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In search of enjoyable issues to do in Cannes? Catch the ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite. It’s solely a stone’s splash away.
Right here’s a information to this walkable island of seashores, mysteries, woodlands and coves.
Île Sainte Marguerite France
A part of the Lérins Islands Archipelago, Île Sainte-Marguerite is a tiny island with a hefty historical past.
A pure haven of rocky inlets, Aleppo pines, myrtle and aromatic eucalyptus, it’s solely quarter-hour by ferry from Cannes.
What Can You Do on Sainte Marguerite Island?
Whereas the island is a mere 3 km lengthy, there’s a lot to maintain you busy.
You’ll be able to swim in turquoise and sapphire water, picnic, wander the paths, or have lunch on a seaside terrace. For an enormous bang of tradition you possibly can go to the previous Fort Royal, dwelling to the Museum of the Sea.
You can too do what I did and turn out to be obsessed by the Man within the Iron Masks.
The Most Well-known Prisoner of Fort Royal – The Man within the Iron Masks
Who was the Man within the Iron Masks?
We don’t know.
We do know he was a political prisoner held within the Fort Royal jail on Île Sainte-Marguerite from 1687 to 1698. To hide his id he was pressured to put on a masks. That’s 11 lengthy years. In a masks.
And never a comfortable two-ply cotton disposable one both.
The prisoner, l’Homme au Masque de Fer, by no means caught a break. After 11 years on Sainte Marguerite he was transferred to the Bastille in Paris, and held till he died.
The world loves a juicy thriller and there are not any finish of theories about who he was – some extra outrageous than others. (The king’s secret twin brother, actually?)
Regardless of the reality, entering into his cell – and into this unusual puzzle piece of French historical past – is likely one of the most unusual issues to do on Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Though, to be trustworthy, most individuals go to Sainte-Marguerite Island merely to benefit from the nature and have a refreshing time out on the French Riviera. That’s enjoyable, too.
A part of the Lérins Islands Archipelago
Île Sainte-Marguerite, or Sainte Marguerite Island, could also be small but it surely’s the most important of the Lérins Islands, a pocket-sized archipelago made up of 4 islands and some scattered rocks off the coast of Cannes.
Sainte Marguerite is one in all two islands that may be visited by ferry. The opposite, Île Saint Honorat, is dwelling to the Lérins Abbey the place Cistercian monks nonetheless reside at present.
Each islands are a straightforward day journey from Cannes – you possibly can even go over for simply a few hours – and supply a welcome escape from the bustle of South of France cities like Good and Cannes.
Taking the Île Sainte-Marguerite Ferry From Cannes
You’ll be able to catch the ferry to Sainte Marguerite Island from the harbour, the Vieux Port. It’s on the west fringe of the port.
Attending to the Cannes Ferry Dock
You might not see the ferry terminal at first should you’re strolling from the Palais des Festivals and La Croisette. (I didn’t, however I’m directionally challenged).
It’s on the reverse finish of the harbour, nearer to the Outdated City.
If you happen to see the Radisson Blu Lodge you’re in the appropriate zone so head for the ocean.
Shopping for your Ferry Ticket:
You should purchase a Cannes Île Sainte-Marguerite ferry ticket on the ferry terminal or upfront.
If you happen to’re shopping for on the dock give your self further time as there could possibly be a lineup. Costs are round $20 USD (about 18 euros).
Skip the road and purchase your ferry ticket to Sainte Marguerite Island right here.
Ferry Schedule to Marguerite Island
Ferries go away roughly hourly, typically each half an hour, relying on season and time of day.
The primary boat to Ste Marguerite leaves Cannes at 7:30 a.m. Besides Sundays, when the primary boat is at 9:00 a.m.
The final ferry again is at 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss it, otherwise you’ll be wishing you at the least had a cell just like the Man within the Iron Masks.
Verify the complete ferry schedule right here.
Taking the boat from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite is breezy bliss. If the climate is sweet sit exterior and let the wind tug your hair as Cannes fades into the pastel distance, the Esterel Mountains behind.
Are you able to go to Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat on the identical journey?
Nope, not on the ferry. The boats are completely different. You’d need to take the ferry to 1 island, then return to Cannes and purchase a ferry ticket for the opposite. Or go for a personal tour.
(Go right here for the Saint-Honorat ferry.)
Ferry From Good to Sainte Marguerite Island
You’ll be able to go to Sainte Marguerite as a day journey from Good, too, although the Good Ste Marguerite ferry schedule is far more restricted.
In excessive season boats go away Good at 9:00 a.m. and return at 18:00 p.m. and the journey takes about an hour.
Costs from $56 USD. Verify schedule and e book tickets for the Good to Ste Marguerite ferry right here.
Arriving on Sainte Marguerite From the Ferry
Arrival on the island is straightforward peasy. You step off the ferry and begin strolling. Trails are effectively marked. Most individuals head left in direction of Fort Royal.
One other Choice – Take a Non-public Boat Tour to Each Islands
Whereas I used to be slumming it on the ferry (simply kidding, it was fairly pleasant), I noticed that lots of people go for personal boat excursions to allow them to sip wine, snorkel, paddle and sunbathe to their coronary heart’s content material.
This personal speedboat tour will get wonderful opinions and features a go to to each Sainte-Marguerite Island and Saint-Honorat Island, and hosts as much as six individuals.
Verify costs and availability for a Non-public Speedboat Tour right here.
Turbulent Historical past of the Lérins Islands
Earlier than you begin exploring, it’s useful to know a bit background in regards to the Lérins Islands archipelago.
Principally, it’s lengthy and war-ridden. Right here it’s in a nutshell.
The islands have been occupied by the Ligurians, then the Romans, and within the fifth century they got here below the possession of the Cistercian monks.
Alongside the best way there have been pirate raids, shipwrecks and a profitable assault by the Spanish in 1635. The French gained it again two years later after a 45-day siege.
In 1746 the islands have been misplaced to the Austrians and the English for a yr. And in WWII first the Italians then the Germans occupied Fort Royal.
Truthfully, for such a tranquil place, Île Sainte-Marguerite appears to have had a battle fought over each inch of it.
Île Sainte-Marguerite Issues to Do
Look Out For Historic Websites
Maintain your eye out for abandoned WWII bunkers as you tramp the paths. They’re a poignant reminder of the island’s Nazi occupation.
Don’t miss the 18th-century cannon with elaborate ornamentation (do you see the dolphin?) exterior the Fort Royal entrance.
You may additionally stumble throughout cannonball furnaces from the Napoleonic period as you discover the island.
Go to Fort Royal
Fort Royal is a one-stop store for historical past. Rising up from the cliff, this stern stone fortress dates again to the early 1600s.
For sweeping blue views stroll across the ramparts and look out over the terrace.
Verify Out the Museum of the Sea
Inside Fort Royal is the Museum of the Sea.
Right here you’ll discover artifacts excavated on the islands. Issues to see vary from fragments of Roman wall work and the traditional Roman cistern system to ceramics salvaged from Saracen shipwrecks.
There are additionally shows about marine ecology and the biodiversity of the ocean. It wasn’t an enormous spotlight for me, however that’s in all probability as a result of I used to be extra within the Man within the Iron Masks.
See the Jail of the Man With the Iron Masks
In one other part of the museum you possibly can enter the cell and think about an exhibit in regards to the Man within the Iron Masks.
I’m a sucker for romantic legends and tragic tales so this was the large lure of Fort Royal. I’m not alone.
Like Switzerland’s Prisoner of Chillon, the Man within the Iron Masks has been catnip for writers, historians and filmmakers for years.
A Celeb Prisoner
From the writing of Voltaire and Three Musketeers writer, Alexander Dumas – who perpetuated the parable the masks was iron when it was extra doubtless black velvet – to the 1998 Hollywood film The Man With the Iron Masks starring Leonardo DiCaprio, it’s a story that by no means grows previous.
Scandalous Secrets and techniques of the Man within the Iron Masks
Locked up throughout the reign of Louis XIV (the Solar King of Versailles fame), the Man within the Iron Masks was a person of some significance who was saved in pretty grand model – at the least so far as jail cells go.
He might have been Ercole Matthiole, a traitorous Italian rely; or Eustache Dauger, who snitched on his employer for stealing from the royal household.
Was he a wicked nobleman whose household paid to have him out of web site? A failed murderer? The queen’s lover? Louis XIV’s illegitimate son? Why was it so very important to cover his id?
Probably the most unlikely – however by far the most well-liked – idea is that the Man within the Iron Masks was the king’s older brother (probably a first-born twin) who, by the very nature of his existence threatened Louis XIV’s proper to the throne.
It’s limitless meals for thought and can hold your head busy as you set off to discover extra of the island.
Different Prisoners on Île Sainte-Marguerite
Earlier than you go, take a second to consider the opposite prisoners who have been confined right here, just like the six Huguenot pastors held right here for his or her non secular beliefs till their lives withered away.
On a happier be aware, you can too consider Marshal Bazaine, a French officer who was the one particular person ever to flee this grim jail.
Hike the Trails
By the point I left the museum my head was reeling and I used to be desperate to get exterior.
I used to be barely much less keen when a fats rat trundled throughout the shady path in entrance of me close to the Plateau de Milieu, the shallow channel between Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat.
That is unspoiled nature, nonetheless, and nothing might spoil my enthusiasm for lengthy, not when the solar broke via the clouds and I had 22 km of climbing trails, oak timber and scrubland of honeysuckle and wild clematis forward of me.
Go Fowl Watching at Batéguier Pond
One of many high Île Sainte-Marguerite sights is Batéguier Pond, the Étang du Batéguier, on the west aspect of the island.
A mixture of contemporary and salt water, this protected reserve is an oasis for migratory birds.
Sainte-Marguerite Seashores
A lot of the allure of this pretty Cannes island is its secluded coves and seashores.
Whereas the sandy seaside to the appropriate of the ferry dock will be crowded, the farther away you get from the jetty the higher probability you’ll have of discovering a personal French Riviera paradise.
A lot of the locations to swim on the island are small and rocky, so count on seashores extra wild than groomed.
Deliver the whole lot you want with you, as there are not any retailers. Don’t neglect a towel, sunscreen and water sneakers should you use them.
Sainte-Marguerite Island Eating places
Picnicking is a well-liked pastime on the island, and there’s are two snack bars for fast bites, however there are additionally a few Île Sainte-Marguerite eating places to select from.
Informal Eating at L’escale Restaurant
I opted to eat at L’escale, primarily as a result of I stumbled throughout it by probability.
This family-friendly restaurant isn’t low-cost, however the pizzas appeared widespread and the massive out of doors terrace has pretty views over the water.
Take be aware: L’escale fills up quick at lunch.
I wish to give a nod to the waitress as a result of, as a solo feminine traveller taking on a whole desk in a crowded restaurant, I usually really feel extra like an annoyance reasonably than a valued buyer. Not right here. Thanks, L’escale.
A Seaside-Clubby Vibe at La Guerite
Located on a rocky cove, restaurant La Guerite takes eating on St Marguerite up a notch. An enormous notch.
Mediterranean delicacies and contemporary seafood are on the menu at this energetic upscale eatery that’s been working since 1902.
There are additionally seaside loungers, and I consider they’ve a personal boat shuttle obtainable. And DJs. Wow. I want I’d needed two lunches so I might have eaten right here as effectively.
On summer season weekends La Guerite is open for dinner, so should you’re searching for romantic issues to do on Île Sainte Marguerite, hold it in thoughts.
Sainte-Marguerite Motels
Are there lodges on Île Sainte Marguerite? Er, not likely. However kind of.
CIS Cannes Youth Hostel Lodging
The previous barracks at Fort Royal is a youth-hostel-y wanting place open primarily for teams.
It’s official identify is the Worldwide Heart for Iles de Lérins de Cannes Jeunesse (CIS Cannes Youth), and so they do e book in people and households on excessive season weekends.
To examine availability contact them instantly.
Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin – Final Luxurious on Ile St Marguerite
Le Grand Jardin is the one personal property on this richly-forested Cannes island, and it’s a luxurious walled property with rental luxurious lodging.
There are 12 bedrooms and you want to lease your complete factor, not only a room.
And also you’ll in all probability wish to go by helicopter, although a personal boat would work simply as effectively. It’s good for {couples} with an entourage.
(Ben and Jennifer, are you listening? Justin and Hailey? Meghan and Prince Harry?)
Only a wee little bit of scandal for gossip lovers: The palatial property was as soon as owned by Vijay Mallya, an Indian magnate generally known as the King of Good Instances who’s now needed in India and accused of sensational monetary crimes.
Is Ste Marguerite Island Well worth the Journey?
It relies upon what you’re searching for. If you happen to’re searching for contemporary air and a extra laidback ambiance than many French Riviera locations, Ile Saint Marguerite makes a calming day journey from Cannes, Good or Antibes.
If you happen to’re searching for Ferraris and foie gras, stick with the Boulevard de la Croisette or head to Monte Carlo in Monaco as an alternative. There’s one thing for everybody within the marvellous South of France.
In Roman instances Ile Sainte-Marguerite was known as Lero. The island was most definitely renamed by the crusaders, who constructed a chapel right here devoted to Sainte Marguerite (Saint Margaret in English) of Antioch.
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