Sainte-Marguerite Island: Day Trips and Tours from Nice

Just a stone’s throw from the city of Nice lies the historic Sainte-Marguerite Island. This isle has been inhabited since ancient Roman times and is home to a handful of fascinating landmarks.

On a day trip to Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice, you can roam its prison cells — famed for housing a mystery inmate — discover its peaceful walking trails or simply make a splash in its azure waters. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to enjoy a day spent on this sun-soaked isle.

Here's all you need to know about Sainte-Marguerite Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Nice.

How to get to Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice?

Sainte-Marguerite Island forms part of the Lérins archipelago and is located just under a kilometer off the coast of Cannes. It is approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Nice.

From Nice to Sainte-Marguerite Island by ferry

The only way to make the jaunt to Sainte-Marguerite Island is by sea. You can head to the docks on the day of your choice and purchase a ferry ticket on the spot. These leave at 30- or 60-minute intervals throughout the day and the journey takes an hour.

Self-guided tour to Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice

If you want to ensure everything is taken care of ahead of time, book a self-guided excursion to Sainte-Marguerite Island, which includes your ferry ticket.

You’ll avoid queues at the port and can simply show your pass to gain access to your vessel. You’ll leave Nice at 9 AM, reaching the island an hour later. After a day of exploring, you’ll return to Nice around 8 PM.

What is the typical itinerary?

Meeting at Quay Lunel in Nice, you’ll flash your ticket and hop aboard a boat to begin your day trip to Sainte-Marguerite Island. During this hour-long crossing, you can admire the scenery as you sail past the jagged south coast of France. Once you arrive, you’ll have free time to discover the attractions of the island.

Take a solo walking tour of Sainte-Marguerite Island, exploring its ruins, learning about its maritime history and listening out for the harmonious birdsong that fills the air.

You’ll have plenty of options for dining, and in the early evening, you’ll head back to the port, and return to Nice via ferry, where your Sainte-Marguerite Island day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Sainte-Marguerite Island?

While there are no guided Sainte-Marguerite Island day tours available, those who relish their own company will enjoy exploring its lands by themselves.

Ferry transfer without guide to Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice

Take things at your own pace on this self-guided day trip to Sainte-Marguerite Island. You’ll make the smooth ferry journey across from the city of Nice in the morning and then have the whole day to seek out the island’s most renowned attractions.

Wander the ruins of the 17th-century prison fortress, known for holding the “Man in the Iron Mask,” who remains anonymous to this day.

This site is also home to the Museum of the Sea, where you can see evidence of life on the island from ancient Roman times. As you amble around the isle spotting unusual flora, you’ll see an array of birds dancing gracefully overhead. Once you’ve finished exploring, simply return to your boat and return to Nice in the evening.

How much does a day trip to Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice cost?

Self-guided day trips to Sainte-Marguerite Island cost approximately €50 per person, which includes a return ferry journey. Entrance fees to various sites are at your own expense.

What will you see and do?

Sainte-Marguerite Island is the largest of the four Mediterranean Lérins Islands, measuring just over 3 kilometers in length. While this isle is relatively small, it is packed with an interesting history.

There is evidence that Sainte-Marguerite was inhabited during ancient Roman times and was originally called “Lero.” During the 14th century, the island was renamed after a fictional nun — featured in the writings of Raymond Féraud.

The island’s main attraction is its prison fortress — Fort Royal — which held the unidentified “Man in the Iron Mask.” This prisoner was incarcerated in four French prisons over the span of 34 years under a pseudonym.

Today, it has been deducted that the prisoner was likely the Italian diplomat, Ercole Antonio Mattioli.

There is a small fishing village that you can explore on a day trip to Sainte-Marguerite Island, as well as a maritime museum, Musee de la Mer, where you can discover reclaimed items from several historic shipwrecks.

Follow the botanical path to wander alongside pines and eucalyptus, some of which are over 200 years old.

When is the best time to visit Sainte-Marguerite Island?

The best time to plan a day tour to Sainte-Marguerite Island is during the summer months — from June to September.

While this is the peak tourist season, you can avoid the crowds by journeying away from the beaches surrounding the port. During these months, you can expect temperatures to range from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

What are the other day trips from Nice?

• Monaco Day Trips from Nice
• Day Trips to Èze from Nice
• Day Tours to French Riviera from Nice
• Cannes Day Trips from Nice
• Provence & Lavender Fields Day Trips from Nice

Travel tips

• Remember your swimsuit and towel to take a dip in the warm waters surrounding the island.
• The journey to Sainte-Marguerite Island is usually smooth. However, if you suffer from seasickness, you may wish to pop the appropriate medication in your bag, just in case.
• The best way to experience Sainte-Marguerite is by walking across it. For this reason, you should opt for comfortable shoes on your day trip.