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Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red route
With dedicated skip-the-line access to the château, you are guaranteed less waiting time. Spend your time instead, exploring the castle, its courtyard, and the infamous dungeons. Popular political prisoners like the Revolutionary hero Mirabeau and the Communards of 1871 were incarcerated here. You’ll even get to see the jail cell named after Edmond Dantès, from The Count of Monte Cristo. Fun fact: There is a hole in this vault leading to the next dungeon! On the first floor, you can enjoy a film on the history of the château. Later, walk around the island and take in picturesque views of Vieux Port. The ticket cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled. It does not include a ferry ride to and from the island.
History buffs and nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy a visit to Château d'If. The castle has many tales to tell and offers stunning views of Vieux Port. With your skip-the-line tickets, here’s what you will get to see:
The only way to enter the fortress is via the gate located in the middle of the east facade. Once you enter, you will see the inner courtyard that housed the kitchen, the grain store, and the rainwater well. Notice the commemorative graffiti on the walls of the courtyard, carved by insurgents in the 19th century. You’ll also get to see the dungeons and the cell named after Edmond Dantès, from The Count of Monte Cristo. In the dungeon named after Abbé Faria, there is video equipment that will let you see yourself locked up in there!
The first floor is a testament to how the château started converting itself into a prison. Find here the cells (or pistoles) that held famous personalities such as that of the Count of Mirabeau. Watch out for the cell where the French General Jean-Baptiste Kléber’s embalmed body remained for 18 years, on Napoleon’s orders. Don’t miss out on seeing the death row dungeon built into the staircase!
Fun fact: The terraces of Château d’If played a role in the Second World War as observation posts! Walk across these vast roofs and take in the many views they offer. From the Maugouvert Tower, you can see the reefs dotting the eastern bay channels. The 20th-century lighthouse is visible from Saint-Jaume Tower, and beyond it, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde hill in Marseille. The south keep or Saint-Christophe Tower overlooks the Pomègues and Ratonneau islands.
Unfortunately, nothing remains of the artillery, the powder stores, or the windmill. However, you can still explore the castle and see the Vauban building, which was the governor’s house. There is also an exhibition on the flora and fauna of the Frioul archipelago, only accessible from the outside of the château. The Florentine Door, above the entrance, features horizontal stakes that prevented climbing!
The château is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 AM to 5:15 PM. Please note: depending on the weather, Château d'If may not be open. Make sure to check online before visiting.
The best time to visit Château d'If is from September to November (autumn). This is the off-season and frees up the beaches, attractions, and accommodations.
The château is closed on Mondays.
Catch a Frioul If Express Shuttle from the Old Port in Marseille to the island of Frioul. Most of these ferries stop at Château d’If on the way. However, make sure you check the ferry schedule beforehand.
Ferry transfers are not included with the Château d'If ticket. You will have to buy them separately.
Château d'If is located on the island of If, off the coast of Marseille. It is the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago. You can find the directions on Google Maps here.
Unfortunately, it is not. There are 100 steps inside the castle, and the calade has 50 steps.
It is a rather hilly terrain. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the ground can be slippery. Be mindful of the heat if you are visiting in the summer.
It is forbidden to drink alcohol, and to throw stones at gulls or at ramparts and terraces.
You can download the visitor app available for free on App Store and Google Play.
Yes, Château d'If tickets are available online. You can book your tickets on https://chateau-dif.marseille-billets.fr/
Yes, your tickets to Château d'If include skip-the-line access.
Your tickets to Château d'If cannot be canceled, amended or rescheduled.
The monument is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 AM to 5:15 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Please note: depending on the weather, Château d'If may not be open. Make sure to check online before visiting.
Catch a Frioul If Express Shuttle from the Old Port in Marseille to the island of Frioul. Most of them stop at Château d’If on the way. However, make sure to check the schedule before you plan your visit.
No, guided tours of Château d'If available are not available with your tickets.
No, audio guides are not available for Château d'If tours.
The best time of the year to visit Château d'If (for ideal weather and to avoid the tourist season) is from September to November (autumn).
Yes. Anyone aged 18 years and below gets free entry into Château d'If. Additionally, EU citizens up to the age of 26 years enjoy free admission.