Located opposite the port of Marseille, Château d'If was one of the most feared and notorious jails in France. An unmissable visit during your trip to the South of France!
Why Visit the Château d'If?
“Those born to wealth, and who have the means of gratifying every wish, know not what is the real happiness of life, just as those who have been tossed on the stormy waters of the ocean on a few frail planks can alone realize the blessings of fair weather.” This phrase brilliantly summarises the setting of The Count of Monte Cristo. Part of Alexandre Dumas' famous novel, starring Edmund Dantès, takes place on one of the most enigmatic fortresses in France: Château d'If.
With your ticket to the castle, you'll be able to explore the old cells that made up one of the most important state prisons in the south of France. However, it was not always used as a prison. It was built between 1524 and 1531 on the orders of King Francis I, who realized that the island was a strategically important location for defending the coastline from sea-based attacks.
Due to this strategic location, from its towers and turrets, you'll be able to enjoy incredible coastal views. From the highest point, you can even see the nearby Frioul archipelago islands.
Not only did the island inspire Dumas, but the prison, Marseille's little Alcatraz, has been the subject of many legends and stories over the years. Its inmates included Protestants in the early 1700s, the captain of the ship that brought the Great Plague to the city in 1720, the famed Count of Mirabeau in 1774, various revolutionary militants in 1848 and 1870, German residents in 1914, and many more... you'll find out all about this and more on your visit. With your ticket, you'll be given an informational leaflet in English so that you don't miss out on any information, but you can also explore at your own leisure.
Château d'If Opening Times
Château d'If opens at the following times:
- April 1 - September 30: Every day from 10:30 am to 6 pm.
- October 1 - March 31: Every day from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
Please note that in all cases, final admission will depend on the schedule of the boats to and from Marseille's port.
Free Admission
Admission to the Château d'If is free for the following individuals:
- Young people from the European Union between 18 and 25 years old.
- Children under 18 years old, regardless of their nationality.
In order to acquire the free admission mentioned above, you'll have to go to the site’s ticket office and present a valid ID demonstrating your eligibility for a free ticket.
Admission is also free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month between January 1 and March 31, between November 1 and December 31, and the third weekend of September.
Transport Not Included
Please note that this ticket does not include transport to the Island of If. To get to the castle, you can take a ferry from the Old Port in Marseille (Vieux Port) which will take you to the Island of If. The price of this ferry is not included in the price of this ticket to Château d'If.
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