Ile Sainte Marguerite Beach
An island with a mixture of rocky coves and sandy beaches
Ile Sainte Marguerite may not have ice cream shops and parasols all over the place but it has far more character and hidden charms than your average beach, with its bright blue water, fragrant forests, cool breezes, and smugglers coves.
The beaches nearest to the port are the busiest and the further you walk, the fewer people there are. None of the beaches are very big, so they don’t get too crowded and some require a bit of scrambling to get to which deters some of the crowds.
Access to the island is limited to boats, so there are many private yachts and dinghies bobbing about nearby; there is even a floating drinks bar that does laps of the island, just wave to the captain and he’ll bring it as close to shore as he can while you wade out to grab an ice cold can.
There are two restaurants on the island, including the seafood restaurant La Guerite, or you can always stock up at the Provençal market and take a picnic.
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Setting & Location
The beaches on Ile Sainte Marguerite are tucked away in the curves of the twisting shoreline, waiting to be discovered. Paths leading through the sweet-smelling pine forests bring you to different parts of the small island.
Water Safety & Clarity
The sea here is fascinating; almost a mosaic of every shade of blue. Rocks, seaweed and plants beneath the surface create different shades and patterns that are so brightly coloured as to almost look unreal.
Beach Quality
The beaches themselves are a mix of rocky coves, sandy bays and some a strange kind of wood-chip. They all have fabulous views either of the other island, Ile Saint Honorat, or of the Cannes to Antibes coastline.
There is apparently also a nudist beach here but it is not signposted and, happily, we have not yet stumbled across it - maybe ask at the port if you want to seek it out.
Watersports Nearby
Directions
Access to the island is only by boat. There is a ferry from Cannes to Ile Sainte-Marguerite, and several boat trips will take you to the island and may even include a stop off for some snorkelling or kayaking.
Villas nearby
Villas in Cannes
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Thea Villa, Agay
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
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Hsud0057 Villa
Holiday rentals Mougins: 9 km from the Palais de Festivals and the Croisette, in the municipality of Mougins, beautiful villa located on a plot of 1700m² in the heart of a residential area.
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Hsud0018 Villa
Located in the commune of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, 500m from the beach and 9 km from Cannes, this sumptuous building is unique in its kind, classified as a "remarkable residence".
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Mas Du Duc Villa, Grasse
Mas Du Duc is a maison provençale of true beauty with its exquisite views. When you step through its private gates, greeted with the scent of citrus trees, lavender and rosemary you will soon discover its elegant style. Close to Grasse and only a short drive from the French Riviera and the beaches of Cannes, this extraordinary villa will amaze you in every way.
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Hsud0041 Villa, Les Adrets-de-l´Esterel
In the town of Adrets, in a domain 15 minutes from the beaches, comfortable new villa situated on a 3000m² terraced plot with a beautiful sea view.
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Hsud0120 Villa, Le Cannet
Villa just 3 km from Cannes in the town of Le Cannet, with a beautiful sea view.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Cannes
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Splendid Hotel
Exceptional view of the sea, the Bay of Cannes, Iles de Lérins, and the old quarter Le Suquet. Ideally situated, at the start of La Croisette, just steps from luxury shopping and beaches of golden sand.
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Belles Rives Hotel, Juan les Pins
Hôtel Belles Rives, a historic Art Deco gem, offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Cap d’Antibes, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning seaside views.
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Le Canberra Hotel
Ideally located in the heart of Cannes on Rue d’Antibes, Hôtel Le Canberra is a stylish four-star retreat just steps from the famous Croisette.
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Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
Price: €4,490
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Croisette Prestige Apartment Residence
Perfectly located in the heart of Rue d'Antibes, the Cannes Croisette Prestige residential hotel offers a prime spot in central Cannes. Just a short stroll from the Croisette and its beaches, it’s also only 10 minutes on foot from the Palais des Congrès.
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Cannes Villa St Barth Hotel
This modern, spacious guest house combines the comforts and facilities of a four-star hotel with the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of a high-end guest house.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Cannes
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Motorbike hire
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Club des Dauphins Swimming School
Based in the public beach of Bijou Plage in Cannes, this swimming school on the Côte d'Azur has been in operation since 1962 and is led by Thierry, a fully qualified skiing, swimming and fitness instructor.
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Taste of Cannes Vespa Tour
Follow your guide and discover the famous French Riviera city of Cannes, riding the iconic Vespa scooter.
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Countryside & Wine Tasting Tour, from Cannes
Sit back and relax on this guided tour of the French Riviera and its countryside.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Cannes
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Le Roof Restaurant
Le Roof at Hotel Five Seas combines refined gastronomy, breathtaking views, and a welcoming atmosphere. From gourmet breakfasts to creative lunches, the restaurant offers a range of exceptional dining experiences. The Lounge Bar is a perfect spot for cocktail lovers, offering signature drinks and a chic, trendy setting.
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La Table du Chateau Restaurant
The Château de la Tour feels like a private residence, offering an intimate and refined experience. With Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, Chef Didier Anies, at the helm, the restaurant is a true destination for elegance, creativity and exceptional cuisine - unique in Cannes.
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La Plage 45 Beach Club
Just a short walk through the hotel garden and you can sink your feet into the soft white sand of the Grand Hotel's private beach, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
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La Plage du Martinez
La Plage du Martinez blends relaxed elegance with gourmet flair, offering Mediterranean dishes by Chef Jean Imbert in a stunning seafront setting.
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Carlton Beach Club
Soak up the sunshine and sea breeze over lunch at the Carlton Beach Club, where local flavours, fresh ingredients and a touch of French Dolce Vita come together by the water’s edge.
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Fouquet's Restaurant
Le Fouquet's at the Hôtel Le Majestic combines Parisian charm with culinary excellence, led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. A timeless spot for culture and cuisine lovers in Cannes.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Cannes
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Carlton Bar
Whether you’re after a timeless classic or a custom-made creation, the bar’s mixologist will craft your perfect drink with care and creativity.
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Fouquet's Bar
Bar Fouquet’s, located on the iconic Croisette, offers a glamorous setting where you can enjoy expertly crafted signature cocktails by Emanuele Balestra. Perfect for socialising and unwinding, this contemporary space combines stylish surroundings with refreshing drinks and delightful treats.
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Cafe Agnelli Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
A fun, hip and affordable option open for lunch and dinner. With chic decor and lots of outdoor tables, this place really buzzes in the summer.
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L'Experience Bar
This small bar serves cocktails, wines and beers from unique wineries and breweries. They also have some savoury nibbles on offer.
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L'Enoteca Restaurant
With an authentic French feel you will find yourself sitting in this cellar bar surrounded by wine, cheese, paintings by local artists, hanging hams and good food!
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Baoli Nightclub
A magical place offering food, music and dancing under the palm trees and stars…while perhaps looking at some film stars too.
Sights nearby
Sights in Cannes
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Musee de la Mer, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
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Fort Royal Museum, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
In 1617, the Duke of Guise gave Jean de Bellon the task of building a fort intended to block sea access to Cannes. Constructed between 1624 and 1627 on the site of remains that dated back to Roman antiquity, at the time it was nothing more than a simple fortified house.
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Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
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St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church
Set within the affluent residential area of Quartier de la Californie, is the pretty Church of Saint Michael the Archangel.
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St George's Church
To the west of the town centre is the church of Saint George, built in a typically English Neo-Gothic style.
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Promenade de la Croisette
The Promenade de la Croisette is the true heart of Cannes. Under the shade of pine and palm trees, this boardwalk stretches for over three kilometres. A great place to soak up the sun and the sea breeze while you check out the best luxury shops and hotels.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Cannes
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
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Opio Valbonne Golf Course, Opio
Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.
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Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
The route goes up and down hills through pines and cork oaks, shrubs and flowers, with large undulating greens and meets the expectations of any golfer.
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Golf Course de la Grande Bastide, Opio
Situated between Nice and Cannes, the Grande Bastide golf course is in one of the beautiful parts of the Côte d’Azur.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Cannes
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Ile Sainte Marguerite
The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.
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Ile de Saint Honorat, Lerins Islands
The island of Saint Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lerins islands. Its main attraction is the monastery, a wonderful stone building well worth a visit.
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Vallauris Golfe-Juan
The commune is known as Vallauris Golfe-Juan, combining the traditional charm of the pottery capital of the Riviera, Vallauris, which sits inland, with the seaside resort and sandy beaches of Golfe-Juan.
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Juan Les Pins
Located just west of the old town of Antibes, Juan Les Pins is a seaside resort with beautiful sandy beaches, independent boutiques and a good selection of lively restaurants, bars and hotels.
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Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes
Mougins covers a large swathe of hillside above Cannes, and this is where the smart money lives - luxurious villas and exquisite gardens dot the landscape, just close enough to enjoy Cannes, but far enough away to avoid the craziness.
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Biot
Biot is a lovely picturesque old town located up in the hills of Antibes. This medieval town is full of culture, history and art.