Ile de Saint Honorat, Lerins Islands
An island steeped in history and wine just off the Côte d'Azur coastline
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.
This island is less touristy than its neighbour Sainte Marguerite. The only occupants are monks that have lived on the island since the 5th century in their very own medieval abbey.
Only 15 minutes by boat, this is a pleasant place to explore and walk to around the pine forest or have a swim in the clear blue water.
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- History & Culture in Saint Tropez
- Sights & Attractions in Saint Tropez
- Beaches in Saint Tropez
- Dining in Saint Tropez
- Events in Saint Tropez
- Things to do in Saint Tropez
- Cycling in Saint Tropez
- Hiking in Saint Tropez
- Yachts & Sailing in Saint Tropez
- Watersports in Saint Tropez
- Families in Saint Tropez
- Villas in Saint Tropez
- Campsites in Saint Tropez
- How to get to Saint Tropez
History & Culture in Saint Tropez
The island of Saint Honorat sits in the bay of Cannes, in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The history of this lush island is over 1,600 years, with the first monastic community settling there is 405 AD, under the guidance of Saint Honoratus and his companions. Today, 21 Cistercian monks live on the island, continuing the monastic tradition they live modestly whilst undertaking the production of wines and spirits.
The vineyard itself dates back to the Middle Ages, although it is believed to have existed previously for the purposes of the Eucharist. But it was not until the 1990's that the vineyards were revived professionally.
For the sake of preserving the balance of the island's ecosystem, the community of monks use no herbicide and the salt deposited by the sea breezes allows natural cleaning. Each year, the grapes are pampered, trimmed, de-budded and harvested entirely by hand.
Sights & Attractions in Saint Tropez
The main attraction on the Island is the Abbaye de Lerins, a monastic community with a long and interesting history. You can also explore the vineyards of the winery; try a sample of these wines and maybe buy a bottle or two! The 15th century fortified monastery is a must-see attraction: climb up to the top for brilliant views and a sense of the peace and beauty of this gentle, historic isle.
Beaches in Saint Tropez
Beaches in Cannes
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Ile Sainte Marguerite Beach
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.
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Port Palm Beach
Tucked away on the western side of Pointe Croisette, Palm Beach is a quiet and relaxed public beach with a great view and plenty of watersports activity.
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Gazagnaire Plage Beach, Gazagnaire
A public beach flanked by Le Moure Rouge beach and marina to the east and the Cap de la Croisette to the west. Being in a residential neighbourhood it attracts a very local crowd.
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Bijou Plage (Port Canto) Beach
Situated just past Port Canto and before Palm Beach, this is one of two completely non-smoking beaches in the Cannes area (the other being Plage des Rochers at Cannes La Bocca).
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Le Moure Rouge Plage Beach, Gazagnaire
A long and narrow stretch of sand on Cannes' eastern most beach and coastal area. Quiet and relaxed, this beach is a favourite with locals as there are no large hotels nearby.
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Plage Zamenhof Beach, Port Canto
Shallow waters, sandy beach and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach club. There are two municipal run beaches along the Croisette, Plage Zamenhof to the east and Plage Mace to the west.
Dining in Saint Tropez
There is one restaurant on the island, La Tonnelle, and as it happens, it's excellent. It's only open for lunch; make sure you book ahead.
Events in Saint Tropez
Events in Cannes
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Cannes, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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International Air Festival, Fréjus
120 hectares of aerial ballets, 30,000 visitors, 100 kite flyers, 18 countries, free workshops, and a hot air balloon area.
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Les Régates Royales
Since 1929, the Régates Royales has been organising numerous sailing regattas throughout the month of September in Cannes. Thousands of crews take to the water each year in up to 150 yachts.
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Swimrun weekend
This team sport is based on two persons travelling through nature and time, completely dependent on each other. The team alternates between running and swimming along a premarked course in nature. It can be between islands or between lakes
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Roc d'Azur mountain bike event, Fréjus
The number one mountain bike event in the world, there are a large number of courses on offer, from those especially tailored for children and families, to relay races or tough long trials, and even a triathlon.
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Marathon des Alpes Maritimes Nice-Cannes
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
Things to do in Saint Tropez
The Abbaye also runs their own cruises to and from the island and have various options for catered cruises and private functions depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.
You can walk around this small island in around two hours, enjoying the smell of pine forest, the stony beaches and the gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. Have a look at our walking guide. You might spot pheasants walking across the forest floor, or come across one of the ancient chapels that have fallen into disrepair over the centuries of religious settlement, (bring walking shoes as the paths can be rough). Have a picnic, swim, clamber over rockpools and snorkel in the shallows. Enjoy the peace and beauty: this island is a perfect escape to the glitz and buzz of nearby Cannes.
Things To Do in Saint Tropez
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Saint-Tropez & Port Grimaud Tour, from Cannes
Experience some of the gems of the French Riviera.
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Bandol & Riviera Wine Tours, Riviera / Cote d'Azur
A day of vineyards in the beautiful surroundings of the French Riviera at the prestigious domaines of the Bellet AOC and Cote de Provence in the Gulfe of Saint Tropez and Cannes.
Cycling in Saint Tropez
Cycling Routes in Cannes
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Cannes to Nice via Antibes
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
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Antibes to Saint Raphael Cycling Route
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
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Cannes to Saint Raphael
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
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Hiking in Saint Tropez
Walking Routes in Cannes
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Ile Saint-Honorat
The small island off the coast of Cannes was uninhabited until Saint Honoratus founded a monastery on it sometime around the year 410. The island has seen many invaders who over the years have driven out and even massacred the monks, but they have returned and today the island is home to 30 Cistercian monks.
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Ile Saint-Marguerite
A 15 minute boat ride from Cannes brings you to the small island of St. Marguerite. With dense woodland covering most of the island there is plenty of shade.
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Circuit de l'Aiguille
A short walk with a small climb taking in the best the bay has to offer. Towering red rocks, deep vegetation and crashing blue waves make this walk a must for all the family.
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Circuit de Cordula
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
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Crete des Grues
Nestled in the alpine foothills of Grasse, this walk takes you from the coast to the top of Grosses Grues 440m. Climbing through vegetation, along rivers, over volcanic formations and past large oak trees, this walk has a lot to offer someone wanting a taste of the outdoors.
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Circuit de l'Esquillon
Steep cliffs and secret beaches line the coast around Col de l'Esquillon. This walk takes you up into the hills where you can gaze at the surrounding landscape with uninterrupted views of the coast and the hills inland.
Yachts & Sailing in Saint Tropez
Watersports in Saint Tropez
Watersports in Cannes
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Seafirst
Kayak hire and trips on offer to discover the beautiful coastline of the Cote d'Azur by sea kayak, leaving from Palm Beach on the Cap de la Croisette near Cannes.
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Cannes Stand Up Paddle
You can rent your stand up paddle board from half an hour up to a week at a time, perfect to liven up a cruise around the Mediterranean. Their nearby surf shop also sells all kinds of gear related to surf, windsurfing and paddle-boarding.
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Yacht Club de Cannes
Founded in 1963, the Yacht Club is a racing school which gives lessons to adults and children to help them become winners!
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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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Easy Dive School
Easy Dive is a diving centre and shop in Cannes. There are a range of different courses for all levels from complete beginner to advanced and instructor courses.
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Association Cannes Jeunesse Water Sports Centre
With two locations, one in Cannes and another one on Île Ste Marguerite, this association organises sailing, sea kayaking and wind surfing courses throughout the year.
Families in Saint Tropez
Villas in Saint Tropez
Villas in Cannes
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Hsud0040 Villa
This is a unique villa facing the sea in the heart of Cannes, in the very chic area called Palm Beach.
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Boulevard de la Croisette Villa
Modern design villa for rent in the famous Croisette in Cannes at only 20 minutes walking distance from the Congress centre and 2 minutes from the beaches.
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Modern Villa
This Stunning Modern villa offers 6 bedrooms and a staff bedroom, along with panoramic sea view. Set in 2500 m2 of gardens, this villa has 600 m2 living space over 4 floors with elevator.
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Hsud0029 Villa
Located in an idyllic setting, 600m from the Croisette and 300m from the rue d'Antibes, in a secure and quiet residence, magnificent villa on a wooded plot of 2350 m² with sea view.
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Hsud0031 Villa
Situated in the famous Californie district, 1km from the beaches and 4.5km from the Palais des Festivals, this charming villa is set in 2600m² of fenced garden with a beautiful sea view. A private saltwater swimming pool (12m x 5m - max depth 1.85m - alarm) is at your disposal.
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Contemporary Villa
This exceptional villa is situated in the centre of Cannes in the area of Basse Californie, 7 minutes by car to the beach and congress centre.
Campsites in Saint Tropez
How to get to Saint Tropez
Many boat trips will pass through this island as part of the day's excursion but you can also get a ferry direct to the island if you wish to spend the day or longer there.
Transfers for Cannes
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Cannes Taxi
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.