Discover the Secret Islands of the French Riviera

Lucía Torres · 2026-04-16

You know the French Riviera for its glamorous coastline, but did you know it has hidden islands with Caribbean-clear water? I didn't fully appreciate this until a recent, spontaneous adventure. Just last Monday, while walking my dog along the coast from Golfe-Juan to Juan-les-Pins, I bumped into some friends. One of them owns a restaurant on an island just across from Cannes and Antibes. Within minutes, we had plans. We met at the port in Golfe-Juan, stepped onto his boat, and in about 20-25 minutes, we crossed over to what felt like another world entirely. ### The Lérins Islands: Two Worlds, One Archipelago Just off the coast sits a small archipelago called the Îles de Lérins. It consists of two main islands, each with its own distinct personality. - **Île Sainte-Marguerite**: This is the larger, wilder sibling. Think dense pine and eucalyptus forests covering about 0.7 square miles. It feels untamed and mysterious. - **Île Saint-Honorat**: This island is quieter, more contemplative. It's smaller, spanning roughly 0.4 square miles, and has a deeply spiritual atmosphere that's been cultivated for centuries. We spent the afternoon at his restaurant, which was closed to the public that day. It was just our small group, enjoying the incredible luxury of having a piece of paradise almost to ourselves.  ### Walking Through History on Sainte-Marguerite Later, we wandered the forest paths of Sainte-Marguerite. You can't help but feel the weight of history pressing in from all sides. This is where the legendary 'Man in the Iron Mask' was imprisoned in the 17th century at Fort Royal. He was held there for over a decade. To this day, no one knows his true identity. That mystery adds an unexpected, almost thrilling, depth to such a serene and beautiful place. ### The Silent Sanctuary of Saint-Honorat Just a short boat ride across the water, Saint-Honorat offers a completely different experience. A community of Cistercian monks has lived at the Abbaye de Lérins since the 5th century. What's remarkable is that you can actually stay there today. There's one main condition: silence. Guests participate in the monks' daily rhythm—shared meals, simple tasks, and periods of quiet reflection. It's a powerful reset for the soul, a chance to disconnect completely. ### Surprisingly Accessible Paradise Here's what most people don't realize: this island escape is incredibly accessible. Yes, we went by private boat, but in the summer months, regular ferries run from Cannes. It's easy and affordable to make a day trip. You can swim in those crystal-clear coves, enjoy a long, leisurely lunch right by the water, or just find a quiet spot to read and soak up the sun. It's a world away, yet so close. As we headed back to the mainland in the soft, early evening light, I had a simple thought. How lucky we are to have this kind of magic right on our doorstep. Sometimes, the escape you think you need to fly across the world to find is waiting for you, just a 20-minute boat ride away. It's a reminder that adventure and tranquility aren't always about distance. They're about perspective, and knowing where to look.