Château d’If

An island fortress made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo. Built on the orders of Francis I between 1529 and 1531, it stands on the islet of If, in the Frioul archipelago, in the middle of the Bay of Marseille.

The château is a square three-storey building flanked by three towers, surrounded by a bastioned wall that defends the whole island. It served mainly as a prison for about four centuries. Alexandre Dumas imprisoned his characters Edmond Dantès and Abbé Faria there. Listed as a historic monument in 1926 and opened to the public by the Centre des monuments nationaux, it has been part of the Calanques National Park since 2012.

For groups : The group rate applies from 20 paying adults, for a self-guided or commented visit, and groups of up to 30 people can book a lecture tour. The boat crossing from Marseille is not included: the Frioul If company runs the service all year round, with admission to the château paid on site, while another company, in season, sells admission together with the crossing.

Château d’If – Chemin de Saint-Estève, 13007 Marseille

On request – preferential group rate (please contact us)