Chateau d'If

The Basics

Perched on a rocky islet in the Mediterranean, west of the Old Port of Marseille (Vieux Port), the Chateau d’If fortress was built in 1524 to protect the city from invaders and was used as a state prison until the late 19th century. Anyone opposing authority in the city might find themselves incarcerated here, especially those who opposed royal rule.

For insight into the fascinating history of the Mediterranean coast in France, join a guided tour of the region that includes a visit to the fortress along with stops in other notable towns, such as Aix-en-Provence and Cassis.

Things to know before you go

• Chateau d’If is only accessible by boat.

• Purchase a skip-the-line ticket to save time.

• The fortress has steep stairs and uneven passages that may be challenging for people with limited mobility.

• Audio guides are available in a variety of languages, including English.

• Poor weather conditions can affect boat service to and from the site.

How to get there

The Chateau d’If is located just off the coast of Marseille. Regular boat services run to and from the island year-round. Services depart from two locations: the Old Port (Vieux Port) and nearby Fort Saint-Jean. Some boats offer the option to stop at the Frioul Islands on the same trip.

When to get there

The fortress is open all year round, Tuesday–Sunday. Marseille has pleasant temperatures in all seasons, and July and August are the busiest times of year in this tourist-friendly city.

Visit Aix-en-Provence

A charming market town and artist’s colony, Aix-en-Provence is one of Provence’s most picturesque and well-known spots. Visit on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday), and stroll through the stalls of fresh produce before finding a cafe terrace along the main street, the Cours Mirabeau, where you can sit down to lunch with a cold glass of rosé wine.

How do I get to Château d'If?

To get to the Chateau d’If, you take a ferry from Marseille's Old Port, sometimes called the Frioul-If-Express; the ride is about 20 minutes long. Ferries run year-round, and the chateau is open year-round, except for Mondays in the off-season. To be clear, a ferry ticket does not include entrance to the chateau—that’s a separate ticket.

What is the history of Château d'If?

The Château d'If was built in the early 16th century under the orders of King Francis I of France—he wanted it as a fortress to protect Marseille. By the 1800s, it was a prison similar to Alcatraz. Author Alexandre Dumas used it as the setting for The Count of Monte Cristo in 1844, and by 1890, it became a public attraction.

What can I see and do at Château d'If?

At Chateau d’If, the main attraction is taking in history—after all, it’s a 16th-century island fortress with well-preserved defensive walls, watchtowers, and cannon emplacements. There are also fascinating rooms, like the chapel and prison cells, including one named for The Count of Monte Cristo. Of course, the chateau also offers fabulous 360-degree views of the Mediterranean.

Are guided tours available at Château d'If?

Yes, guided tours are available at the Chateau d’If. Staff run 30-minute tours several times a day, though you’ll need a ticket. Audio guides are available in French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish, and informative brochures are available in even more languages. Of course, you’re welcome to book your own private guide, too.

How long does it take to visit Château d'If?

If you’re simply visiting Chateau d’If on your own, your visit will likely take around 2 hours—that’s enough time to see the main highlights of the fortress, including the various chambers and exhibits; guided tours may take a bit longer. And, of course, don’t forget travel time to and from the island, as the ferry takes roughly 20 minutes each way.

What is the significance of Château d'If in literature?

Alexandre Dumas used the Chateau d’If as the primary setting for his 1844 classic The Count of Monte Cristo. The main character, Edmond Dantes, escapes the island prison, a feat no actual person has ever managed. Today, a rocky dungeon in the castle’s lower level with Dantes’s name commemorates this story.