Ile Sainte-Marguerite

Travel Guide
Ile Sainte-Marguerite featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people
Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Fort Royal featuring heritage architecture
Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Ile Sainte-Marguerite
See the ancient fort where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned when you tour this picturesque island off the coast of Cannes.

The largest of the four Lérins Islands, Ile Sainte-Marguerite is a woodland retreat with a fascinating history. Stroll along trails among pine and eucalyptus trees and visit the fortress prison of one of the most enigmatic figures in French history.

The island is a short boat ride from Cannes. Once you have docked, walk east for 10 minutes to reach Fort Royal. This is where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned under the orders of King Louis XIV. To this day, the identity of the prisoner is still unknown. Some, including the writer Alexandre Dumas, speculated that he was the king's twin. Look inside the cell where the mysterious historical figure was kept for several years before being transferred to the Bastille.

The fort is also home to the Musée de la Mer, which chronicles the area’s maritime heritage. See the remains of boat wrecks and study Roman and Saracen ceramics. There is also a model of a Roman water system. Tour the rest of the fort, including the ramparts, barracks and watchtowers. Stand on the terrace and enjoy the superlative views.

After your visit, go for a stroll around the 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) long island. Walk along well marked trails through dense forests. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy spotting the numerous species of migratory birds. Note that bicycles, scooters and other vehicles are not allowed on the island.

Seek out some of the beaches for sunbathing, swimming and water sports, such as water skiing and parasailing. Many beaches are narrow strips and occasionally rocky. The island also has the only official nudist beach in the Cannes area.

Just off the coast of southeastern France, Ile Sainte-Marguerite is an easy place to reach. Ride one of the regular ferries from Cannes Old Port, which take around 15 minutes. Enjoy a trip filled with scenic beauty and fascinating historical discoveries.

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is CA $115 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $115
CA $133 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Park view
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Reviewed on Nov. 17, 2024

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
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4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is CA $253 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $253
CA $289 total
includes taxes & fees
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Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
4 out of 5
2 Rue Halevy, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is CA $146 per night from Dec. 8 to Dec. 9
CA $146
CA $171 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
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Reviewed on Nov. 11, 2024

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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4 out of 5
180 voie Marie Fisher, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Antibes. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
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Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Antibes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (751 reviews)
Nice stay
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Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
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Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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