From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island

Nestled just a 15-minute ferry ride from Cannes, Ste. Marguerite Island offers visitors a chance to escape the bustling city and enjoy a world of natural wonder. Boasting fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests, a diverse array of migratory birds, and an underwater eco museum, the island promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore its unique treasures. With daily round-trip ferry departures, travelers can easily plan their excursion and discover the island’s rich cultural heritage, including the historic Royal Fort and its captivating secrets. What awaits those who venture to this enchanting destination?

Key Points

• Round-trip ferry service operates daily between Cannes and Ste. Marguerite Island, with multiple departures from Cannes starting as early as 7:30 AM and as late as 5:30 PM.
• The ferry crossing time is a quick 15 minutes, and visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled departure and purchase tickets in advance.
• The island features a diverse array of migratory birds, including Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, and European Bee-eaters, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
• Visitors can explore the Royal Fort, with its 17th-century history, ornate chapel, and the museum showcasing its role in French culture.
• The underwater eco museum offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to observe the island’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life through interactive displays and underwater viewing portals.

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Fragrant Pine and Eucalyptus Forests

As visitors wander through the island’s lush landscapes, they’ll be enveloped by the intoxicating scents of fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests.

These towering trees dominate the island’s interior, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The pine trees, with their distinctive needles and resinous aroma, provide a calming presence, while the eucalyptus trees release a crisp, menthol-like scent that invigorates the senses.

Together, these aromatic wonders create a sensory experience that transports visitors to a world of natural beauty and relaxation. Hikers can enjoy this olfactory delight as they explore the island’s winding trails, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this captivating natural haven.

Migratory Birds and Unique Plants

From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island

Ste. Marguerite Island boasts a diverse array of migratory birds and unique plant species, captivating visitors with the island’s rich natural heritage. Countless feathered travelers stop at the island during their seasonal journeys, offering birdwatchers a chance to spot a variety of avian wonders. Alongside these migratory birds, the island’s diverse flora includes several endemic and rare plant species, each adapted to thrive in the island’s distinctive Mediterranean climate and terrain.

Migratory Birds	Unique Plants
Ospreys	Dwarf Fan Palm
Peregrine Falcons	Provence Cistus
European Bee-eaters	Myrtle Spurge

Visit the Royal Fort

Visitors to Ste. Marguerite Island can’t miss the impressive Fort Royal, a historic structure with a storied past. The fort was originally built in the 17th century and has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a prison for the famous ‘Man in the Iron Mask.’

Today, visitors can explore:

• The dungeon where the mysterious prisoner was held
• The chapel with its ornate decor
• The museum showcasing the fort’s history and role in French culture

The fort’s location, perched atop a rocky outcrop, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding pine forests. Exploring the Royal Fort is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Ste. Marguerite Island.

Swim to the Eco Museum

One can swim to the new underwater eco museum on Ste. Marguerite Island, which showcases the diverse marine life and ecosystem of the surrounding waters. The eco museum features interactive displays and underwater viewing portals, allowing visitors to observe the vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and other fascinating marine creatures up close. To access the eco museum, visitors can don snorkeling gear and swim out to the designated area, or take a guided tour by boat. Exploring the eco museum is a unique and immersive way to learn about and appreciate the island’s rich marine environment.

Feature	Description
Exhibits	Interactive displays and underwater viewing portals
Marine Life	Coral reefs, diverse fish species, and other marine creatures
Access	Snorkeling or guided boat tours
Experience	Immersive and educational experience of the local ecosystem

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Round-Trip Ferry Schedule

Multiple round-trip ferry departures operate daily between Cannes and Ste. Marguerite Island, allowing visitors flexibility in planning their visit.

The ferries depart Cannes as early as 7:30 am and as late as 5:30 pm, with return trips from the island between 7:45 am and 6:00 pm. The crossing time is a quick 15 minutes.

To ensure a smooth experience, visitors are advised to:

1. Arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled departure.
2. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid delays.
3. Take note of the last ferry’s departure time to avoid being stranded on the island.

With this convenient schedule, travelers can easily incorporate a visit to the picturesque Ste. Marguerite Island into their Cannes itinerary.

Arrival and Departure Information

Upon arriving at the ferry terminal in Cannes, travelers should plan to be there at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Tickets can be purchased in advance to avoid delays, and visitors should take note of the last ferry’s return time to ensure they don’t get stranded on the island.

Dogs are permitted on the ferry and the island, but they must be kept on a leash. Plus, the use of drones and fishing aren’t allowed on Ste. Marguerite Island.

Water shoes are recommended for those who plan to swim and explore the new underwater eco museum. Adhering to these arrival and departure guidelines will help ensure a seamless and enjoyable day trip to Ste. Marguerite Island.

Permitted and Prohibited Activities

Visitors to Ste. Marguerite Island can enjoy a range of activities, but there are also certain restrictions in place to preserve the natural environment.

Guests are welcome to explore the fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests, spot migratory birds, and visit the iconic Fort Royal.

However, some activities are prohibited, including:

1. Drones aren’t allowed on the island to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
2. Fishing is prohibited to protect the marine ecosystem.
3. Visitors are required to keep their dogs on a leash at all times.

Recommended Attire and Gear

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the island’s well-maintained trails, and water shoes are advised for those planning to swim or explore the new underwater eco museum.

The island’s varied terrain, with pine and eucalyptus forests, can be explored more easily with proper footwear. Plus, the water shoes will protect feet when wading in the shallow areas or swimming.

Bringing sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, is also recommended, as the island has limited shade.

Finally, a light jacket or sweater may be useful, as the temperatures can be cooler near the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Island?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Ste. Marguerite Island. Picnicking on the island is allowed, providing guests with the freedom to enjoy their own refreshments during their visit.

Is There Any On-Island Dining or Snack Options Available?

There are limited snack and dining options on Ste. Marguerite Island. Visitors can purchase food and drinks at a small beach cafe. Bringing one’s own picnic is recommended to fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs on the Island?

There are no additional fees or costs on the island once visitors arrive. The round-trip ferry ticket covers the transportation, and the only extra cost is the entrance fee to the Royal Fort, which is not included.

Can I Stay Overnight on the Island or Is It a Day Trip Only?

The Ste. Marguerite Island ferry is a day trip only – there are no overnight accommodations on the island. Visitors must return to Cannes on the same day, as the ferry service operates on a round-trip schedule between the mainland and the island.

What Are the Best Times to Visit the Island to See Wildlife?

The best times to visit Ste. Marguerite Island to see wildlife are typically in the early morning or late afternoon when migratory birds and other animals are most active. Visitors may spot a variety of unique flora and fauna throughout the island’s pine and eucalyptus forests.

Recap

Ste. Marguerite Island offers visitors a peaceful escape from the bustle of Cannes.

With its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and historic landmarks, the island provides a unique opportunity to take in nature and culture.

The convenient ferry service makes it easy to explore this natural gem, making it an ideal day trip destination for those seeking to experience the enchanting beauty of the French Riviera.

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