Île Saint-Honorat

Since the sun was shining over the Cote d’Azur, as it often does, we figured some outdoors activities were called for before a dinner data we had booked for the evening in Cannes. After pondering various options, we decided on a trip to Île Saint-Honorat, just outside Cannes. So having prepared a picnic, we jumped on the train to Cannes. A brisk walk through sunny Cannes took us to the Vieux Port, where we jumped on the ferry.

Île Saint-Honorat is the smaller of the îles de Lérins (the other one being île Sainte-Marguerite, which we visited a while back). Apart from 30 or so good brothers living in the local monastery, the island is uninhabited. In spite of its diminutive size, its history spans back all the way to the 5th century, when Saint Honorat came to inhabit an island. Rather quickly his disciples followed him there, which prompted him to found a monastery there.

We started off our visit by walking around the island, taking in the crystal-clear waters (and all the yachts anchored there) and the neighbouring île Sainte-Marguerite. A 30 minute walk brought us to the still solid ancient monastery, stubbornly clinging to the shoreline on a small piece of land, surrounded on three sides by water. It actually resembles a castle more than a monastery. We spent a good while there, climbing up the narrow staircase all the way to the top, where we enjoyed some amazing views over the island and the adjacent modern monastery.

We then hurried down to the modern monastery, which dates from the 19th century. As the place is still in use, it’s only possible to visit the church, which in spite of its impressive façade disappointed somewhat. I was a bit gutted about the fact that we didn’t have time to visit the monastery shop, as reliable sources tell me the monks are famed for the wines they produce… Next time, I s’ppose…

We hurried back to catch the last ferry to Cannes, rather pleased with our little excursion. After doing a bit of shopping (hey, it’s Cannes, after all, right?) it was time for our dinner date. We were meeting up with my parents, and a big bunch of relatives who had come all the way from Karis, Finland, to visit (our good friend Karita was also there). My parents had chosen a restaurant called Caveau 30. The place was nice enough (and spacious enough for the horde of Finns) with good seafood, although the bill ended up being a bit steep (maybe I should’ve skipped the Kir Royal…).