The Friulian archipelago is a group of several small uninhabited rocky islands with several fortresses, former prisons and small beaches.
The archipelago lies about 4 km west of the centre of Marseille and includes the famous Château d' If fortress, located on the smallest of the Frioul islands.
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The 3 main islands are of particular tourist interest. The two largest islands, Ratonneau and Pomègues, are connected by a stone causeway which can be crossed on foot.
Ratonneau
All ferries arrive on this island.
On the island you will find two small pebble and stone beaches in picturesque coves, which can be reached in about 5 minutes on foot from the ferry.
The main sights are two massive 16th century fortresses.
- Fort de Ratonneau in the middle of the island
- Fort du Brigantin on the western cape of the island
Both fortresses are accessible 24/7 at no extra charge.
Pomègues
The largest of the Frioul islands can be reached on foot from the harbour via a stone causeway in about 5 to 10 minutes.
The island of Pomègues is full of small coves and jagged shores. The access to the sea here is very rocky and quite difficult.
You will also find several forts and fortifications on Pomègues, but they are smaller than on the neighbouring island of Ratonneau.
The island is 3 km long, so if you want to walk the whole island from the harbour, you will have to walk more than 6 km.
If
We describe the smallest island in a separate site detail because it is separate from the two main islands and has the most famous fortress of them all.
Accommodation on the islands
Although the Friuli islands do not have permanent habitation, you will find several apartments that are active especially in the summer season.
Experience the divine calm in the evening when all the boats with tourists leave and stay here for at least one night.
Find out the prices of accommodation on the islands
How to get to the islands
Two shipping companies stop at Ratonneau Island, sailing from Vieux-Port right in the centre of Marseille.
- Le Bateau - sails 1x every 40 minutes
- 11,10 eur Return ticket
- Website: lebateau-frioul-if.fr
- Calanques If - sails 1x every 40 minutes
- 22 eur return ticket
- Web: calanques-if.com
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Marseille.