Father's Day on Ile Saint Honorat

 One week ago was Father's Day here in France, just like the USA.  We spent the day with a group of friends on Ile Saint Honorat, part of the Ile de Lerins islands, off the coast of Cannes.  These photos show Thomas and Antonio kayaking across while the rest of us were on the ferry.

 It took them about 45 minutes or so to get across.  And they were movin'.

 Saint Honorat is small - takes about an hour to walk around it.  No cars or anything.  There is a monastery on it, with monks who have a vineyard and make wine.  The other island next to it is much bigger and much more famous, Ile Sainte Marguerite - where the prison is which is famous from The Man in the Iron Mask.

 It was hot as can be.

 The kayak served for exploring this very shallow area which was hard on the feet but in a kayak, perfect.

 We went for a walk to get the babies/toddlers in the group to sleep, and explore the area around the monastery and it's beautiful and active chapel.

 Marco, Estelle's little classmate, came with us for the day.  He was born in Milan and his parents moved to Nice 5 years ago as his father got a job in Monaco.   His Italian upbringing was evident as he went right up to the front kneeler, got down on his knees, then abruptly stood up and removed his hat, and then got back down on his knees.  I fell in love with him right then.

 Please note what time the monks get up.

 On one point of the island is a very tall stone tower/castle which is empty but you can go in and climb up and up and up to many vista points on each level.

 You are rewarded with an aerial view inside the monastery walls.

 In this photo below, we see other friends arriving in their new blue kayak.  Such fun!

Not such a bad way to spend a father's day, with a great father.