Ile Sainte Marguerite beach
Ile Sainte Marguerite (Ile Sainte Marguerite island) is one of two islands that form archipelago belonging to Cannes. Both Islands, which are also called Lérins Islands, are inhabited. Places are wild and rocky. Île Saint-Honorat is smaller and more rocky, which only drivers will like. There are beaches on Ile Sainte Marguerite island, but all of them are exclusively for wildlife lovers.
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Beach description
Ile Sainte Marguerite is located at a distance of only less than a kilometer from the French Riviera. Parameters of Ile Sainte Marguerite island – 3 km from east to west and 900 m from north to south. Ile Sainte Marguerite island is all cut up by tiny bays, each of which can become an individual beach arrived here family or couple. A little further from the rocky beach, pine trees rise above sea, which gradually turn into a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees.
Coniferous trees create a fragrant atmosphere. Healing power of air also contributes to ban on smoking, build fires, travel on any transport. Pristine silence reigns on Ile Sainte Marguerite island, and from beach line you can see the wonderful panorama of city, rocks of neighboring island.
- Small beaches hide in rocky bays, small sandy lagoons, some covered with some woody remnants.
- Palette of sea consists of many shades and patterns due to variety of algae under water, sun and shadows of the overhanging rocks. View is simply fabulous. Water is clean, warm, quite salty, water itself keeps on surface and will not let you drown. Absence of sand helps to see everything is clearly visible to the bottom. Expanse for snorkeling.
- There is a long sandy beach at ferry pier, along which there is a boardwalk. Place is always comparatively busy. Here stop those who are not ready for a long walk, visitors to the sailing club, located not far away.
- Rest of beaches are rocky. You can get to beaches by walking along the coast or along narrow paths through the forest thickets. Secluded picnic right by the clear water is worth a walk. There are special tables along the beach.
- There is a nudist beach on the island, which is not documented.
- Artists come here for inspiration.
- In the Strait between Ile Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat anchor for an hour or two sailing yachts, catamarans, motor boats.
- There is a restaurant, stalls with burgers on the island. But it's only at dock. It is better to stock up on provisions and wine in Cannes before a trip to the Provencal market and have a chic picnic.
When is the best time to go?
It is possible to relax in France at any time of the year, the time of the trip depends more on your preferences. Summer - a great time to travel to the sea. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, even on the southern French Riviera is not hot weather. In winter , people go to ski resorts in France. It should be be mindful that in summer and winter in France there is a high season, respectively, prices soar. To enjoy the excursions, choose the time from February to April or from September to November, when both in the north and in the south it is not very crowded. If you go to the French Riviera in September, you will never lose: You will find a time when the weather is still warm and the prices are not so high.
Video: Beach Ile Sainte Marguerite
Infrastructure
Until the XVII century the island was almost uninhabited. Then the construction of the fort began on island. By the end of century, island becomes a state prison. Contemporaries are interested in whole history of fiction, which mentions Fort Royal and shrouded in mystery prisoner in an iron mask.
In modern times, island is more public. In addition to tourist facilities, there are about 20 fishing houses, boat station, and a hotel operated until 2005. Historical fort has a Maritime Museum and a youth hostel. There is also a small estate of one of Indian millionaires.
You can eat at restaurant, kiosk near the pier to buy drinks. Being far away from them, tourists use the services of traders who swim to the beach line on their boats to throw suffering vacationers ice cans.
In order to get on the ferry to Ile Sainte Marguerite island in the morning, you can stay at a nearby hotel Hotel Cannes La Bocca Plage, 3*. Here you will find neat and cozy rooms with daily cleaning and change of bed, a very high-quality and delicious breakfast. Shops, pharmacies and cafes within walking distance to sandy beach and center of Cannes is also close. There is free parking lot and elevator. Non-smoking rooms, ramps are available in case of arrival of visitors with disabilities. Can travel with pets.
Weather in Ile Sainte Marguerite
Best hotels of Ile Sainte Marguerite
All hotels of Ile Sainte MargueriteUseful information
- You can get to Ile Sainte Marguerite by boat or on a regular ferry departing from the Old port of Cannes on any day except Monday. Flights are operated from 10:00 a.m. to 05:45 p.m.. There is an hour break in the spring, in April and May. Ticket is free for children and students, adults pay 15 Euro.
- Duration of trip is only about 20 minutes. Fascinating and informative activity. Boat route may include stops to explore the bottom (if there is appropriate equipment) or to kayak. Children are delighted if the ferry has a glass bottom and soaring over the surface of sea observation deck. Unforgettable impressions.
- There are signs everywhere, so it is impossible to get lost.
- It is important not to be late for last ferry to the "big land". There is a risk to spend the night on a rocky "bed" under stars.
- In winter, island is also good. Some enthusiasts even dare to swim. First you just need to ask if the cafe is open at dock.
What else you can see and visit:
- Royal Fort.
- Le musee de la Mer, where is the tiny room of the mysterious prisoner.
- Cemetery of French soldiers and North African soldiers who participated in the Crimean and World War II.
- Paths for ecotourists.
- Île Saint- Honorat, fiefdom of a functioning monastery.
- On Île Saint-Honorat, where about 30 monks live, you can buy wine, olives and oil from them, honey produced here.