An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Île Sainte-Marguerite

Last Updated on 9th June 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

The largest of an archipelago of four islands just off the coastline of the French Riviera, Île Sainte-Marguerite is just a fifteen minute boat ride away from Cannes. A pocket of natural beauty and home to a fortress famed for its rich historical significance, this gorgeous French gem is well worth a visit!

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Île Sainte Marguerite, as well as top tips and what to know before you go.

A history of Île Sainte-Marguerite

First known to have been inhabited during the Roman times, this small but mighty island is steeped in history and has been used for various purposes over the centuries!

Originally named Lero, its first inhabitants built a series of stone buildings and water collection systems. Then taken by crusaders in medieval times, the island was renamed after a chapel that was built by the monks of Saint-Honorat in tribute to Saint Margaret of Antioch (also known as Margaret the Virgin).

In 1612 the ownership of the island passed from the monks to that of the Duke of Chevreuse. This is when the construction of what we now know as Fort Royal began. It was in 1635, the island was captured by the Spanish and then recaptured by the French two years later.

In the 17th century, the Fort Royal became a military fortress to protect the coast of France. The base point of the barracks. It was also the home to a state prison where a number of famous prisoners were kept over the years, including that of the legendary Man in the Iron Mask, until its closure in the 20th century.

Today the island is a popular destination for those seeking an escape into nature. Famed for its natural beauty and fascinating historical heritage.

Who was the Man in the Iron Mask?

One of history’s greatest legends! The tale of a prisoner held during the reign of King Louis XIV of France, who was forced to wear an iron mask, thus hiding his true identity. Said to have been held captive in various prisons, including that of Fort Royal.

This intriguing French figure has been at the the centre of many theories and speculations over the years and has also seeped into popular culture, such as,  The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

But who was he? Well here are some of the claims that have circulated. He was…

• The father of Louis XIV
• The son of Oliver Cromwell
• François, Duke of Beaufort
• Eustache Dauger (possibly the most agreed upon, there also seems to be many theories on who this man was… with some even claiming he was Louis XIV’s twin brother!)

However, this 17th century tale remains a mystery as the true identity of the Man in the Iron Mask is still very much up for debate to this very day.

How much time do you need on the island?

You need around half a day to explore everything that Île Sainte Marguerite has to offer. If you want to enjoy the island at a more relaxed pace, then you’ll want to set aside a full day to explore. This is especially true if you want to go to the beach and swim in the crystal clear waters!

Where is Île Sainte-Marguerite?

The largest of the Lérins Islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite lies just fifteen minutes by boat from the French Riviera town of Cannes, in the Mediterranean sea. The Lérins (Îles de Lérins) are made up of:

•  Île Sainte-Marguerite 
• Île Saint-Honorat
• Îlot Saint-Ferréol (small and uninhabited)
• Îlot de la Tradelière (small and uninhabited)

How big is Île Sainte-Marguerite?

Although the largest of its surroundings, the island is pretty tiny; only stretching approximately 3km in length and 900 meters wide. An exclusive address, there are just a handful of cottages on the island and only a mere twenty or so people that have the privilege of residing here full-time.

That being said, the island is a popular destination in the summer months for those seeking an escape into a tranquil setting steeped in history, with it sometimes welcoming up to 4000- 5000 visitors per day during peak season!

Things to do in Île Sainte-Marguerite

Visit the Royal Fort Museum

You’ll have to pay to visit the Royal Fort but this is the only attraction on the island which charges a fee to enter. Included in the price you can see a historic church, a museum, and enjoy amazing views back onto the mainland.

The museum complex has a few things of interest but most of the points of intrigue are housed within a central building that you won’t be able to miss as it’s the largest building still standing within the fort today.

Here you can see an exhibit all about the Man in the Iron Mask, learn more about the military history of the fort, and more interestingly still, learn about the Roman history of Île Sainte Marguerite.

To be honest, my favourite part of the museum was heading into the remains of a Roman cistern where you can see all sorts of archaeological finds from the area. It takes around half an hour to explore the museum but be wary that they close for around an hour at lunchtime!

Visit the Museum of the Sea

Located within the Royal Fort, this small museum is worth having a peep in! Here you’ll find treasures that have been recovered from the sea as well as learn about the importance and history of the island’s surrounding marine life.

Cemeteries on Île Sainte Marguerite

There are a few cemeteries on Île Sainte Marguerite. The one that we visited was for local residents and can be found around a ten minute walk away from the Fort.

There are two other cemeteries on the island; one which is the final resting place of 3000 people from North Africa who were prisoners on the island and one which was for French soldiers who fought in the Crimean war as the island was used as a sanatorium for injured soldiers during the 19th century.

Relax on the beach

One of the best things to do while on the island is lounge on the beach and soak up the sunshine! Truth be told, the beaches here are not as soft as those neighbouring in Cannes, but they never get too busy and certainly offer a more unique experience.

The inviting crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean are a tempting spot to swim, and this is made better by the natural foliage and dramatic rock formations of the island that surround. There’s no main beach as such, and the areas to relax feel much more off the beaten path, tucked away in the curves and twists of the shoreline.

Go hiking

One of the most popular things to do on the island is to explore the two dozen kilometres or so of hiking trails. One of the best routes to walk along is the Allée des Eucalyptus, which is a dirt road lined either side by Eucalyptus trees.

Known as the paths of a thousand wonders, the sweet smelling fragrance of pine and eucalyptus will easily draw you in, leading you further through the glorious surrounding nature!

Batéguier Pond

Home to numerous species of migratory birds, this is a bird watchers’ paradise! Some of the rarer bird species which can be spotted on the island include, avocets, herons of all kinds, stilts, and nightingales.

Making for an idyllic and tranquil spot to sit and read or eat a picnic. The pond is situated on the west of the island and can be reached by hiking through the nature trails. It’s only a short distance away from the ferry landing and so only takes around ten minutes on foot from where you’re dropped off.

Visit the underwater eco-museum

One of the coolest attractions on the island is the underwater museum which you can visit as long as you are equipped with snorkelling gear. An unusual and unique experience, explore the statues of artist Jason deCaires Taylor submerged in water, and marvel at the fascinating sculptures of faces!

The project came about with an ecological objective, made from specific marine materials to encourage sea life like algae, shells, corals and fish, boosting biodiversity.

Eat at a local restaurant

If you are visiting in the summer, then you can dine at one of the two restaurants on the island: L’escale Restaurant and La Guerite. Serving fresh, local Mediterranean cuisine by the water, both of these places make for great spots to grab a bite to eat while exploring the island.

Alternatively, you could always prepare a hamper in advance and enjoy a picnic of French delights a the beach or while on a hike!

What to know before visiting Île Sainte-Marguerite

In the winter there’s no food on the island so be sure to go prepared with snacks, drinks, and even a picnic if you’re planning a day trip to the island! No cars are allowed on the island (you’ll see a few when wandering around but they all belong to local residents) so be prepared to walk a lot.

You are not allowed to smoke on the island and you should also be prepared to take all trash home with you after your explorations. There are toilets located within the museum.

Can you stay on Île Sainte-Marguerite?

The island doesn’t allow camping, so really the only affordable option to stay here is the youth hostel.

Lérins Islands International Stay Center – Cannes Jeunesse, is a group accommodation that’s situated within the former barracks of the Fort Royal, making it a great location for exploring the island!

How to visit Île Sainte-Marguerite

It may seem a bit strange but one of the best things to do in Cannes is actually to leave the mainland by taking the ferry to a nearby group of islands. The largest of these is Île Sainte Marguerite and there are departures throughout the year, even in the off season. It’s so lovely that we even suggest a visit as part of our one day in Cannes itinerary.

Ferry departures take place every day of the year around once an hour. The ferry takes around fifteen minutes from Cannes to get to the island and the journey is really smooth. If it’s a clear day then you can sit outside on the upper deck and admire the views from the boat back onto the French Riviera and mainland France. Check prices and availability for booking a tour here.

You can’t get a ferry between each of the Lérin islands. If you want to visit the others, you’ll have to take a ferry back to Cannes and then out again to the other islands.

Enjoyed reading this guide to Île Sainte-Marguerite? Pin this article now, read it again later: