Yacht Destination

Îles de Lérins Yacht Charter

Located just a short cruise from the mainland, the Îles de Lérins provide an idyllic escape for guests enjoying a luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera. Sheltered from the busy coastline, these tranquil islands offer privacy, clear waters, and a welcome refuge from the holiday crowds, making them an essential stop on any Riviera yacht charter itinerary.

Îles de Lérins : Following in the Footsteps of Saints

Located just a short cruise from the mainland, the Îles de Lérins offer a peaceful sanctuary for guests enjoying a luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera. Sheltered from the busy coastline, these islands provide a welcome escape from the holiday crowds of nearby Cannes.

Known in ancient times as Lérina and Lero, the two islands — Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat — are named after 4th-century saints and remain a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. Surrounded by clear waters, shaded eucalyptus forests, and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, the Îles de Lérins are the perfect destination to anchor during a yacht charter, offering calm, privacy, and a timeless Riviera atmosphere just moments from the mainland.

How to get to the Îles de Lérins

Ferries to the Îles de Lérins operate from Cannes, Golfe-Juan, and Juan-les-Pins; however, there is no boat service linking the two islands, meaning visitors must choose one island to explore unless travelling by private vessel.

By far the most rewarding way to experience the Îles de Lérins is on a luxury yacht charter from Cannes. Chartering a yacht offers complete freedom from ferry schedules, allowing guests to explore both islands at their own pace. With a yacht charter, you can anchor close to the islands’ waterfront restaurants, enjoy secluded coves for swimming, and experience the tranquillity of the Îles de Lérins in complete comfort and privacy.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

The largest and most visited of the Îles de Lérins, Île Sainte-Marguerite is a highlight of any French Riviera yacht charter. Criss-crossed with scenic walking paths, the island invites exploration through fragrant Aleppo pines, strawberry trees, eucalyptus forests, and Mediterranean scrub. Guests arriving by yacht charter can enjoy swimming from secluded rocky coves or relax on one of the island’s quiet shingle beaches.

Rich in history, the island is home to Fort Royal, which became a state prison in the late 17th century and famously housed the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask between 1687 and 1698. Today, visitors can explore the fort and its cells, with entry also including access to the Musée de la Mer, showcasing archaeological artefacts from nearby shipwrecks and Roman wall murals discovered on the island.

Dining is an integral part of the yacht charter experience on Île Sainte-Marguerite. While snack kiosks and the casual terrace restaurant L’Escale sit near the ferry pier, the standout choice is La Guérite, a renowned waterfront restaurant offering superb sea views and refined Mediterranean cuisine. Signature dishes include octopus carpaccio with lemon oil, sea bass with artichoke purée, and indulgent tropical desserts — all best enjoyed as part of a relaxed day at anchor during a yacht charter from Cannes.

Bespoke Yacht Charter – Insider Tips:
During the season, La Guérite operates a regular tender shuttle from Port Pierre Canto in Cannes, allowing yacht charter guests to enjoy the restaurant without moving their yacht — a seamless and elegant way to experience the island.

Île Saint-Honorat

The smaller and more secluded of the Îles de Lérins, Île Saint-Honorat offers a uniquely tranquil experience for guests enjoying a luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera. Revered in the Christian world, the island is home to an active monastery that has welcomed over 20 saints throughout its history, including Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who studied here.

In the 7th century, Île Saint-Honorat was home to around 700 monks; today, a small community of Cistercian monks continues this spiritual legacy, cultivating lavender, producing honey, and crafting wines and liqueurs. Yacht charter guests can sample and purchase local products, including the island’s renowned Lérina herbal liqueurs and fruit-based varieties such as mandarin and lemon.

The island benefits from a distinctive microclimate, allowing six grape varieties to flourish across eight hectares of vineyards. Wine lovers visiting by yacht charter will appreciate the estate’s refined wines, particularly the Syrah, while rare vintages such as the Cuvée Saint-Salonius Pinot Noir are prized discoveries for discerning collectors.

Exploring Île Saint-Honorat on foot reveals a network of peaceful pathways winding past vineyards, historic chapels, and fascinating Napoleonic-era ovens, once used to heat cannonballs to defend the island. For those on a yacht charter, Île Saint-Honorat offers a rare blend of history, culture, and serenity — a contemplative counterpoint to the glamour of nearby Cannes.

What To Do on Île Saint-Honorat

Visitors arriving by luxury yacht charter can explore the Monastère-forteresse, a striking fortified monastery positioned at the water’s edge, originally built to protect the monks from Saracen pirates and later attacks by Genoese and Spanish forces. Rising directly from the shoreline, the keep offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s defensive past.

From the upper terrace, yacht charter guests are rewarded with panoramic views across the Bay of Cannes and toward the dramatic red cliffs of the Estérel, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area.

For dining, those enjoying a yacht charter can choose between a casual bite at Les Canailles or reserve a table at La Tonnelle, the island’s principal restaurant, which serves refined Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed, authentic setting — an ideal stop during a leisurely day at anchor.

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Book a Îles de Lérins Yacht Charter

To check availability and book a charter, please get in touch with Bespoke Yacht Charter today.

Yacht Destination

Îles de Lérins Yacht Charter

Îles de Lérins : Following in the Footsteps of Saints

How to get to the Îles de Lérins

Île Sainte-Marguerite

Île Saint-Honorat

What To Do on Île Saint-Honorat

French Riviera Yacht Charter Destinations

Locations to visit on the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur)

Yachts to Charter in the West Mediterranean

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