Side Trip from Cannes: Îles de Lerins

When you're glutted on glamour and tired of dodging limos and the leavings of dyed-to-match poodles, catch a boat from Cannes's Vieux Port to one of two Îles de Lérins. On one of these two lovely island getaways you can find car-free peace and lose yourself in a tropical landscape of palms, pines, and tidal pools. Ste-Marguerite Island has more in the way of attractions: a ruined prison-fortress, a museum, and a handful of restaurants. Smaller and wilder, St-Honorat Island is dominated by its active monastery and its 10th-century ruins. Allow at least a half day to enjoy either island; you can see both if you get an early start. Although Ste-Marguerite has some restaurants and snack shops, you would be wise to bring along a picnic and drinks to enjoy the designated areas, which you won't find at St-Honorat.