lunch, you can pack and bring your own picnic to enjoy when you wish (just remember to take your own bin bag ; the island provides no bins to encourage people to take their own rubbish). Otherwise, the island’s restaurant La Tonnelle is a great option. You may want to book a table in advance to make sure you’re able to eat (it can get packed as the island’s only restaurant). They serve fresh fish like loup (sea bass) with panisses, the provencale equivalent of french fries, made with chickpea flour. The views and setting are lovely, and the food is delicious, though not inexpensive – your choice !
We highly recommend you plan a trip to Île Saint-Honorat – you can visit Cannes that same day for efficiency – and enjoy your stay with us !