Île Saint-Honorat in Cannes is a large island just offshore from Cannes that hosts a community of monks and a historic monastery dating back 500 years. This island offers history, gorgeous scenery, a rocky coast and historic ruins. Several are open to visitors, including a gift shop. The isle is considered a site of spiritual importance to the local community.
This is a wondrous site that through its many historic buildings shows a juxtaposition of war, peace and spirituality all in one place. It's a good place for education, photo ops and escape from the hustle and bustle to get some peace and serenity.
What are the highlights of Île Saint-Honorat in Cannes?
The highlights of Île Saint-Honorat in Cannes include a monastery, several sets of ruins and buildings from various points in history, an abbey and a World War II gun emplacement. While the modern monastery itself is usually closed to the public, you can photograph the outside, and you can enter the original 15th-century fortified monastery and the Abbey of Lérins.
In addition, you can visit many of the various disused chapels that were erected at various points throughout history. You can also visit a cannonball oven dating to the Napoleonic era, and see a gun emplacement from the Second World War.
What else is good to know about Île Saint-Honorat in Cannes?
Île Saint-Honorat in Cannes is served all year long by a regular ferry service from Cannes, so it's easy to get to and it's only about a 10-minute drive from the city centre to reach the ferry point. The island is just ½ mile offshore, so the ferry ride isn't long.
An onsite monastery gift shop allows travellers to find souvenirs and keepsakes, as well as a selection of 7 different wines made by the monks using ancient techniques. Entry to the 15th-century monastery is free.
Île Saint-Honorat in Cannes
Location: 06400 Cannes, France
