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
Write a reviewBallade 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
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.
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.
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.

- City Tours & Sightseeing
4 hours

- City Tours & Sightseeing
5 hours

- City Tours & Sightseeing
3 hours
Île Ratonneau
- 1.14 km
- Open now
- Fortresses
Fort De Ratonneau in Marseille is a captivating fortress that offers more than just historic ch...
Frioul Archipelago
- 1.77 km
- Islands
Just a short boat ride from bustling Marseille, the Frioul Archipelago offers an enchanting esc...
Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
- 2.52 km
- Closed now
- Parks
Villa Valmer in Marseille offers a serene escape with its magnificent sea views and tranquil gr...
86 Bd Charles Livon
- 3.11 km
- Closed now
- Parks
Parc Émile Duclaux in Marseille offers a serene escape with its expansive, well-maintained lawn...
58 Bd Charles Livon
- 3.13 km
- Closed now
- Attractions
Perched on the coastline of Marseille, Palais Du Pharo is a striking testament to Second Empire...
Fort De Cavaux
- 3.31 km
- Open now
- Fortresses
Fort De Cavaux in Marseille offers a splendid blend of history and scenery. As you explore this...
Mnt du Souvenir Français
- 3.35 km
- Closed now
- Attractions
Citadelle De Marseille is a stunning fortress from the 17th century, designed by architect Loui...
Prom. Robert Laffont
- 3.42 km
- Closed now
- Museums
Fort Saint-Jean in Marseille offers an intriguing glimpse into the 17th century with its well-p...
Pl. Saint-Victor
- 3.47 km
- Closed now
- Churches, Cathedrals
- Monasteries
Abbaye Saint-Victor in Marseille stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectura...
16 Esp. de la Tourette
- 3.57 km
- Churches, Cathedrals
Église Saint-Laurent in Marseille presents a captivating glimpse into history with its Romanesq...
Prom. Robert Laffont
- Closed now
- Museums
Fort Saint-Jean in Marseille offers an intriguing glimpse into the 17th century with its well-p...
Place Zino Francescatti
- Closed now
- Parks
Parc Du 26Ème Centenaire in Marseille is a vibrant oasis that brings the essence of Provence, A...
Prado Beach
- Beaches
Prado Beach in Marseille offers a delightful escape for those seeking both relaxation and activ...
32 Bd Jard. Zoologique
- Closed now
- Parks
In Marseille, the Zoological Gardens offer a delightful escape, blending nature with history. S...
Pl. Saint-Victor
- Closed now
- Churches, Cathedrals
- Monasteries
Abbaye Saint-Victor in Marseille stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectura...
58 Bd Charles Livon
- Closed now
- Attractions
Perched on the coastline of Marseille, Palais Du Pharo is a striking testament to Second Empire...
56 Trav. de la Buzine
- Closed now
- Museums
- Cinemas
Château De La Buzine stands as a charming blend of history and culture in Marseille. With its r...
Bd Marius Richard
- Closed now
- Parks
Parc De La Moline in Marseille is a delightful escape offering 11 hectares of diverse landscape...
2 Rue Henri Barbusse
- Closed now
- Gardens
Port Antique in Marseille offers a serene escape with beautifully maintained gardens perfect fo...
86 Bd Charles Livon
- Closed now
- Parks
Parc Émile Duclaux in Marseille offers a serene escape with its expansive, well-maintained lawn...
