LÉRINS ISLANDS “SAINT HONORAT”

Discover the Var coast in a different way with Sea You Sun sea trips! Opt for this boat excursion to the island of Saint-Honorat departing from the port of Santa Lucia in Saint-Raphaël, board one of our boats from Saint Raphael for our trip to the archipelago of the Lérins islands located in the bay of Cannes, on the way back, discover the coves of the Esterel massif. In a small group aboard a comfortable 12-passenger boat, you will enjoy sumptuous landscapes during this ride punctuated by comments from your captain.

Set sail by boat towards the musical island of Saint-Honorat, a hotspot in the Bay of Cannes.

 Boat trip to Saint-Honorat Island: departure 9 a.m. – return 1:30 p.m. Monday morning. Free visit of the island. 

This island is the smallest, it is covered with a forest of Aleppo pines, umbrella pines, eucalyptus and cypresses. It extends over 1.5 km long and 400 meters wide. Marvel at its turquoise blue coves and enjoy this moment of relaxation far from the bay of Cannes. Saint Honorat Island has had a monastic vocation since 410. There is the Lérins monastery. To this day the island is occupied by around twenty monks, who cultivate vines and raise wine, as well as lavender, orange trees, vegetables, they harvest honey and make a liqueur made from aromatic plants called le Lerina. At the end of the 4th century, Saint-Honorat established itself on this island. Legend has it that from that moment the island was purged of all its snakes by a tidal wave. His fame growing, the disciples flocked, and the saint founded the monastery which was among the most illustrious in Christianity. Moreover, certain pilgrims, as well as the pope visiting Lérins, went around the island barefoot in order to receive indulgences. Confiscated during the revolution, the abbey was closed. It was not until 1859 that Father de Sénanque reestablished Cistercian life.

A visit to the island will take you to its ancient fortified monastery which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. This fortress is classified as a historic monument, it was built in 1073 by Abbot Aldebert to protect the monks against invasions from the sea and the Saracen pirates responsible for numerous massacres in the 8th century. From the top, you discover a superb view of the sea and the island! Strategic point for our budding photographers! A protected and preserved territory, this island combines tranquility and a heavenly atmosphere. The panorama is incredible!

After about 1 hour of stopover, take the boat again towards the Pointe de l’Aiguille in Théoule-sur-Mer, to follow the coves of the Corniche d’Or with its red rocks, the coves of Anthéor and Barthelemy , the hamlets of Trayas and Agay, the old islands, and the Golden Island, topped by Cap Roux, Pic de l’Ours, Mont Vinaigre, the highest point of the Esterel massif.

If you have had the chance to admire the Estérel coves from the land side, you will appreciate discovering them from a completely different angle from the sea side.

Your boat will approach as close as possible to the coastline and take you where large boats cannot approach. Close to the coast, you will discover faults carved by erosion in the red rocks, secret coves of the Esterel accessible only by boat.

Refresh yourself under the Côte d’Azur sun with a cold drink while anchoring if the weather permits, let your captain choose the wild cove sheltering fish, seagrass and perhaps sea caves.* You will approach the Ile d’Or from which Hergé took inspiration for his famous album “Tintin and L’Ile Noire”.

This place is magnificent because of its colors and biodiversity. Do not hesitate to ask your captain about the surrounding fauna and flora, as well as the geology of the place, he will be happy to answer you.

* Price depending on period / child under 12 years old

** Activities and schedules offered may vary depending on weather conditions.