Sainte-Marguerite Island Return Boat Ticket from Cannes

The crossing from the Old Port of Cannes

Boats to Sainte-Marguerite leave from the passenger terminal on Quai Saint-Pierre, in the Old Port of Cannes, right below the hill of Le Suquet. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and is one of the most pleasant short boat rides on the French Riviera: as the boat leaves the harbour you see the old town's watchtower, the Festival Palace and the long curve of La Croisette, with the red Esterel hills rising to the west.

If you are wondering how to get to Sainte-Marguerite Island, this is the simplest way: no private cars are allowed on the island and the public boat is the main link with Cannes. Sailings are frequent in high season and fewer in winter, so check the time of the last return boat at the terminal. In July and August, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, when queues build up at the ticket gate.

Sainte-Marguerite Island: forest trails and quiet coves

Sainte-Marguerite is about 3 km long and less than 1 km wide, and most of it is a protected state forest of Aleppo pines and eucalyptus crossed by shaded, signposted trails. A loop around the island takes about two hours at an easy pace, and a botanical trail introduces the plants of the Mediterranean coast. The north shore faces Cannes and is sheltered, while the south shore looks across a narrow channel to Saint-Honorat.

The water around the island is clear and calm on most summer days, ideal for a swim from the small rocky coves or a snorkel over the seagrass meadows. Is Sainte-Marguerite Island worth visiting? For anyone who wants nature, shade and the sea within sight of Cannes, absolutely: plan at least half a day, or a full day with a picnic. Food on the island is limited to a few seasonal cafés and kiosks near the landing stage.

The Royal Fort and the Sea Museum

Just above the landing stage stands the Royal Fort, a fortress begun in the 17th century and strengthened over the following decades to guard the Bay of Cannes. Its thick walls, gateways and ramparts look over the sea to the Esterel coast and the city, and they are among the best viewpoints on the island. The fort also served as a state prison, and you can still see its austere vaulted cells, including the one that held a mysterious masked prisoner in the late 17th century.

Inside the fort, the Sea Museum displays finds from Roman and medieval shipwrecks discovered off the island, such as amphorae, pottery and ship fittings, together with remains of Roman-era buildings. Entry is not part of your boat ticket and is paid on site. The museum is usually closed on Mondays outside the summer season, so check the Royal Fort opening hours before you sail, and allow about an hour for the visit.

Saint-Honorat and the Lérins Islands

Sainte-Marguerite is the larger of the two Lérins Islands. Its smaller neighbour, Saint-Honorat, has been home to a monastic community since the 5th century and is crowned by a fortified monastery tower rising straight from the rocks. Between the two islands lies a narrow, shallow channel whose turquoise water is a favourite summer anchorage for boats from all along the coast.

Your ticket covers Sainte-Marguerite only; Saint-Honorat is served by a separate boat from Cannes. From the south shore of Sainte-Marguerite you get a lovely view of the monastery and the channel, especially in the soft light of late afternoon. The best time to visit the Lérins Islands is from May to October for swimming, while spring and autumn are quieter and perfect for a long walk under the pines.