Heritage
Fort Royal and its ramparts
Overlooking the sea, this fortress recalls the island’s military past. Its ramparts offer views across the Bay of Cannes. Stop here to discover another side of Sainte-Marguerite.
KAYAK EXPLORING · CANNES
The Lérins Islands,
two islands to explore.
Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat face each other off the coast of Cannes. One invites you to explore forests, coves and the mysteries of Fort Royal. The other reveals an abbey, chapels and waterfront vineyards. Approach their shores by kayak and take time to stop and explore.
Pointe Croisette (Palm Beach) Set off whenever you like from 9 am With or without an instructor
Explore the coast, stop for a break, and set off again at your own pace.
LANDMARKS FOR YOUR TRIP
Explore both islands.
Tap a number to discover the place. Zoom using the + and − buttons, or two fingers on your phone.
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HeritageNatureSwimmingPaths on land
Exploration map. The paths shown are on land; kayak routes and landing places are explained at the base according to the day’s conditions.
THE LARGER OF THE TWO ISLANDS
Sainte-Marguerite
An island of nature and history. Its pine and eucalyptus forests, varied shores and shaded paths invite you to combine paddling, swimming and walking. Above the coast, Fort Royal preserves the story of the Man in the Iron Mask.
Cultural visit
The museum and the Man in the Iron Mask
Inside Fort Royal, visit the mysterious prisoner’s cell and the land and underwater archaeology collections. The museum also features murals by Jean Le Gac and a Huguenot memorial. Admission is separate from kayak hire.
Nature
The forest and eucalyptus avenue
Pine and eucalyptus trees line the shaded paths of this large wooded island. The trails and botanical route invite you to leave the shore for a while and discover Mediterranean plant life.
Observation
Batéguier pond
On the west of the island, this pond is home to many birds. Depending on the season, you may spot herons, gulls and terns from the hide. A peaceful stop to watch without disturbing wildlife.
Swimming stop
Coves and beaches
The Dragon coves in the south-west, Portet cove, Maison Forestière beach and Sainte-Anne offer different settings: rocks, pebbles, sand and pine shade. Choose your stop with advice from the base and according to the day’s conditions.
Swimming · Mask and snorkel
The underwater museum
South of Sainte-Marguerite, six large faces sculpted by Jason deCaires Taylor rest at depths of 3 to 5 metres, around 100 metres from the shore. Discover them by swimming with a mask and snorkel in the designated area. Marine life now marks the sculptures, with algae and shellfish gradually covering them. Visibility depends on sea conditions.
Remembrance
Traces of history
The Muslim cemetery preserves the memory of Algerian prisoners held on the island in the 19th century. Military structures, including bunkers and cannonball furnaces marked on the official map, add to the historical visit. Please visit these places respectfully.
Discover more beneath the surface.
Plan a snorkelling stop. Masks and snorkels available at the base: 5 €.
THE ISLAND OF LÉRINS ABBEY
Saint-Honorat
Smaller Saint-Honorat has a unique atmosphere, where monastic life blends with vineyards, olive trees and coves. Its waterfront fortified monastery, chapels and paths invite you to linger.
Monastic life
Lérins Abbey and its church
Founded in the early 5th century, the abbey continues a long monastic tradition. A community of Cistercian monks still lives on the island. Visitors are welcome in the abbey church; the monks’ living quarters and cloister are not freely accessible.
Visit
The fortified monastery
Standing on the southern shore, this fortress is one of Saint-Honorat’s most recognisable landmarks. It protected the community during attacks. Now restored, it offers an insight into the history of Lérins; check the abbey’s visiting arrangements before your stop.
Heritage
Chapels along the paths
La Trinité stands out for its three-apse design. Saint-Sauveur has an unusual octagonal plan. Saint-Caprais lies at the western end, where Honorat’s companion is said to have lived as a hermit. Saint-Pierre is to the south, near the monastery. Discover these buildings as you walk; access inside depends on opening times.
Landscapes
Vineyards and olive trees
Between the pines and abbey buildings, vineyards and olive trees reflect the monks’ work. Their wines, liqueurs and island products are sold in the shop. Enjoy the cultivated scenery from the paths and respect the plots.
Military history
The old cannonball furnaces
At the ends of the island, these structures heated cannonballs before they were fired at enemy ships. They bear witness to the archipelago’s defensive role.
Swimming stop
Coves and Fort beach
To the north, Port beach faces Sainte-Marguerite. The Tonnelle and Saint-Sauveur coves offer a pause near the paths. To the south, the pebbled Fort beach looks towards the islet of Saint-Ferréol.
Walk
The coastal path
A walk along the island’s paths connects its chapels, coves and monastic landscapes. Enjoy the peace and sea views while respecting the tranquillity of this inhabited place.
AT YOUR OWN PACE
Plan your adventure.
Before you set off, we recommend a route suited to your hire option, ability and the weather. Reaching Sainte-Marguerite takes around 15 minutes from the base in good conditions; this varies with the wind, sea and your paddling pace.
The places shown are ideas to explore, not a fixed itinerary. Visiting both islands and every monument takes time: choose your stops and allow time to return. Visits on land and monument admission are separate from hire.
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
Practical information.
Depart from Palm Beach
Meet us at Pointe Croisette (Palm Beach) in Cannes, under the yellow and black tent. Set off when you like from 9 am within your hire period, subject to availability and weather. Respect the return time given at the base.
Download directions
With or without an instructor
Explore independently by kayak after the briefing, or request a trip with a state-qualified instructor. For guided trips and groups, contact the base to arrange your outing.
Equipment provided
Single or double kayak, paddles, buoyancy aid and waterproof barrel are included. The briefing covers the route, paddling instructions and the day’s conditions. The kayaks are stable and suitable for beginners.
What to bring
Water, sun protection, a hat, a towel and a change of clothes. Bring a picnic if you want lunch on an island, and shoes for walks on land. Keep delicate belongings in the waterproof barrel.
Swimming and exploring on foot
Stop and land at the places indicated by the base. Wear your buoyancy aid while paddling and follow the briefing. If bringing children, mention them when booking so suitable equipment can be provided; they must be able to swim.
Protecting the islands
Take all your rubbish back to the mainland. Stay on paths, respect cultivated land and the abbey’s tranquillity. Watch wildlife without disturbing it and protect the seabed, especially seagrass meadows.
Where can I eat and how should I plan a cultural visit?
Bring a picnic and use the designated areas. Sainte-Marguerite has restaurants; La Tonnelle welcomes visitors on Saint-Honorat. Check opening times and book directly if needed. For Fort Royal, the museum and the fortified monastery, consult the official sites below: times, access and prices may vary. The abbey’s private areas are reserved for the community.
KAYAK HIRE
Choose your hire option.
| Hire option | Price | Groups of 5 or more |
|---|---|---|
| Full day | 35 € | 30 € |
| Half-day · 4 hours | 30 € | 25 € |
| Sunset | 25 € | 20 € |
For a guided trip, contact us to discuss supervision and prices. Departures are subject to weather conditions.
Find out more: official sites and our kayak information
Find out about the monuments and plan your stops with the City of Cannes, Cannes Tourism and Lérins Abbey. Information consulted on 8 October 2026.
- Kayak Évasion
- Kayak Îles de Lérins
- Cannes Tourism · Sainte-Marguerite
- Cannes Tourism · Saint-Honorat
- Cannes Tourism · Island beaches
- City of Cannes · Fort Royal Museum
- City of Cannes · Underwater museum
- City of Cannes · Sainte-Marguerite map
- City of Cannes · History of the Muslim cemetery
- Lérins Abbey · Day visitors
- Lérins Abbey · Chapels
- Lérins Abbey · Fortified monastery