Unspecified/General

On a small rocky island in the bay of Marseille stands the Chateau d'If, a sixteenth-century fortress made world-famous as the prison of Edmond Dantes in Alexandre Dumas's novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The fort was built on the orders of King Francis I between 1527 and 1531 to defend the approaches to the harbour of Marseille, a square three-storey keep with corner towers set on the bare limestone of the islet of If. Its strategic position never saw it tested in a great siege, and instead it found its lasting role as a state prison, holding political prisoners, religious dissenters and common criminals over the centuries; its isolation, surrounded by strong currents, made escape seem impossible and gave it a fearsome reputation. Dumas seized on that reputation, and although his hero and the fellow prisoner Abbe Faria were fictional, generations of readers have come to see the cells said to be theirs, complete with the imagined tunnel between them. Reached by a short boat trip from the Vieux-Port, the island and its fort are open to visitors, who can explore the courtyard, the cells and the ramparts and enjoy sweeping views back towards the city and out to the neighbouring Frioul islands. The crossing itself, past the harbour forts and across the sparkling bay, is part of the pleasure. People come for the literary associations, for the dramatic setting on its lonely rock, and for the panorama of Marseille from the sea. Equal parts history and storytelling, the Chateau d'If offers a memorable half-day excursion that combines a boat ride, a striking monument and the enduring romance of one of the most famous tales of imprisonment and revenge ever written. Boats run regularly from the Vieux-Port, weather permitting, and tickets cover the crossing as well as entry to the fort, though sailings can be cancelled in rough seas. There is little shade on the island, so sun protection and water are advisable in summer, and comfortable shoes help on the uneven steps and ramparts. Allowing a couple of hours, including the boat trip, makes for a relaxed and memorable excursion from Marseille.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: 1 Quai de la Fraternite, Marseille, France

Website: https://www.chateau-if.fr