The Abbey of Lérins is anchored on the magnificent classified site of the island Saint Honorat, in the bay of Cannes.

Sixteen centuries of monastic life have permeated this island which has thus remained "a little paradise on earth". The community of monks of Lérins is happy to welcome you there and invites you to discover all the life and beauty of the island.

The island travels quickly on foot, bicycles are prohibited.
To reach the Abbey as soon as possible, take the path straight in front of the pier.
To reach the restaurant "la Tonnelle" or the snack "les Canisses", follow the sea on the right at the exit of the pier.

To discover on the island Saint Honorat

The Abbey Church which is open to visitors.
Those who wish, can share prayer times with the community at the Church at the following times: Sexte 12:35 (except Monday), None 14:30 (except Monday and 14:45 Sunday).
You can also decide to make a stay of meditation and prayers, and enjoy the time and this space of silence, in the hotel of the Abbey. But beware! these stays are booked in advance, and are according to the periods very much in demand.

The fortified Monastery,which was originally closely linked to the abbatial ensemble, played the very important role of "refuge tower" to protect itself from repeated and successive attacks by the Saracens, the Geneese privateers, the Spanish. A system of signs by lights, was installed between the tower of the fortified monastery and that of Suquet.
Inside, the basement hides large cellars used for the monks' food reserves, as well as an oil mill and a bread oven. When you enter the first level devoted to work and living together, you discover two superimposed cloitres. The first cloister, called "cloister of work" is built around a courtyard incorporating a cistern. The second, on the upper floor, is dedicated to prayer, and gives access to three chapels. The upper levels were reserved for soldiers who ensured the protection of the monastery with a garrison room and terraces of signaling and defense.

The 7 Chapels
The Chapel of the Trinity. To the south-east of the island. Probably built in the 6th or 7th s. and destroyed by the Saracens in the 8th s. It is one of the oldest Christian buildings of France. His trefoil plan, symbol of the Mystery of unity in the trinity, its short nave and original cupola integrate it both with the Byzantine style and with the natural environment of umbrella pines.
The Chapel of Saint-Sauveur. In the north-west of the island, at halfway between the landing stage and the western tip. Built at the 11th s. Restored by the Historical Monuments in 1977, classified.
The Chapel of St-Caprais. In the southwest of the island. ovens to blush the balls. Destroyed by the Spanish in the 17th s.et by the Revolution. It has been rebuilt. It reminds us that Saint Caprais was one of the monks of the first generation (died in 434).
The Chapel of St-Pierre. Located a hundred meters from the entrance to the Abbey, by the sea. Razed in the 19th century, it is completely rebuilt in 1939.
The Chapel of Saint-Cyprien-et-Sainte-Justine. To the north of the island. Destroyed by the Spaniards (17th s.). A new building (1934) with nave single and apse in hemicycle was built.
The Chapel of Saint-Porcaire. To the south-east of the abbey. Built in the Middle Ages, destroyed and rebuilt in 1775. It houses the relics of martyrs.
The Chapel of St. Michael. About 200 m east of the landing stage, in the north of the island. The Spaniards destroyed it in the 17th s. and only a few remains remain near a cemetery.

The Ball Ovens
It was Bonaparte who built two ovens to blush the balls at both east and west ends of the island. Two similar furnaces were placed at the ends of Île Sainte-Marguerite, placing intruders under the threat of crossfire. In about ten minutes, the ovens heat cannonballs to more than 1000 degrees Celsius in order to cause fires on affected vessels.

For the baig

Open on sunday