Discovering Cannes: The Lérins Islands and the City’s Festivals

The Lérins Islands

Just off Cannes, the Lérins Islands are reached by boat from the old port in 15 to 20 minutes.

Sainte-Marguerite, the larger of the two main islands, is dominated by the Fort Royal, built under Richelieu in the 17th century and later strengthened by Vauban. It was a state prison, and its most famous prisoner was the Man in the Iron Mask, whose identity remains a mystery to this day.

Saint-Honorat, wilder and quieter, is home to the Abbey of Lérins, founded in the 5th century. Its monks tend a vineyard of around eight hectares, where they make the abbey’s red and white wines.

Festivals in Cannes

International Film Festival: May Nuits Musicales du Suquet: July. Created in 1975 by the pianist Gabriel Tacchino, this classical music festival takes place in Le Suquet, the old town, with views over the bay. Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique: July and August. Over six evenings, international fireworks teams compete in the bay of Cannes. The shows are free. Régates Royales: a few days in September

Explore our collection of luxury villas for rent in Cannes