We spent most of today visiting Saint-Honorat Island, home (since the 6th Century, or so they claim) to the Abbaye de Lérins, who own the island but welcome visitors (within limits and rules).
We took a bus to the ferry dock and then a 15-minute ferry ride to the island.
We weren’t the only vessel in the area, of course. Our company came in all sizes.
We left them behind and approached the island for our visit.
The plan for the visit was simple:
- Take a walk around the island, visiting chapels, churches, and enjoying the quiet (there are no gasoline vehicles on the island; we did see a monk driving an electric car, but I wasn’t able to get a photo of him)
- Have a wine tasting in the field where the grapes are grown
- Have a simple three-course lunch at the restaurant
- Take the last ferry of the day back to Cannes
I am happy to report that things went according to plan.
I didn’t take any photos of the food – it was quite satisfactory, as was the wine. The group was finished with lunch by 3:15, which gave us plenty of time to stroll over to the dock and meet the 3:30 and final ferry to take us back to Cannes.
We walked back to the hotel (about a mile), passing Cannes City Hall on the way.
We had time to take a quick swim in the hotel pool – it was about 28 degrees Celsius (82F), much warmer than the sea (or so we were told).
A group of us went for dinner at yet another Lebanese restaurant, Beryte, which was a significant step up from Au Charq. We ordered their mezze assortment for the table, and there was more food than any of us could eat, try as we might. Recommended.
And then it was back to the hotel to pack for our departure.