On a tiny island off the shore of Marseille stands the 16th-century fortress-turned-prison of Château d'If. The château was built in 1524 by François I, who realized that it was the ideal place to construct a fort to protect Marseille from invaders. Over the centuries, the fortress earned itself the terrifying reputation of being the dying grounds for those who resisted the royal power. This is the same prison that featured in Alexander Dumas's classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Even today, almost two centuries after the book's release, visitors from around the world follow in the footsteps of the character Edmond Dantès. Take a boat ride here and immerse yourself in the monument’s intriguing history. It is well worth it!
Your Château d'If Tickets Explained
With these tickets, you can explore 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.
What to See at Château d'If
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. Here’s what you will get to see:
The Inner Courtyard and the Dungeons
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!
Famous Pistoles
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!
The Terrace and its Towers
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.
Other Buildings
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!
Plan Your Visit to Château d'If
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, it is not. There are 100 steps inside the castle, and the calade has 50 steps.
Unfortunately, it is not. There are 100 steps inside the castle, and the calade has 50 steps.
Unfortunately, it is not. There are 100 steps inside the castle, and the calade has 50 steps.
Unfortunately, it is not. There are 100 steps inside the castle, and the calade has 50 steps.
Château d'If: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Château d'If tickets are available online. You can book your tickets here.
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.
Right opposite the old port of Marseilles lies the Chateau d’If, a famous island fortress-prison from the 16th century.
Tour the insides at your own pace and gasp at the old graffiti by past prisoners that adorn the walls and learn about the Republicans incarcerated here.
Even though this fort gained a fearful reputation for imprisoning those who stood up to the royal powers, this fort was built for other valiant purposes.
With strict measures in place, you’re guaranteed a safe experience from start to finish.
Inclusions
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Entry to Château d’If
Exclusions
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Ferry ride to the island
Please note that there is free admission during the following days: European Heritage Days on the third weekend of Sep, and every first Sunday of the month from Nov to Mar.
Entry is free for anyone under the age of 18 years, and for European Union nationals or non-EU residents in France aged between 18 and 25 years (an ID is necessary).
Entry is free for disabled guests with an accompanying adult, jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old), and holders of a valid education pass.
The Château d'If will be closed in case of bad weather.
This ticket has no audio guides available. However, you will enjoy a subtitled film screened during your visit.
All guests are required to follow the safety instructions indicated at the entrance of the monument strictly.
Please note that some spaces might remain closed for safety reasons.
The last sea shuttle towards the castle departs at 3:15 PM.
The experience is not accessible for people with mobility issues.
These tickets are valid until 17 February, 2029.
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
First bus: 10am from Boulevard Jacques Saadé or Quai des Belges
Last bus: 5pm from Boulevard Jacques Saadé or Quai des Belges
Frequency: every 20 mins
Popular stops: Pharo Palace, Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure
Inclusions
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1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour
Audio guide in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese & Japanese
Free Wi-Fi
Tip: If you're a seafood lover, don't miss the bouillabaisse, a traditional Provençal fish stew, at a seaside restaurant near the Old Port.
The buses are wheelchair accessible.
Ramps are available on the buses for easy access.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tickets
Tickets to Château d’If
Right opposite the old port of Marseilles lies the Chateau d’If, a famous island fortress-prison from the 16th century.
Tour the insides at your own pace and gasp at the old graffiti by past prisoners that adorn the walls and learn about the Republicans incarcerated here.
Even though this fort gained a fearful reputation for imprisoning those who stood up to the royal powers, this fort was built for other valiant purposes.
With strict measures in place, you’re guaranteed a safe experience from start to finish.
