Sainte Marguerite a French Riviera island to visit for nature lovers, ramblers, snorkeling and a visit to the fort where the man in the iron mask was held prisoner.
Sainte Marguerite is one of the Lerins islands located just off the French coast near Cannes. It is the largest of the Lerins group and is also inhabited, there are a small number of cafes and restaurants open year round. Saint Honorat is the other accessible by ferry for visitors.
The size of the island and the beautiful footpaths which go round the island and crisscross make it a perfect place for rambling. On the south end of the island there is a nature reserve and marsh area with some interesting wild fowl, as you walk round you are generally shaded by beautiful Mediterranean pine trees and in the middle of the island by majestic alleys of Eucalyptus. Best of all there are many places where you can stop for a dip in the sea or to enjoy a picnic.
A strategic island, St Marguerite has numerous gun emplacements from the second world war and the impressive fort which is now a museum.
We thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be a very full day on the island of Saint Marguerite. The visit to the Fort Royal (for a fee) was the highlight, although the tour is in French, a little English is spoken and you can certainly get the gist of things. Apart from being rather beautiful the fort has a great history, is of importance for its architecture and there is the mysterious story of the man in the iron mask which was recently made into a film starring Leonardo di Caprio.
The ferry from Cannes to St Marguerite is quick and we recommend you take the earliest boat possible for maximum enjoyment of the island, ease of parking and fewer fellow visitors. A visit to the island of Sainte Maguerite is a great day out for families and couples alike.
To see more photographs of the island taken in August then view our Sainte Marguerite facebook album.
We have a first rate selection of villas in Cote d’Azur including some beautiful villas with pools in Cannes and a wealth of experience to share with you. When choosing a suitable resort or accommodation and when working out the best way to get there it is worth having some help from people whol know what they are talking about so do call (freephone service available) or email and we will be delighted to assist you.