🌴☀️CANNES: My Happy Place (Part 2): Île Sainte-Marguerite🏝️

Hi friends, today I will share with you the second installment of my Cannes adventures!

My absolute favourite activity when visiting this part of France, is taking a day trip to Île Sainte-Marguerite.

When dubbing Cannes my 'happy place', I am actually referring to this, the largest of the Lérins Islands- I never tire of visiting this beautiful place, a day here is like hitting the 'reset button' on the chaos of city life, and leaves me feeling completely refreshed and energised.

It is about half a mile off of the coast of Cannes. Boats to the island leave from the harbour frequently and the journey only takes about 15 minutes.

Stepping off of the boat, the first thing you are bound to notice is the perfectly crystal clear aqua and turquoise water.

At times you may feel you have been transported to the Caribbean, so idyllic and stunning are the views.

Once on the island, there is plenty to explore, but this is not one for tourists who like shopping or crave thrills as entertainment.

Though beautifully maintained, the island is mostly untouched. Apart from a few little food kiosks by the dock, and a restaurant offering a scenic panoramic view, there are no other shops.

This is an excursion for those wanting to experience the beauty of nature! 🌴🌳🌿🌺

One of the few buildings on the island is Fort Royale, a historic site which houses a youth hostel and the Museum of the Sea, featuring items recovered from ancient Roman and Saracen shipwrecks. There visitors are able to visit former prison cells, one of which was once famously occupied by 'The Man in The Iron Mask', the mysterious prisoner whose identity still remains unknown.

There is also a kayak school on the island where group excursions take place during which participants can paddle around the island.

But even if you don't chose to participate if these activities, there is a wealth of natural beauty to explore and enjoy.

There are trails to follow around the island which will lead you to specific botanical zones.

You will feel your lungs purify as you stroll down eucalyptus road and breathing in the fragrant cooling air in the shade of these majestic trees provides welcome respite from the powerful summer sun.

It's fascinating to witness the change in the vegetation as you stroll through the different ecological zones and also noticing how the air changes as you walk from eucalyptus into pine.

There are also specific creatures to try and spot in each area, though they are mostly in hiding.

Hidden near the western shore of the island, is a tranquil lake- Étang du Batéguier.

This feature is a definite must for bird enthusiasts as it is the site which sees numerous species of migratory birds visiting in search of unique plant life.

For those in search of a more relaxing visit, there are a plethora of small little private coves and beaches along the shore which are perfect for picnics, swimming and sunbathing.

Lots of locals from the Riviera, travel over on small boats to enjoy some leisure time on these beautiful shores.

I would recommend the south shores for leisure as the beaches here are not only prettier but less rocky and have an amazing view of the coast of Southern France.

The water here is crystal clear and as there is no large expanse of sandy beach, there are never too many people in one area. It is so peaceful and relaxing!

I would say that visiting Île Sainte-Marguerite is an absolute must for anyone visiting Cannes.

The first time I visited I didn't have time to walk around the whole island so went back the next day!

It is easy to while away hours exploring these different habitats, the exquisite beaches, beautiful trees and plants.

I've been lucky enough to visit multiple times and will continue to go back as often as I can.

I hope you enjoyed this second installment of my Cannes adventures, if you did please upvote, comment, resteem and follow me on @lolzwithlisa.

If you missed Part 1, check it out here:

https://steemit.com/travel/@lolzwithlisa/cannes-my-happy-place-part-1

Join me next time as I take you to the second of the Lérins Islands- Île Saint- Honorat!