Board the ferry at Cannes port at your chosen departure time. Just a short 15-minute ferry ride off the French Riviera coast, Ile Sainte-Marguerite forms part of the Lérins Islands archipelago in the Golfe de la Napoule, and offers a heady blend of culture, history and nature.
When you arrive, step off the ferry, breathe in fragrant scents of pine and eucalyptus and head off to begin exploring independently. Pick a hiking trail — well-marked trails cover the island — and traverse dense forests for a botanical discovery. Or simply stroll to the Batéguier pond to spot migratory birds, or Point de la Convention to appreciate a range of unique plant species that call Ile Sainte-Marguerite home.
No trip to the island is complete without a visit to the Fort Royal, a former prison fortress built by Spanish invaders in the 17th century. Here is where the notorious 'Man in the Iron Mask' is said to have been imprisoned. Today the fortress finds new use as a maritime museum, with a wealth of archaeological finds that include 1st-century murals, artifacts from a 10th-century Saracen shipwreck and even Roman–era ceramics.
Another option is the Méditerranoscope marine research center, which works to protect the diverse sea life in the waters around the Lérins Islands. If you get hungry, you can choose from two restaurants and two sandwich kiosks. Or bring a picnic!
Ferries run regularly between Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Cannes, so when you’re ready to head back to the mainland, hop aboard for the short crossing back to port.
See Availability.
Cannes - Île Sainte-Marguerite, 06400 Cannes, France
15 minutes(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Drinks can be purchased on board; there are no bathroom facilities on the ferry
Be sure to check exact ferry departure and return times before your trip; the last departure from Ile Sainte-Marguerite to Cannes varies depending on the time of year (5pm in winter, 6pm in spring and autumn and 6:30pm in summer)
From Fall until Spring, the Royal Fort and Museum is closed on Mondays
From November to April, all restaurants are closed on the Island
No PCR or No Health pass needed to get on board
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Dominic_S
The app was easy to use, with good deals on offer. When I needed to change the date for my trip, I could do it without any fuss.
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Posted On : 2024-05-01
Posted By : Annette_B
The island is beautiful and the fort is worth a visit to learn the story of the man in the iron mask’s stay here. Our young grandchildren loved it. Lunch near the water is simply lovely at the local restaurant.
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Posted On : 2024-04-06
Posted By : Joe_A
The instructions given in the text message were incorrect and we never found the embarcation point. We used the map link on their website and it took us to a vacant end of the jetty. When I called to get directions, the person on the phone was unable to solve the problem. We missed the ferry completely. I would not ever recommend booking this through viator. If you can find the ferry office, you can book the fare yourself and save the fees.
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Posted On : 2024-01-01
Posted By : Himanshu_G
The staff is really supportive and helpful. Their policies are also really good. Its was really good to book with them.
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Posted On : 2023-12-27
Posted By : Madison_R
The ferry was on time and very easy to find from where our cruise ship docked. Before getting on the ferry, the help desk was able to get us a map in English. All of the signage around the old fort explaining the history was in French only. We bought a sandwich lunch on the island. If you are wanting to snorkel, you will have to bring that stuff with you as there is no where to rent the stuff from the island.
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Posted On : 2023-10-15
Posted By : Cheryl_G
Great mini trip from Cannes. The boat ride was enjoyable. The views were incredible. The old fort was interesting as well as the museum. Enjoyed walking the trails to the beach.
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Posted On : 2023-09-04
Posted By : fakeplasticsapling
The boat is clean and comfortable and the ferry staff are helpful and courteous. The ferry trip is a short crossing but presents a fabulous view of the bay. The island has some beautiful natural features and pine and Eucalyptus aromas. Lots of options for swimming and snorkelling although the beaches are busy. My only complaint is the island signposting is not very helpful so its best to plan ahead and make sure you have a paper map or access to a map on your phone to make the best use of your time. 4G mobile signal is good on the island. The "underwater museum" is 84m from the shore, so for confident swimmers only. The restaurants are "exclusive" and overpriced IMHO so either take a packed lunch or be prepared to pay top euro.
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Posted On : 2023-08-15
Posted By : simonandreass
It was a fantastic trip to the island Ste Marguerite. Lovely nature and a interesting museum in Fort royale. That is a must!
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Posted On : 2023-08-12
Posted By : Jok_A
Efficient and exciting way to get to Ste Marguerite. The process of picking up the ticket was smooth. Get there early if you want a good seat on the ferry.
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Posted On : 2023-07-27
Posted By : Oliver_Z
Easy booking method, friendly and knowledgeable staff, comfortable boat ride, very punctual. The meeting point or collection point for tickets was not clearly marked. We spent a bit of time walking around the marina trying to find the tickets kiosk. A brief description of directions and landmarks on the booking site would have helped.
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Posted On : 2023-07-25
