Ile Sainte Marguerite
Beautiful island just off the south coast of Cannes with stunning views of the Riviera
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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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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Musee de la Mer, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
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Fort Royal Museum, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
In 1617, the Duke of Guise gave Jean de Bellon the task of building a fort intended to block sea access to Cannes. Constructed between 1624 and 1627 on the site of remains that dated back to Roman antiquity, at the time it was nothing more than a simple fortified house.
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 Saint-Tropez
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Salins Beach
Located north of the infamous stretch known as Pampelonne beach and about 7km from the town of Saint-Tropez, Plage des Salins is a little slice of wilderness.
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Canoubiers Beach
This beach is situated around the coastline from Plage des Graniers, and sits close to the main road of Route des Salins, so access from St-Tropez town is fairly easy.
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Graniers Beach
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
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La Ponche Beach
Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
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Bouillabaisse Beach
La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
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Pampelonne Beach
Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
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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La Guerite Restaurant, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Located just off the coast of Cannes, on the island of Sainte Marguerite is the beautiful La Guerite restaurant.
Events in Cannes
Events in Cannes
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Saint-Tropez, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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.
Cycling in Cannes
Cycling Routes in Saint-Tropez
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Cannes to Saint Raphael
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
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Saint Tropez to Maures Corniche Loop
This loop starts at Cogolin and ends in Saint Tropez, taking in 11th century castles, villages, vineyards and beaches along the way. there are several cols to cross so try not to do this in the heat of the day!
Hiking in Cannes
Walking Routes in Saint-Tropez
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Sentier du Littoral
Discover the wild side of St Tropez with this walk around its peninsula. This path leads you through rugged coastline and across beaches of fine white sand and takes you to places that would otherwise be accessible only by boat.
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Le Pierredon
Since the 17th century the 3 watermills provided flour to the people of the region. Discover this charming valley bordered by olive trees.
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Le Circuit Historique
This historical circuit takes in many of Grimaud's historical buildings, many of which are tucked away and nestled within the old narrow streets of the village.
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La Castellane
Enjoy magnificent views of Grimaud and the surrounding hills on this short walk.
Yachts & Sailing in Cannes
Watersports in Cannes
Watersports in Saint-Tropez
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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Aventure Sous Marine Diving School, Saint Raphael
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
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EXO Loisirs 83, Le Muy
Situated 15km to the northwest of Fréjus and 18km in the North of Sainte Maxime in a magnificent setting this watersports centre is completely dedicated to waterskiing and wakeboarding.
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Ketos Diving School, Sainte Maxime
Ketos diving centre is located in the centre of the Sainte-Maxime harbour and offers 60 extraordinary dive sites to explore the wrecks and wonderful sites with rich littoral coral and all sorts of wildlife.
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H2O Diving School, Sainte Maxime
The structure of the diving centre is ideally located in the heart of the Sainte-Maxime harbour with direct access to a parking where diving gear can be dropped off.
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Societe Nautique de Saint Tropez
Societe Nautique de Saint Tropez is a sailing club based in the port with over 500 members.
Families in Cannes
Villas in Cannes
Villas in Saint-Tropez
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Marouette Villa, Saint-Aygulf
The villa in Saint-Aygulf has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Bleu Azur Villa, Les Issambres
Contemporary villa with swimming pool and double view of the sea and the hill, located in Les Issambres not far from the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
Price: €6,028
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Porthos Villa, Le Muy
Villa Porthos is located in the small village of Le Muy, just 15 km from the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of St. Tropez.
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Aramis Villa, Le Muy
In the small village of Le Muy, just 15 km from the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of St. Tropez and close to the cities of Sainte-Maxime, St. Tropez and Fréjus, you will find this beautiful villa at the end of a beautiful driveway lined with oleander and cypress trees.
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Athos Villa, Le Muy
Villa Athos is a newly built villa situated on a secure estate on a very generous plot in the hills between Sainte Maxime and Le Muy. Exclusively surrounded by large plots and villas in a very quiet location, your privacy is guaranteed.
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Waterfront Villa
This villa can accommodate up to 14 people and has 7 bedrooms, located in the private residential area of Les Parcs.
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.
Transfers for Saint-Tropez
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Millenium Transport Transfers
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Acarre Limousine Transfers
Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.