BEL APPART LE CANNET.COM
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RENTAL OF FURNISHED APARTMENTS
IN THE CITY OF CANNET
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Do you want to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the French Riviera?
The ones that make you dream?
Here's a selection of the most beautiful places in the Alpes-Maritimes just for you.
A Sparkling Jewel of the French Riviera...
The Lérins Islands, a genuine treasure of the French Riviera, offer an unforgettable getaway combining unspoiled nature, fascinating history, and enchanting panoramas. Located just a few minutes by boat from Cannes, these islands, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, form an archipelago with two main gems: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat.
Sainte-Marguerite Island
Sainte-Marguerite Island, the largest of the Lérins Islands, charms visitors with its shaded trails winding through pine and eucalyptus forests, its secluded coves ideal for swimming, and its rich history.
The island is approximately 3 km long and nearly 900 meters wide, covering an area of around 173 hectares. It is blanketed with Aleppo pines, eucalyptus trees, and Mediterranean scrubland.
Visitors mainly come here to walk along the forest trails, swim in the crystal-clear coves, explore the fort and the prison of the Man in the Iron Mask at Fort Royal, go snorkeling around the underwater eco-museum, and above all enjoy this wild atmosphere—so completely different from the bustling city of Cannes.
Fort Royal
Fort Royal is famous for having housed the mysterious “Man in the Iron Mask,” who was imprisoned there between 1687 and 1698.
Visitors can explore the former prison cells as well
as the 17th-century chapel.
The mystery surrounding his identity remains unsolved. Among the theories suggested over the centuries are:
We may never know the truth!
Enigmatic fresco
Inside the cell of the “Man in the Iron Mask” at Fort Royal, visitors can discover an enigmatic fresco painted on one of the walls…
Restored in 1990, this mural is the only decorative artwork ever found in the prison of Sainte-Marguerite. It forms a naïve-style triptych that may date back to the time of the Man in the Iron Mask himself.
The central scene is likely inspired by the Bible, perhaps the Wedding at Cana or the Last Supper. On the left, a fountain appears beneath a drapery carried by two angels, while two small figures can be seen near the bottom.
The scene on the right is even more intriguing: a man and a woman seem to be conversing in a richly decorated interior. Is the man suddenly turning around? Or is he simply seated in the window alcove?
This fresco has not yet revealed all of its secrets. A strange little mask is hidden within it…
Will you be able to find it?
Link: Royal Fort (In french)
The Paintings of Jean Le Gac
During the summer of 1992, the French painter Jean Le Gac transformed four cells of this former state prison at Fort Royal in tribute to the prisoners once held there.
His paintings evoke two singular and tragic stories:
Visitors can also stroll through the barracks and walk along the ramparts of Fort Royal, from which there are breathtaking views over the surrounding area and the Mediterranean Sea.
Inside the fort itself is the Fort Royal Museum, which notably includes an area dedicated to both underwater and terrestrial biodiversity.
The museum features:
mystery.
The museum occupies several levels of the fort’s old castle. The admission ticket also includes entry to the Prison Museum.
The Underwater Ecomuseum
Since 2021, Sainte-Marguerite Island has also been home to
a small underwater ecomuseum.
It features:
The statues represent the faces of residents of Cannes, with a subtle reference to the theme of the mask.
Visiting this unique museum requires bringing fins, a mask, and a snorkel. The first underwater museum in France, the Underwater Ecomuseum invites visitors to discover the submerged sculptures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
How to find it
When you arrive at the landing pier on Sainte-Marguerite Island, it is about
a 10-minute walk to reach the opposite side of the island.
Follow the signs toward Le Grand Jardin.
Once you arrive near the Forest House (Maison forestière), all that remains is to dive in and explore this underwater museum. Yellow buoys surround the six sculptures, making them easier for visitors to locate.
The statues are situated around 100 meters from the shore of Sainte-Marguerite Island, the largest of the Lérins Islands.
There, you will discover living and evolving works of art. Over time, the sculptures change with the marine environment, ensuring that each visit becomes a new and unique experience.
How to get to Sainte-Marguerite Island:
The Riviera Lines, Horizon, and Trans Côte d'Azur ferry companies provide transport to
Sainte-Marguerite Island.
www.riviera-lines.com www.horizon-lerins.com www.trans-cote-azur.com
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Saint-Honorat Island
Saint-Honorat Island, smaller and filled with serenity, is a true haven of peace. Far from the bustle of the French Riviera, visitors stroll along pine-lined paths and discover secluded coves with turquoise waters. Swimming here is calm and relaxing—perfect for quiet breaks in the shade or picnics by the water.
You can also enjoy a meal at La Tonnelle restaurant or taste the wines produced right on the island.
Saint-Honorat invites you to reflect, connect with spirituality, or simply slow down. It appeals to both history lovers and nature enthusiasts. In just one day, you can recharge, marvel at the surroundings, and leave with a sense of peace.
Saint-Honorat is a discreet treasure—an absolute must-see.
The Cistercian Abbey of Lérins
The island is home to an abbey over 16 centuries old, where some twenty monks still live and produce renowned wines. Visitors can explore the ancient chapels, the monastery tower, and experience the unique tranquility of this spiritual place.
In addition to wine and liqueurs, the monks produce high-quality olive oils. They also tend the lavender fields to make Lérins lavender sachets.
Fortified monastery
A little further on stands a magnificent fortified monastery
dating from the 11th century, the emblem of the site. It is an exceptional historical and spiritual gem, blending defensive architecture with monastic life.
Erected in 1073 by Abbot Aldebert II, this tower monastery
combines cloisters, chapels, cells, and a refectory. It was built on high ground to optimize its defense against the Saracens.
The site is open all year round, and visits are free and self-guided (entrances, cloisters, and chapels are accessible to visitors).
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.
Easily accessible and offering a timeless atmosphere, the Lérins Islands are an enchanting retreat, perfect for lovers of the sea, culture, and tranquility.
How to get to Saint-Honorat island:
The Planaria ferry company, owned by the monks, serves Saint-Honorat Island.
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