I was born and raised in the South of France, in the charming seaside town of Antibes, and one of my favourite escapes has always been the ？les de Lérins, a serene refuge away from the crowded coast during the summer.

       Whenever I go to these islands, the gentle sound of the waves, the crystal-clear water, and the soothing sound of cicadas completely transport me, making it feel as though time has been put on pause.

       The ？les de Lérins, a group of islands in the French Riviera, offer a mix of nature, sealife, history and culture, away from the crowds and busy roads of Cannes and Nice.

       A mere 15-minute boat ride from Cannes, the colour of the water would make you think that you are in the islands of the Pacific, where no cars or roads exist.

       With an underwater museum, a fortress, and a protected eucalyptus forest, ？le Sainte-Marguerite is the largest island and my personal favourite.

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       What has always fascinated me about this island is the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask — a mysterious prisoner held in the Fort Royal during the reign of Louis XIV, forced to wear a mask to conceal his identity, leading to widespread speculation about who he really was.

       Theories suggest he could have been Louis XIV's twin brother, his son, or even a secret royal relative.

       The Fort Royal has a rich history with a museum displaying archaeological artefacts, including the remains of a Roman and Saracen shipwreck.

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       The first underwater eco-museum in France is an exceptional experience featuring stunning sculptures submerged at depths of 3 to 5 meters, ranging from 84 to 132 meters off the coast, alongside all sorts of sea creatures.

       One of my favourite things to do in spring is to hike the trails that lead to the protected ornithological reserve or to the étang du Batéguier, and walk to the stunning Pointe de la Convention.

       The Criques du Dragon is also a hidden gem where I enjoy finding a cove to snorkel or simply to enjoy the clear sea.

       The other smaller island is ？le Saint-Honorat, an island where Cistercian monks have been living there for over 1,500 years and run the Abbaye de Lérins, an impressive historical site that includes ancient chapels, ruins, and the Monastery Tower.

       Aside from its historical significance, the island is also known for its vineyard, where the monks cultivate grapes that produce exquisite wines and Lérincello, a local liqueur.

       Touring the vineyard and experiencing the process of winemaking while enjoying the stunning views of the Mediterranean with the vineyard's unique position by the sea is a unique experience you shouldn't miss while in the south of France.