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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 may 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 For an enormous bang of tradition you possibly can go to the outdated Fort Royal, house to the Museum of the Sea.
You too can do what I did and turn into 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 identification 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 aren’t any finish of theories about who he was – some extra outrageous than others. (The king’s secret twin brother, actually?)
Regardless of the reality, getting into his cell – and into this unusual puzzle piece of French historical past – is likely one of the most original issues to do on Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Though, to be sincere, most individuals go to Sainte-Marguerite Island merely to benefit from the nature and have a refreshing day trip 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 however it’s the biggest 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 every of two islands that may be visited by ferry. The opposite, Île Saint Honorat, is house 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 may 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 could not see the ferry terminal at first if you happen to’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 Previous City.
When you see the Radisson Blu Lodge you’re in the fitting zone so head for the ocean.
Shopping for your Ferry Ticket:
You should buy a Cannes Île Sainte-Marguerite ferry ticket on the ferry terminal or prematurely.
When you’re shopping for on the dock give your self additional time as there may very well 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 depart roughly hourly, generally 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 a minimum of had a cell just like the Man within the Iron Masks.
Verify the total ferry schedule right here.
Taking the boat from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite is breezy bliss. If the climate is sweet sit outdoors 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 should take the ferry to at least one island, then return to Cannes and purchase a ferry ticket for the opposite. Or go for a non-public tour.
(Go right here for the Saint-Honorat ferry.)
Ferry From Good to Sainte Marguerite Island
You may 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 depart 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 guide tickets for the Good to Ste Marguerite ferry right here.
Arriving on Sainte Marguerite From the Ferry
Arrival on the island is simple peasy. You step off the ferry and begin strolling. Trails are properly marked. Most individuals head left in the 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 non-public boat excursions to allow them to sip wine, snorkel, paddle and sunbathe to their coronary heart’s content material.
This non-public speedboat tour will get wonderful evaluations 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 of background concerning the Lérins Islands archipelago.
Principally, it’s lengthy and war-ridden. Right here it’s in a nutshell.
The islands had been occupied by the Ligurians, then the Romans, and within the fifth century they got here underneath 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 received it again two years later after a 45-day siege.
In 1746 the islands had been misplaced to the Austrians and the English for a yr. And in WWII first the Italians then the Germans occupied Fort Royal.
Actually, 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
Preserve 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?) outdoors the Fort Royal entrance.
You might also 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 most likely 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 look at an exhibit concerning 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 Superstar Prisoner
From the writing of Voltaire and Three Musketeers writer, Alexander Dumas – who perpetuated the parable the masks was iron when it was extra possible 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 outdated.
Scandalous Secrets and techniques of the Man within the Iron Masks
Locked up in the course of 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 stored in pretty grand type – a minimum of so far as jail cells go.
He might have been Ercole Matthiole, a traitorous Italian depend; 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 identification?
Probably the most unlikely – however by far the preferred – concept is that the Man within the Iron Masks was the king’s older brother (presumably a first-born twin) who, by the very nature of his existence threatened Louis XIV’s proper to the throne.
It’s countless meals for thought and can maintain 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 had 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 word, you too can consider Marshal Bazaine, a French officer who was the one individual 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 wanting to get outdoors.
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, nevertheless, 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 bushes and scrubland of honeysuckle and wild clematis forward of me.
Go Hen Watching at Batéguier Pond
One of many prime Île Sainte-Marguerite points of interest 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 attraction of this beautiful Cannes island is its secluded coves and seashores.
Whereas the sandy seashore to the fitting of the ferry dock might be crowded, the farther away you get from the jetty the higher probability you’ll have of discovering a non-public French Riviera paradise.
Many of the locations to swim on the island are small and rocky, so anticipate seashores extra wild than groomed.
Convey the whole lot you want with you, as there aren’t any outlets. Don’t overlook a towel, sunscreen and water footwear if you happen to 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 regarded widespread and the big outside terrace has beautiful views over the water.
Take word: 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 complete desk in a crowded restaurant, I usually really feel extra like an annoyance somewhat 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 vigorous upscale eatery that’s been operating since 1902.
There are additionally seashore loungers, and I consider they’ve a non-public boat shuttle accessible. And DJs. Wow. I want I’d wished two lunches so I might have eaten right here as properly.
On summer season weekends La Guerite is open for dinner, so if you happen to’re in search of romantic issues to do on Île Sainte Marguerite, maintain it in thoughts.
Sainte-Marguerite Accommodations
Are there resorts on Île Sainte Marguerite? Er, probably not. However form of.
CIS Cannes Youth Hostel Lodging
The outdated 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), they usually do guide in people and households on excessive season weekends.
To test availability contact them straight.
Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin – Final Luxurious on Ile St Marguerite
Le Grand Jardin is the one non-public property on this richly-forested Cannes island, and it’s a luxurious walled property with rental luxurious lodging.
There are 12 bedrooms and it’s worthwhile to lease all the factor, not only a room.
And also you’ll most likely wish to go by helicopter, although a non-public boat would work simply as properly. It’s excellent 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 referred to as the King of Good Instances who’s now wished in India and accused of sensational monetary crimes.
Is Ste Marguerite Island Definitely worth the Journey?
It relies upon what you’re in search of. When you’re looking for contemporary air and a extra laidback ambiance than many French Riviera locations, Ile Saint Marguerite makes a soothing day journey from Cannes, Good or Antibes.
When you’re looking for Ferraris and foie gras, keep on with the Boulevard de la Croisette or head to Monte Carlo in Monaco as a substitute. There’s one thing for everybody within the marvellous South of France.
In Roman instances Ile Sainte-Marguerite was referred to as Lero. The island was almost 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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