About

Château D'if, perched on a small island off the coast of Marseille, presents a captivating blend of history and legend. Originally built in the 16th century as a fortress, it later gained notoriety as an almost inescapable prison. Its stony walls and towers provide an exceptional view of the sparkling Mediterranean waters and the city skyline. This castle is famously known for inspiring Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance for a seamless experience, and with its intriguing past and scenic vistas, it makes for a highly recommended visit, even for families with children. A trip here enriches your understanding of local history while offering a memorable day out.

Features

Suitable for children, Payment by credit card, Recommended buy tickets ahead

Reviews and Ratings

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4.6
based on 5,403 reviews
4.6/5 5,403 reviews
Denis Zasso
Denis Zasso
1 week ago on Google

Ballade en mer, suivi par une visite de cet ancien château rempli d'histoire. Il en a inspiré beaucoup ..... Vue exceptionnelle sur Marseille. Je recommande vivement

Drey Drey
Drey Drey
2 weeks ago on Google

Bien plus que petit que ce que j’imaginais mais très bien entretenu et qui dispose d’une belle vue sur les environs. Attention ça monte beaucoup si on veut arriver tout en haut ! Les salles étant petites je recommande de visiter hors saison ou en semaine.

Kyle Johnson
Kyle Johnson
2 weeks ago on Google

Okay, so the Château d'If is this really famous old castle right off the coast of Marseille. The main thing you gotta know is that it's famous because of the book, The Count of Monte Cristo, which used it as the ultimate prison. King Francis I built it way back in the 16 th century to protect the coast, but it ended up being this crazy, inescapable state prison—basically France's version of Alcatraz. You take a quick boat ride from the Old Port to get there, and the minute you see it on the island, it looks super isolated. The view of Marseille from the top is awesome, but the best part is walking around the cells. They even have the fictional one for Edmond Dantès, which is cool. You learn that if you were rich, you got a nice cell (called a "pistole" cell) with a window and fireplace. But if you were poor, you were stuck in a dark, gross dungeon. It's a total must-see if you love that book or just want to explore a spooky piece of history.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the address of Château D'if?
    Château D'if is located at Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001, Marseille, France.
  • How is Château D'if rated by visitors?
    Château D'if has an average rating of 4.6 based on 5,403 reviews across platforms such as Google.
  • Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?
    Yes, tickets should be booked for Château D'if online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. This guarantees entry and avoids long queues.
  • Is the venue suitable for children and families?
    Yes, the attraction is family-friendly and offers activities suitable for all ages.