Sainte Marguerite Island is a beautiful island off the coast of Cannes, France. It is the largest of the Lerins Islands, a group of four islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is about 3 km long and 900 m wide, with a rich history and natural beauty. Here are some facts about Saine Marguerite Island that you might find interesting:
– The island was inhabited by the Romans, who called it Lero. They built a temple to Diana, the goddess of hunting and the moon on the island. You can still see some of the ruins today.
– The island was later renamed after Saint Margaret of Antioch, a Christian martyr who was said to have been swallowed by a dragon and escaped by bursting its belly. A chapel was built in her honor on the island.
– The island is famous for its fortress prison, the Fort Royal, where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was held in the 17th century. His identity is still unknown, but he inspired many books and movies (unfortunately it was closed when we visited).
– The island is a natural reserve, with many species of plants and animals, such as eucalyptus, pine, cypress, olive, lavender, rosemary, wild orchids, seagulls, cormorants, herons, and rabbits. The island has many trails and paths for hiking and exploring.
– The island has a few restaurants and food vendors, where you can enjoy local specialties, such as socca (a thin pancake made of chickpea flour), pissaladiere (a pizza-like tart with onions, anchovies, and olives), and pan bagnat (a sandwich with tuna, eggs, tomatoes, and salad).
– The island is easily accessible by ferry from Cannes, which takes about 15 minutes. The ferry runs all year round, with more frequent departures in the summer. The ticket price is €15 for adults and €9.50 for children.
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