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Château d'If, Marseille

1 Quai de la Fraternité, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Château d'If is a small island in the Frioul archipelago, about 1.5km off Marseille. The 3ha island was a fortress and prison with high ramparts best known for being the setting of the captivity of Edmond Dantes in the Count of Monte Cristo novel. It was built as a defensive position for the city in the early 16th century; the structure measures 28m on each side and is flanked by three towers. The strength of the offshore current made it ideal as a prison and it saw large numbers of political and religious detainees; no prisoner is known to have escaped.

Access & Transport

The island can only be reached by boat, directly from the Vieux Port with the "lebateau" ferry service (link below) or as part of a tour. https://www.lebateau-frioul-if.fr/en/buy/ The Vieux Port itself is centrally located in the city and next to the "Vieux Port" metro station on the M1 line.

Instructions & Recommendations

Make sure to check the ferry schedule ahead of time, particularly during the winter/off-season and, if you need to wait, you can use that time to explore the Vieux Port area.

Meta review

The island and fortress turned prison are well known mostly on the back of the Alexandre Dumas novel. Most travellers seem happy enough with their visit, mentioning the enjoyable boat ride, rich history of the place, and the wonderful views over Marseille's harbour and the surrounding islands. The only complaints originate from customers who had purchased tickets via intermediaries and faced difficulties in getting refund when the ferry did not operate that day due to weather conditions.

Environmental & Social

Small carbon footprint from the ferry ride. Helps preserve the city's historical heritage.

Conclusion

The Château d'If is worth a visit on cultural grounds: for its role as a defensive position of one of the Mediterranean Sea largest harbours and as a high-profile prison in the 17-19th century period. The association with the Count of Monte Cristo adds a charm to it, but we would not recommend travellers to go out of their way to visit a building purely on account of a fictional character.

Key positive

Mixes some short harbour cruise elements with a more cultural activity

Great views over the city and the Frioul archipelago

Key negative

Dependent on ferry schedule

Ferry ticket adds up to the total cost

Suitability

Not accessible for visitors with mobility issues as there are steps from the ferry pier to the chateau (50) and inside the building as well (100). Suitable for all ages

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Opening is subject to weather conditions. Est. visit time includes ferry trips

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:3h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:15

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:15

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:15

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:15

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:15

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:15

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€18.1
Adult
18 - 64
€18.1
Child
4 - 17
€11.1
Infant
0 - 3
€0
Boat trip is 11.10 € (at the time of review), the Chateau is 7 € Free for EU nationals & res. < 26

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