Board the ferry at Nice's port in the morning and cruise out onto the Mediterranean Sea toward the Lérins Islands. Your destination: Ile Sainte-Marguerite, the largest island in the archipelago, known for its lush vegetation, heavily wooded forests and the legendary fortress prison, Fort Royal.
Enjoy beautiful views across the French Riviera during your 1-hour crossing. Disembark on the island and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. All activities and purchases are at your own expense.
Well-marked walking trails criss-cross the entire island, taking visitors on a botanical and historical discovery. Pine and eucalyptus fragrances dominate these lovely hikes, suitable for most fitness levels.
Enter the Fort Royal, a fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century when the islands were under their control. Legend has it that the notorious 'Man in the Iron Mask' prisoner was held here in the late 1600s. Today the Fort Royal is home to a maritime museum, whose wealth of archaeological finds includes 1st-century murals, contents from a 10th-century Saracen shipwreck and many pieces from the Roman era, offering insight into Ile Sainte-Marguerite’s ancient history.
Perhaps pay a visit to the Méditerranoscope, a marine study center dedicated to protecting the marine life beneath the waves around the Lérins Islands. Stroll to the Batéguier pond to see tons of migratory bird species, or head to the Point de la Convention, showcasing a range of unique plant species that have made a home on Ile Sainte-Marguerite.
There are two restaurants on the island for lunch and two sandwich kiosks for a light snack. In the early evening, re-board the ferry for the 1-hour cruise back to Nice.
See Availability.
Trans Côte d’Azur, Quai Lunel, 06300 Nice, France
09:00 AM
10 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Drinks are available to purchase on board; no bathroom facilities on the ferry
Wheelchair accessible
Be sure to check exact ferry return times before you depart from Nice in the morning as the timetable can change according to the time of year
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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 300 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Laura_F
Great experience in a very beautiful place. The ferry was quite full so make sure to arrive early to get seats!
Not recommended for people with mobility issues as the island requires quite a bit of walking to explore.
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Posted On : 2023-09-08
Posted By : Ruth_C
Great trip, fort is cool with great history stories. Lovely quiet walks Criss cross the island. Nice little spot for some refreshments overlooking the bay.
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Posted On : 2023-08-02
Posted By : AllanVig_N
We just spend the day in the water. Some of the clearest end nicest swims for a long time. And the beach had plenty of shade to retreat to during the hottest hours middag.
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Posted On : 2023-07-19
Posted By : Nicole_C
The Ferry arrived on time, was clean & the staff was delightful. There were bathroom facilities as soon as you leave the port. There were fresh baked good & snacks along with a wide assortment of alcoholic & non alcoholic beverages. The price was affordable. The entire experience (my 3rd time) was awesome.
The island is an amazing day drip that you should do at least 1 time in your life.
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Posted On : 2022-09-07
Posted By : Mhamed N
no information was given as to what is going to happen and what to expect. nothing much is in the Ile. really a waist of time even the people that serve you a coffer in the Ile are so angry .
the experience is just not for a couple its good for young kids just not a luxury and not for a couple.
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Posted On : 2018-07-21
Posted By : DJoChan
Cruise was cancelled without any reason. When we went to get refund (5th July,2018, around 5-30pm at QUAI LUNEL, Nice) the lady at the counter was so rude, unprofessional and condescending.
We were not there for a free trip. The cruise was cancelled by you WITHOUT ANY REASON CITED TO US!! The least we could expect was courteous behavior.
I have no words to describe how sour a taste, this whole experience left me with.
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Posted On : 2018-07-08
Posted By : OsvaldGeorg_E
niceplace to hike, out in the busy city , relax on the sea breeze :-
Posted By : Mihaita N
The only disappointing part is that 6 hours is not enough to spend in Monaco. There's plenty to do and see there. The boat trip itself is also great, going pretty close to the marvelous coastline.
Posted By : Anita_T
Le service, l’équipage du navire sont excellent , c’était exactement à l’heure,
La vue est magnifique !
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Posted On : 2022-08-12
Posted By : ors8potta
Siamo partiti col traghetto dal porto di Cannes, parte ogni ora.
Le isole sono verdi molto belle si girano facilmente ma i sentieri soprattutto quelli in torno alla fortezza non sono segnalati benissimo. Noi abbiamo imboccato un sentiero che faceva il giro delle mura ma siamo dovuti tornare indietro perché dopo un km circa ci siamo trovati davanti ad una rampa di scale e col passeggino era un po' difficile. Per il resto bella pulita belle calette tranquille dove rilassarsi. Noi siamo andati di lunedì e il museo purtroppo era chiuso, abbiamo fatto un giro dentro le mura, molto interessante l'iniziativa di fare ristrutturare tutto dai ragazzi ( supervisionati naturalmente). Ci torneremo per vedere il museo.
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Posted On : 2022-04-22
