Tour of Île Saint-Honorat

For details on how to get to the island, see the “Practical Information” section.

(S/E) As you disembark, take the ramp that rises slightly to the left and follow the main path. When you reach a three-way junction after a few metres, take the path on the right and you will arrive at a chapel topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Continue straight on, passing between the vineyards and the sheltered harbour. Pass close to a charming chapel and reach the eastern tip of the island, Pointe Saint-Féréol, at a cannonball furnace.

(1) Continue along the same coastal path on the island’s southern coast. Pass by a casemate and continue to the fort situated on a small headland that you will soon spot.

(2) Enter the fort via the steps, explore its magnificent cloister and be sure to climb the spiral staircase to the terrace, which offers a splendid view of the abbey and the mainland, stretching as far as the peaks of the Mercantour.

Then head back down and continue your walk towards the abbey on the left.

(3) Enter the abbey to discover a pretty path, a magnificent portico and the church façade in a tropical setting amidst the palm trees. The interior, however, is very disappointing...

Retrace your steps and continue the coastal walk westwards.

A few metres past the abbey, don’t hesitate to take a short detour to the left towards the sea (at a picnic area) to enjoy a beautiful view of the rocky coast and the fort.

Continue along the path to the left, pass a chapel and reach the second cannon foundry, next to another chapel, at Pointe du Barbier (beautiful view of the Gulf of Napoule).

(4) Continue along the path on the north side of the island. Discover yet another chapel (!) and carry on towards the jetty located a few metres past the restaurant La Tonnelle (S/E).

Park near Quai Laubeuf (the car park is closed until 30 April 2020 and will be closed again between October 2020 and April 2021 due to construction work).

Then take the boat crossing with the Abbaye de Lérins company:

You can get a discounted fare by buying tickets online and printing them out (€14.50 return for an adult in December 2019).

There are no bins on the island. Please take your rubbish back with you to the mainland!
A few benches and picnic tables are available for a lunch break.

The view from the top of the fort is worth the crossing alone.

The monks are also known for their keen business sense... As well as their famous wine, they produce and sell honey, jams, liqueurs and olive oil in their shop next to the abbey.