Lérins Islands from Cannes

The vibe

From the Vieux Port in Cannes, several ferry companies reach the Lérins Islands archipelago within minutes: Sainte-Marguerite, wooded and wild, and Saint-Honorat, home to a Cistercian abbey.

What to know before you go

Two specialist dog-travel sources (educateur-canin.com and emmenetonchien.com) confirm, with detailed and consistent content, that dogs on a lead are accepted on board the ferries, and that the beaches of both islands (protected natural sites) also allow them on a lead. Per island: Sainte-Marguerite (168 ha, 152 of which classified as a managed biological reserve since 2006, more than 130 bird species according to the ONF) tolerates dogs on a lead on all its beaches and coves, but camping/fires/smoking are banned outside paved areas and you must stay on marked trails. Saint-Honorat (37 ha, Cistercian monastery of 21 monks) also allows dogs on a lead along its 3 km of coastline, but the 8-ha vineyard is strictly off-limits (reserved for the monks), bikes are banned, and silence is requested near the place of worship — whether dogs are admitted inside the abbey itself could not be confirmed. Better news: the Planaria company (to Saint-Honorat) officially confirms "animals accepted" on its own website — a solid first-hand source, unlike the companies serving Sainte-Marguerite, where only an unofficial mention (forum) suggests tolerance. Confirm directly with the operator you choose before booking, especially if a fare or free pass for your dog is mentioned.

Nearby

Sainte-Marguerite offers long wooded walks, while Saint-Honorat is better suited to a shorter visit around the abbey and its vineyard.