The castle on the island If is one of the popular tourist attractions and a frequent half-day trip from Marseille.

The small rocky islet lies about 3.5 km from Vieux-Port and is part of the Frioul Islands. We recommend combining a trip to Château d'If with a visit to the other islands.

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The island of If is only 3 hectares in size and practically all of it is one big fortress.

The fortifications and the prison

The massive square trvz was built between 1524 and 1531 to protect the city from attack from the sea.

The Château d'If is the oldest surviving defensive fortress in Marseille.

The island's isolated location and dangerous sea currents created ideal conditions for building a prison from which escape would be very difficult. The prison was particularly active in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The fortress is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday always from 10:00 am. It closes at 18:00 in the summer season and at 17:15 during the winter.

It remains closed on Mondays.

The ticket price is 7 eur.

Admission is free for everyone under 18 and youth under 25 with EU residency.

Official website with exact opening times and current prices: chateau-if.fr/practical-information.

How to get there

Two shipping companies stop on the island, sailing from Vieux-Port right in the centre of Marseille.

Le Bateau - sails 1x every 40 minutes and continues on to Port Frioul
- 11,10 eur Return ticket
- Website: lebateau-frioul-if.fr
Calanques If - sails 1x every 40 minutes and continues on to Port Frioul
- 22 eur return ticket
- Web: calanques-if.com