Îles de Lérins: Monks, Prison & Wine

Two islands, 15 minutes offshore. Sainte-Marguerite held the Man in the Iron Mask for 11 years. Saint-Honorat has monks making wine since 410 AD. The bottles you buy here are sold nowhere else on Earth.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Find the Iron Mask Cell History · Price: low

   The prisoner who inspired Dumas spent 11 years here.

   Ferry from Cannes Vieux Port to Île Sainte-Marguerite (Trans Côte d'Azur, €16.50 return, first ferry 9:00). Walk to Fort Royal (15 min, free entry). The cell is first floor, east wing. Look for the double-barred window. Stand inside. The prisoner never saw the mainland again.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Buy Wine from the Monks Wine · Price: moderate

   Cistercian monks have made wine here since 410 AD.

   Ferry or walk to Saint-Honorat. Find the monastery shop (follow signs, 10 min). Buy "Clos de la Charité" rouge (€35-45) or "Saint-Césaire" blanc (€25). These wines are sold ONLY here and at their tiny Cannes shop. Ask if any monks are present.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Picnic on the Monastery Lawn Adventure · Free · Optional

   Market supplies + monk wine on sacred ground.

   The monks allow picnics on the lawn near the old fortified monastery. Bring supplies from Marché Forville. Open your monk wine here. You're drinking what grows 50 meters away, in the spot it's been made for 1,600 years.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• First ferry is 9:00 from Cannes Vieux Port - least crowded

• Saint-Honorat monastery closes for prayers 11:45-14:15. Plan around it.

• The monks' wine isn't sold in shops or online. Buy here or regret.

• Bring a market picnic - the island restaurant is overpriced