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Island · Cannes, Provença-Alpes-Costa Azul
Île Saint-Honorat
Island of the Îles de Lérins inhabited by Cistercian monks since the 5th century, with the abbey, vineyards and a fortified seaside monastery.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Île Saint-Honorat
Île Saint-Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lérins islands, about 3 km from the tip of the Croisette. Since the early 5th century, when Saint Honoratus founded a monastery there, the island has had a religious vocation and today belongs to the community of Cistercian monks of the Abbaye de Lérins.
The monks live in the abbey, with buildings from the 11th–14th centuries and the 19th century, and cultivate vineyards and produce liqueurs sold in the island shop. At the southern tip, the fortified monastery—a medieval tower at the water's edge—can be visited, with sea views.
A trail circles the island among pine trees, vineyards and seven ancient chapels scattered across the grounds. The atmosphere is one of silence, and the place is small enough to be explored in a few hours.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day.
Best time
From April to October, in settled weather. Avoid service times if you want to visit the abbey church.
How to get there
Boats operated by the abbey itself depart from Quai Laubeuf at the Vieux Port of Cannes, and the crossing takes about 20 minutes. Check the schedules before you go.
Tip
Respect the silence around the abbey and wear appropriate clothing to enter the church. The monks' wines and liqueurs are sold in the island shop.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Île Saint-Honorat
Does the abbey still have monks?
Yes. A community of Cistercian monks lives at the Abbaye de Lérins, tends vineyards, and welcomes visitors.
How do you get to Île Saint-Honorat?
By boat from the Quai Laubeuf in Cannes; the crossing takes about 20 minutes. Timetables change with the season.
How much time should you allow?
Half a day allows you to walk around the island, see the fortified monastery, and visit the monks' shop.