How to Get to Ile Sainte-Marguerite by Cannes

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than Ile Sainte-Marguerite, the quaint little island just off-shore from Cannes, France.  It’s one of the Lerins Islands, along with neighboring Ile Sainte-Honorat.  If you’re tired of the noise & tourist scene in Cannes, all you need to do is hop on a ferry (they run every day), & head over to this enchanting isle.  In this post, I’ll tell you how to get to Ile Sainte-Marguerite, what to do, where to eat ~ & most importantly, how to catch the ferry back!  Mike & I were enjoying  ourselves SO much….we actually MISSED the last ferry!!! 

So be sure to end your adventure before 5PM (19:00)…

One of my favorite travel pics ever, captured by my friend Mike, relaxing on Ile Sainte-Marguerite…

Quick Facts about Ile Sainte-Marguerite

• Ferries run every day, all year long.  The first ferry leaves Cannes at 7:30AM, & they depart approximately every half-hour until 4:30PM.  Ferries return from Ile Sainte-Marguerite to Cannes starting at 7:45AM, & the LAST FERRY DEPARTS AT 5PM (17:00)!!!  If you miss it, you’re stuck!!  Get the full ferry schedule here. 
• Ile Sainte-Marguerite is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long by 900 meters (.56 miles) across.  Since it’s so tiny, you can walk everywhere!
  

  Ile Sainte-Marguerite is so small, you can walk everywhere….or charter a boat & have even more fun!

• Dogs are allowed on the ferry, & on the island ~ as long as they’re on leash.  And the island, with its wide walkways, is perfect for dogs & strolling!
• Bikes, drones, harpoon fishing, & scooters are NOT allowed.
• Fort Royal, one of the main tourist attractions on the island, is where the “Man in the Iron Mask” was held prisoner, making it an interesting stop.  You can also get great views from the Fort towards Cannes. 
• Best Things to Do: Sun bathe, take a stroll, bring a picnic, take photographs, eat at one of the two restaurants, & meet people who moor their boats nearby!
• There is one hotel on the island, but it’s more of a hostel; plan to stay the night in Cannes. 
• There are two restaurants on Ile Sainte-Marguerite: L’Escale & La Guerite.
  

  Gorgeous La Guerite Restaurant, on Ile Sainte-Marguerite.

Map of Ile Sainte Marguerite

Photos of Ile Sainte-Marguerite

Cutest sign ever!!

View towards Cannes from Fort Royal, on Ile Sainte-Marguerite.

Taking the 15-minute ferry ride from Cannes….easy, breezy…

Photos of Ile Sainte-Marguerite by Cannes

Beautiful views from the western shore of Ile Sainte-Marguerite.

The southern shore is a little rocky, with patches of sandy beach.

My happy face after we caught a ride back to Cannes, after MISSING the ferry!! Last ferry is at 5PM!

Where to Stay in Cannes, France

Mike & I booked an Airbnb in Cannes, which was a walk-up with no elevator (not terribly convenient).  If I did it again, I’d probably spend a bit more money, & stay at one of the many beautiful hotels in Cannes.  Here are a few great options: 1) Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso ($145+/night), 2) Hotel Renoir ($98+/night), 3) Five Seas Hotel Cannes ($179+/night), & 4) La Villa Tosca ($71+/night). 

Each of these hotels is centrally located near the beach, highly-rated, with chic decor & spacious rooms.

For only $70/night (the same as our Airbnb), you can stay in the stylish La Villa Tosca, steps away from the beach.

How to Get to Ile Sainte-Marguerite

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