By Bede Halsey
Just a short, discrete cruise from the bustling, high-octane heart of Cannes lies a pair of islands that offer a total spiritual and natural counterpoint to the city’s electric energy: Les Îles de Lérins. Consisting of the larger Île Sainte-Marguerite and the smaller, more contemplative Île Saint-Honorat, these islands are essential for any South of France Yacht Charter itinerary seeking refuge and historical depth without sacrificing convenience. They stand as silent sentinels at the gateway to the bay, preserving a heritage that spans nearly two millennia, offering a rare opportunity to step off the yacht and into a world governed by ancient rhythms and protected flora.
Sainte-Marguerite is dominated by the imposing Fort Royal, famously the prison of the legendary “Man in the Iron Mask.” A visit to the museum within the fort provides a fascinating cultural excursion, where history feels tangible within the cold stone walls. However, for those seeking the island’s natural soul, the true draw is its vast pine and eucalyptus forest. The scent of the trees, intensified by the Mediterranean sun, fills the air as you wander through crisscrossed walking paths leading to secluded coves. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, particularly in the shallow, turquoise channel known as the Plateau du Milieu, are perfect for a quiet morning swim or a paddleboarding session before the afternoon day-trippers arrive from the mainland. The island serves as a green lung for the region, where the only sounds are the cicadas and the distant hum of the sea.
The true sanctuary, however, is Île Saint-Honorat. This island has been continuously inhabited by Cistercian monks for over 1,600 years, and the Abbaye de Lérins remains a vibrant, active monastery today. The monks maintain a vow of silence in many areas of the island, which contributes to its palpable sense of peace. They are also world-renowned for producing exceptional wines and liqueurs from their meticulously tended vineyards, which cover most of the island’s interior. These wines, often served at the highest levels of French diplomacy, are a testament to the monks’ dedication and the island’s unique terroir.
Charterers can anchor in the protected waters between the islands, visit the ancient monastic fortifications—some of which rise directly out of the sea—and enjoy a private tasting of the unique Lérins wines within the monastery grounds. The island also features a series of small chapels and shrines tucked away in the woods, offering spots for quiet reflection. Cruising between these two islands, one can effortlessly transition from the high-glamour, star-studded environment of Cannes to a place of ancient quiet and profound natural beauty. It is a reminder that the greatest escapes in the South of France are sometimes the closest ones, hidden in plain sight just off the coast of its most famous cities.
