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Visit the island fortress-prison that inspired The Count of Monte Cristo
Full description
Step inside a literary classic when you visit the island fortress prison Château d’If, which was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel _The Count of Monte Cristo_. Learn about the prisoners incarcerated here and get amazing views of the Vieux Port!
Additional information
* Free: Under 18s (accompanied), EU citizens & French residents 18-25, disabled visitors + carer & French jobseekers, all with ID
* Free admission on the first Sunday of the month (Nov 2026–Mar 2027)
Exclusions
* Ferry to the island
* No audio guides available, but a subtitled film is screened during the visit
Other data of interest
* Mandatory security check
* Dogs, big bags, and suitcases aren't permitted
* The ferries Le Bateau and CIES Maritimes connect the castle with Marseille's port. The ride is not included in this ticket
Other data of interest
Note:
Visitor booklet guides are available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Czech, Russian, Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Portuguese.
Important
* Here you can find the [timetable for the ferry Le Bateau](https://lebateau-frioul-if.fr/horaires) to the island and [for the ferry CIES Maritimes](https://www.calanques-if.com/en/)
* Please note that during high season boats can be overbooked, so make sure to arrive before the last departure
* Please wear appropriate footwear. The terrain can be slippery
* Be aware of hot temperatures in summer
* Cobbled ground outside has 50 steps. The staircase in the château has 100 steps
Meeting point
Navette du Frioul, 1 Quai de la Fraternité