Saint-Honorat Island, a treasure off the coast of Cannes
Less than an hour from our guesthouse nestled in the hills above Grasse, Saint-Honorat Island reveals itself as one of the best-kept secrets of the French Riviera — a sanctuary of silence, spirituality and untamed beauty, home to Cistercian monks for more than sixteen centuries.
In this guide
Sixteen centuries of monastic life
Around the year 410, a monk named Honoratus settled on this then-deserted island to live in solitude. The community he founded grew into one of the most influential monastic centres of the medieval Western world, training bishops and saints whose names still echo through the history of Provence.
Today, around twenty Cistercian monks still live here, following the rhythm of prayer, work and silence. The island is theirs: visitors are welcome, but as respectful guests of a place that has never stopped being a living monastery.
The abbey and its fortified monastery
Two buildings tell the island's story. The modern abbey, where the community lives and worships, and — rising straight from the sea — the fortified monastery, an 11th-century stronghold built to shelter the monks from Saracen raids. Climbing its stone tower rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the entire coast: the open Mediterranean on one side, the bay of Cannes on the other.
The abbey church is open to visitors outside of services. Stepping inside, the temperature drops, the noise of the world fades, and you understand why people have sought refuge here for over a thousand years.
The monks' wine and vineyards
Saint-Honorat is one of the very few monasteries in the world where the monks still cultivate their own vineyards. Eight hectares of vines and olive trees are worked by hand, producing highly sought-after wines and liqueurs sold at the abbey shop and in a handful of fine restaurants.
Tasting a glass of Saint-Honorat wine, facing the sea, in the very place where it was grown, is one of those simple pleasures that stay with you long after the boat has taken you back to the mainland.
What to see and do on the island
Saint-Honorat is small — you can walk around it in about an hour — but it rewards slowness. Here is how we suggest spending your time:
- Walk the coastal path that circles the island, between pine trees, vineyards and tiny chapels.
- Visit the abbey church and, if your timing allows, attend an office sung by the monks — a moment of rare beauty.
- Climb the fortified monastery for the panoramic view over the bay.
- Lunch at La Tonnelle, the island's only restaurant, run in partnership with the monks.
- Taste and buy the abbey's wines, liqueurs and lavender products at the monastery shop.
Good to know: there are no cars, no hotels and no shops other than the abbey's. Bring water, comfortable shoes and respect the silence — swimming is permitted but discretion is expected near the religious buildings.
Getting there: practical tips
- To Cannes — from Grasse, count roughly 40 minutes by car or bus to reach the Cannes harbour.
- The boat — Saint-Honorat is served exclusively by the Planaria company from the Quai Laubeuf. A 15-minute crossing takes you straight to the island (note: a different company serves the neighbouring island of Sainte-Marguerite).
- On the island — allow at least half a day to enjoy every corner, or a full day to truly slow down.
Our suggested itinerary: early start from Grasse, arrival in Cannes around 9:30, first boat at 10:00. Visit the abbey and the midday office, lunch at La Tonnelle, a full loop of the island in the afternoon, vespers before the last boat. Back in Grasse in time for an aperitif in our garden.
Stay a stone's throw from this wonder
Our guesthouse in the hills of Grasse is the ideal base to explore the Lérins islands, Cannes and the whole French Riviera.
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