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Ile Sainte Marguerite

Beautiful island just off the south coast of Cannes with stunning views of the Riviera

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Cannes
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The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.

Covered with pine and eucalyptus forest and edged with beautiful coves, this is an island to enjoy nature. The waters are crystal clear, with stunning views back to the Riviera coastline. There are only about 20 houses on the island in a small village near the ferry dock; the rest of the island is covered in forest, with an old fort and museum where you can explore the island's Roman and Crusader history, as well as its final days as a notorious French prison and soldier's hospital. The are a couple of restaurants for refreshments, and daily ferries provide access.

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  1. Events in Cannes
  2. History & Culture in Cannes
  3. Sights & Attractions in Cannes
  4. Beaches in Cannes
  5. Dining in Cannes
  6. Things to do in Cannes
  7. Cycling in Cannes
  8. Hiking in Cannes
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Cannes
  10. Watersports in Cannes
  11. Families in Cannes
  12. Villas in Cannes
  13. Hotels in Cannes
  14. Campsites in Cannes
  15. How to get to Cannes

Events in Cannes

Events in Cannes

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History & Culture in Cannes

This 17th century fort gained notoriety for housing the 'Man in the Iron Mask' - a prisoner during the time of Louis XIV and immortalised by the writers Voltaire and Alexander Dumas (and by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1998 film of the same name).

The rest of the island is covered with pine forests and walking trails - exploration of which will no doubt lead you to your own little beach or cove.

Sights & Attractions in Cannes

The main attraction is the fort and old prison, the Royal Musée de la Mer. You can see the cells and old Roman cisterns; the museum also houses artefacts from Roman and Saracen shipwrecks. There's a small cemetery for French and North African soldiers nearby. Go there and check it out for yourself.

Sights in Cannes

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Beaches in Cannes

With sandy stretches and private rocky coves, the beaches on this small island are well worth the trip over alone.

Beaches in Nice

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Dining in Cannes

There are two restaurants and two snack bars on the Ile Ste-Marguerite. However, since you are on a beautiful island for the day it's nice to take a picnic with you. On the island you'll find a large number of picnic areas where the views are fantastic and the shadow of the pine trees is much appreciated in the summer. Furthermore they are close to the sea if you want to pop in for a quick swim.

Restaurants in Cannes

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Things to do in Cannes

You can easily walk around the island in a couple of hours, on forest paths that smell of pine and eucalyptus. There are sculptures to look out for in the trees, as well as a lagoon for birdwatching. You can clamber over the rocks along the beach looking for creatures in rockpools, or just settle on the beach for a day of relaxing, snorkelling and picnics.

Things To Do in Cannes

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Cycling in Cannes

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Hiking in Cannes

Walking Routes in Nice

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Yachts & Sailing in Cannes

Watersports in Cannes

Watersports in Cannes

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Villas in Cannes

Villas in Cannes

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Hotels in Cannes

Hotels in Cannes

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Campsites in Cannes

How to get to Cannes

Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes. Ferries and boat trips also run from St Tropez, Antibes and Nice.

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You will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.

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