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.
Ile Saint-Honorat
A short walk around an island with 16 centuries of monastic history
The island is a popular tourist attraction offering pleasant woodland surroundings. The island has a number of disused chapels erected by the monks, and the Abbey of Lerins and the 15th century fortified monastery are all open to visitors. The monks also produce wine and honey on the island that is available to buy.
What to see
Sights in Cannes
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Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Visit this charming 5th century abbey which is still a working monastery
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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Fort Royal Museum, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
The infamous prison that housed the Man in the Iron Mask
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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Musee de la Mer, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
A museum of underwater archeology and land plus Iron Mask prison cell
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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St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church 
St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church
Russian Orthodox Church built in the late 19th century
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 
St George's Church
Church erected in the 19th century in honour of the Duke of Albany
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 
Promenade de la Croisette
Iconic boulevard along the Mediterranean sea
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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Cannes
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La Table du Chateau Restaurant
Refined seasonal cuisine inspired by nature, tradition and the château’s own garden
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 du Martinez
Refined Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant beachside setting
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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Les Pecheurs Gourmet Restaurant, Juan Les Pins
One Michelin star gourmet restaurant within the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
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L'Or Bleu Restaurant, Theoule-sur-Mer
Michelin-starred dining with surprise menus and breathtaking sea views
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
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Le Park 45 Restaurant
Michelin starred restaurant in Cannes, overlooking the sea
Enjoy the fabulous one-Michelin-starred restaurant with its light and creative cuisine and elegant decor.
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Le Jardin Restaurant
Authentic bistronomic experience at Hôtel de Mougins
Ideally located on the hill in Cannes, the Hotel de Mougins is only five minutes from Sophia Antipolis, ten minutes from Cannes and Grasse, and twenty five minutes from Nice International Airport.
What to do
Things To Do in Cannes
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Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals with delivery to the French Riviera
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Directions
From the ferry terminal follow to the right (west) the wide walkway that encircles the island. At the far western end you will find the St. Caprais chapel, rebuilt in 1993 on the medieval remains of walls. Following the path east along the south of the island, the walkway goes under shady crooked pines that protect the vines from the onshore winds, and also house the statue of St. Anthony and the St. Peter Chapel.
After visiting the monastery and the surrounding vineyards continue along the sea along a large wall to reach the eastern tip of the island, facing the small rocky island of St. Fereol. In a secret clearing in the middle of some shady pine woods you can find the Trinity Chapel, turned into a fortress by the Spaniards in 1635. Returning back to the coastal path, follow it west back towards the starting point.
