Just a few kilometres south of the Croisette, the island of Saint-Honorat is one of the most beautiful spots around Cannes.
On the island, the Abbey of Lérins has been cultivating the land since the 11th century. The monks grow grapes here, which they process on site to make the world-famous wine. All stages of the wine-making process are carried out by hand, using traditional Provençal farming methods.
The abbey can now be visited by tourists. The monks offer a tour of the vineyards and a tasting of the best vintages during "vine and wine" days. The abbey's restaurant, La Tonnelle, welcomes gourmets to the waterside, in an authentic Mediterranean setting.
The island of Saint-Honorat is just 15 minutes by boat from Cannes harbour. Maritime shuttles leave several times a day.
The first stones of the current abbey were laid in the early 11th century, and today it is the mother house of the Cistercian Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest monastic community still in existence in Europe.
Since 2011, Lérins Abbey has been hosting the Festival of Silence alongside the Cannes Film Festival, a welcome contrast to the glitz and glamour of the red carpet.
Lérins Abbey is Europe's oldest surviving monastic community.
- © Agent Wolf / ShutterstockThe monastery is the first thing you see when you arrive on the island of Saint-Honorat by boat. Built entirely of stone, it stands at the entrance to the island and welcomes travellers. Work on the tower began in the early 11th century, as the Saracens continued to attack the coast of Provence. Initially a place of refuge, the tower later took on a more important role within the abbey complex, and was consolidated and extended over the centuries to become the fortified monastery it is today.
There are several stone chapels to visit on the site of the Abbey of Lérins, some of which have been restored and dated, while others are still mysterious and the subject of archaeological research.
There are 4 chapels:
The gardens on the island of Saint-Honorat are grandiose.
- © Adam Zoltan / ShutterstockVisiting the churches and cloister, where the monks live, is an absolutely marvellous journey back in time. Built entirely of stone, these buildings are austere yet warm and majestic. The small gardens here and there enhance these buildings, which have been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries.
🍴 La Tonnelle
The waterside restaurant, bar and tea room offers visitors friendly cuisine in a relaxed setting. The restaurant is open every lunchtime, for lunch overlooking the Bay of Cannes. You can enjoy wines and liqueurs made by the abbey's monks in the restaurant bar.
Tours of Lérins Abbey take place every first Friday of the month.
- © Lenush / ShutterstockThe Abbey of Lérins organises "vine and wine" days to discover the vineyards of Lérins and taste the wines and liqueurs produced on site. The sommelier will take you through the vines, weather permitting. Visits are in English as well as French, every first Friday of the month.
If you're looking for an unusual experience, you can stay with the monks on the island of Saint-Honorat.
The abbey offers guests the chance to live like the monks and take part in the tasks required to keep the community running smoothly. You can join in with prayers and shared meals.
The minimum stay is two nights, and you can stay for up to a week.
These stays are open to men, women and also couples, who can share a room with bathroom facilities.
Lérins Abbey offers a"monastic hostel" system, with no set rates.
The indicative daily running costs are given, and the cost of the stay is left to the judgement of each individual.
In the silence and sacredness of these thousand-year-old walls, sleeping at Lérins Abbey is an unforgettable experience.
Cannes
🚌 How do I get to Lérins Abbey?
A water shuttle leaves from the port of Cannes every hour, from 9am to 5pm. Another leaves from the island of Saint-Honorat every hour and a half, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
👛 F ares:
A return ticket costs €15.50, and you can book your seats on the abbey's website.
👉 Who is this activity for?
This activity is suitable for all ages, although adults will particularly enjoy learning about the history of the abbey and tasting its spirits.
👉 During the summer season, from May to September, remember to book your visit and/or stay in advance.
