How to Get to the Lérins Islands from Cannes
You reach the Lérins Islands by ferry from Cannes' Old Port (Vieux-Port). Three companies sail to Sainte-Marguerite (Riviera Lines, Horizon and Trans Côte d'Azur), a crossing of about 15 minutes. Only one goes to Saint-Honorat: Planaria, run by the monks of Lérins Abbey.
Both islands lie just off the Croisette, but they're served by different boats and aren't linked to each other. Choosing your ferry company really means choosing your island first. Here's everything you need to plan the crossing without any nasty surprises.
Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat: two islands, two crossings
Sainte-Marguerite is the larger island and the closer one to Cannes. People go for the Fort Royal and its Man in the Iron Mask museum, the 152-hectare state forest, the Batéguier lagoon and the coves. It's the busier of the two, with frequent departures.
Saint-Honorat, the smaller one, belongs to the monastic community of Lérins Abbey. Visitors come for the peace and quiet, the vineyards, the abbey church and the fortified monastery. The abbey presents the island as a place of silence: modest dress and discretion are expected.
Important: there's no direct boat between the two islands. To see both on the same day, you have to go back to the Old Port and switch companies, which takes a well-planned day. If you only have half a day, pick one. To plan a visit to the first, read our guide to what to see on Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Which company for which island?
According to the City of Cannes website, four companies run the crossings:
- Riviera Lines: Île Sainte-Marguerite;
- Horizon: Île Sainte-Marguerite;
- Trans Côte d'Azur: Île Sainte-Marguerite (the company also runs other cruises along the coast);
- Planaria: Île Saint-Honorat, the only company that goes there, run by the community of monks.
Crossing time, timetables and fares
Horizon advertises a crossing of about 15 minutes to Sainte-Marguerite, with departures year-round, roughly every 30 minutes during the day in 2026 according to its tourist office listing. Planaria says it sails to Saint-Honorat every day of the year. Timetables change with the seasons and may be altered in rough seas .
As for prices, the 2026 listings we checked show an adult round trip at around €18 to €20 depending on the company, with discounts for children and students . The boat ticket doesn't include entry to the Fort Royal, which is paid separately.
Local tip: as soon as you board, note the time of the last return boat, especially off-season when it can be in the late afternoon. And hang on to your return ticket: it's only valid with the company that took you over.
Where to board in the Old Port
The ferries leave from Cannes' Old Port, on the Quai Laubeuf side, west of the Palais des Festivals. Depending on the company, tourist office listings mention either Quai Laubeuf or the end of Quai Saint-Pierre: the port is undergoing works and ticket booths may move . Planaria advises arriving at least 30 minutes before departure at busy times.
Getting to the port: on foot, by bus or by car
On foot or by train. This is the easiest option: from Cannes SNCF train station, walk through the town center to the Old Port in about ten minutes. The port is also served by the Palm Bus network (Quai Laubeuf stop, according to the City) .
By car. The Laubeuf parking lot, traditionally the closest, is closed for works according to Planaria. The company recommends the covered parking garages at Pantiero (about 5 minutes' walk from the pier), Suquet-Forville (about 7 minutes) and Ferrage-Meynadier (about 10 minutes) .
From other towns. Riviera Lines also runs departures to Sainte-Marguerite from Mandelieu-La Napoule and, in summer, from Théoule-sur-Mer .
What to know before you board
- Dogs: allowed on a leash on Horizon ferries and on Île Sainte-Marguerite according to the tourist office, but not inside the Fort Royal museum. Check with Planaria for Saint-Honorat.
- Bikes: not allowed on Île Sainte-Marguerite.
- Water and food: bring plenty of water, especially in summer. There are a few seasonal restaurants, but a picnic is still the easiest option. On Saint-Honorat, La Tonnelle restaurant is listed as open until October 31, 2026.
- Protected nature: the Sainte-Marguerite forest is a state forest designated as a biological reserve. Don't pick anything, don't smoke in the forest and never light a fire .
- Footwear: sandals that stay on your feet or light sneakers for the trails and rocks.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry ride to the Lérins Islands?
About 15 minutes to Sainte-Marguerite, according to Horizon. The crossing to Saint-Honorat takes about as long .
Can you visit both Lérins Islands in one day?
Yes, but there's no boat between the two islands: you have to return to Cannes and buy another ticket from a different company.
Do the ferries run in winter?
Yes, several companies advertise year-round departures, with reduced timetables off-season and possible cancellations in bad weather.
Can I take my dog to Sainte-Marguerite?
Yes, on a leash, according to the tourist office. However, animals aren't allowed inside the Fort Royal museum.
Kayaking with Azurkay
The ferry isn't the only way to reach Lérins. With Azurkay, you set off from the public parking lot at Palm Beach, at the tip of the Croisette, and paddle across the channel by kayak with a state-certified instructor, in a group of 16 people max. Over 4 hours, the tour takes you to Batéguier beach, past the Fort Royal of the Man in the Iron Mask and into secret coves. Find out more in our article on kayaking to the Lérins Islands from Cannes and on the Lérins Islands tour page.
