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Château d’If

Château d’If: Our most recommended tours and activities

Marseille: 24 Hours, 48 Hours or 72 Hours CityPass

1. Marseille: 24 Hours, 48 Hours or 72 Hours CityPass

The CityPass Marseille is valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours and allows access to many attractions, museums, trains, boats, guided tours, public transport tickets, and more. This pass is dedicated to individual visitors who wish to discover Marseille with an all-inclusive package. • Unlimited access to public transports for the duration of the pass • Access to MUCEM (closed on Tuesdays) • Access to Regards de Provence museum (closed on Mondays)• Crossing to the If (subject to weather) or Frioul Islands OR one tour with the hop-on hop-off Colorbüs tour • Visit to If Castle (closed on Mondays during winter months)• A tour in the Touristic Train to Notre-Dame de la Garde or through the Old Marseille • An immersive Mehari (car) tour at the Mx Experience (anise museum) with a photo souvenir and a Pastis anise tasting • A free guided tour of the Tourist Office of Marseille is included in the CityPass 72 hours and with a 30% discount for the 24 hours and 48 hours CityPass, valid only for visits at 10€ (reservation is required, subject to avaibility and not included in the offer are La Cité Radieuse / Le Corbusier and private visits)• Reduced rates for children (6 to 12 years old)• Numerous discounts and tasting in partner stores • Numerous discounts for tourist and cultural activities of providers The municipal museums are free of charge all year (with reduced prices for temporary exhibitions when you have this pass)

Visit Creeks of archipelago with stop in Frioul Island

2. Visit Creeks of archipelago with stop in Frioul Island

From the old port of Marseille, you board a comfortable semi-rigid boat. The captain will guarantee your safety and the discovery of the wonderful nature just 15 minutes away. During your excursion you will discover the jewels of the archipelago (Chateau d'if, historic Caroline hospital, the fort...) you will learn the history of this heritage, you will appreciate the beauty of the coves and enjoy the many pleasures of the island atmosphere on the island of Frioul. On board, time stops and unforgettable memories will remain. From the view of Marseille from the sea, to the cove with turquoise waters, you will benefit from all the privileges expected of a professional, personalized and passionate excursion. Looking forward to providing you with the best experience you desire, we will be happy to see you on board ! Detailed program : -Departure from the old port of Marseille at the Mucem on the J4 esplanade -Exit from the old port and presentation of the main monuments of the site -Walk along the famous Kennedy Corniche and visit by boat to a typical fishing port -Direction the island of Chateau d'if which inspired the author Alexandre Dumas to write the "Count of Monté Cristo" historical explanation by your captain - Direction the historic Caroline hospital which helped Marseille escape an epidemic in 1720, historical explanation by your captain - Stop of at least 30 minutes on the island of Frioul, discover this district of Marseille with an island atmosphere in the heart of the Calanques National Park -15 min navigation to the old port (Mucem) -End of a great experience at sea which is intended to be exotic, refreshing and soothing. Cedric Bateau Marseille Calanques

Marseille: Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

3. Marseille: Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Discover Le Panier, the historic district of Marseille with a village feel. The voice of a local guide will guide you throughout the visit and the stories will be triggered automatically as you go along. Start your tour whenever you want, alone or with friends. During this 1h audio-guided walking tour, go to the Old Port, just in front of the City Hall. Learn how the little Massalia was born, a town that became a city and then Marseille in Roman times. Discover the must-see Saint Nicolas and Saint Jean forts, and the "Bonne Mère" Basilica, loved by locals. Walk along the Old Port before reaching the oldest house of Marseille, one of the only survivors of the sad second world war. Enter the heart of the Panier district and notice a change in scenery. The houses are old, narrow, and colorful, and there’s a village feeling right here in the heart of the city. You will learn the local culinary specialties such as the famous "bouillabesse", and the recipe for Marseille soap. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you can admire a lot of street art. This includes charming frescoes painted on walls and storefronts, as well as collages, sculptures, mosaics on building façades, and all kinds of graffiti.

Marseille: Sunset Frioul Archipelago Boat Cruise

4. Marseille: Sunset Frioul Archipelago Boat Cruise

Delve into the history of Marseille and explore the Frioul archipelago. Learn interesting facts about Kennedy Corniche and go for a swim in the water at Calanque des Cambrettes. Visit the island of Pomègues and go snorkeling if you want. Watch the sun go down and sail back to Marseille at night. Meet the activity provider at the Old Port in the evening. Then, board your boat and listen to interesting commentary about the monuments of the area on the way out to sea. Next, sail along the Kennedy Corniche, a coastal street named after former President Kennedy. Then, visit Vallon des Auffes. Admire this traditional fishing port with a fascinating history. After this, sail to the Frioul Archipelago, a group of 4 islands that sit inside a protected area. See the Caroline Hospital, which served as a quarantine building for sailors. Swim in the natural pools of the Calanque des Cambrettes. Following this, go to the Calanque de Pomègues fish farm. Stop off on the island and enjoy some free time to visit the cafe or ice cream parlor. Check out the monuments and the beach. Then, sail around the archipelago. Stop off at a creek to enjoy the beautiful sunset, and go snorkeling. Return to the old port at night, and see all the brightly lit buildings which dot the coast. Then, get off the boat to conclude your experience.

From Marseille: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence & Cassis Tour

5. From Marseille: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence & Cassis Tour

Embark on a guided tour from Marseille and discover 3 of the most charming cities in Provence. Stroll around the picturesque town of Aix-en-Provence and admire the fishermen's port in Cassis. Seize the chance to join a Calanques cruise for an extra cost. Start your day with a guided morning walking tour to discover the oldest district of the Phocean city : the “Panier”, with the Hotel Dieu and the Old Charity. Let’s not forget the “Vieux port” and its very original “Ombrière”. Enjoy the south part of the old port by crossing the “Place aux huiles” until the Abbey of Saint-Victor. Hop on in the van, to drive up to Notre-Dame de La Garde basilica. There are some places you can’t help but fall in love at first sight, and Cassis is part of them ! Drive to the Cape Canaille, the highest maritime cliff in Europe and enjoy the panoramic view on the bay. Spend some free time at leisure in the charming fishermen port of Cassis for lunch (possibility of swimming or sun-bathing). Possibility to join a cruise to discover the Calanques (cruise ticket not included), limestone cliffs diving in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean sea and creating natural coves (fat, rocky claws that resemble Norwegian fjords and poke out into the sea). In Aix-en Provence, stroll on the famous Cours Mirabeau dotted with refreshing fountains. Admire the private mansions from 17th and 18th centuries. Free time before to drive back to Marseille.

Marseille: Sightseeing E-Bike Tour

6. Marseille: Sightseeing E-Bike Tour

TOUR OF MARSEILLE’S HISTORIC MONUMENTS (duration 4h, 18 Kms, degree of difficulty: easy. Price per person : 49€, excluding tips) 9 am: Meet and Greet at Les Docks. - Presentation of the tour . -Distribution of safety equipment: helmet. - Advice on using the bikes, using the gears, electrical assistance... Short test drive and final check with clients that bikes are in good working order: saddle height, brakes, advice on riding in the city / Mucem. Presentation of the MuCEM and the Villa Méditerranée / Cosquer cave. Ride off to La Major Cathedral (0.8 Kms). / Esplanade la Major. Presentation and history of la Major Cathédrale: visit is possible and optional. Continue ride to place Bargemon via le Panier and Place de Lenche (1.2 Kms). / Place Bargemon. Presentation and history of Hôtel Dieu / Intercontinental/, la Maison Diamantée and Marseilles City Hall. Continue ride to l’Ombrière (0.8 Kms). / L’Ombrière. Presentation of L’Ombrière designed by Norman Foster, and of the Vieux Port. Continue ride towards Le Pharo, via the Bassin du Carénage (2.2Kms). / Le Palais du Pharo. Presentation and history of Pharo, the Vieux Port. Continue riding towards la Corniche (1.4 Kms). (5 mins toilet break at Catalans) / La Corniche John Kennedy Visit the monument to the colonial armies (Armée d’Orient et des Terres Lointaines), presentation and history of the Château d’If. Continue riding on la Corniche (2.6 Kms). / La Corniche John Kennedy, continued Presentation and history of la Corniche, the Marégraphe (oceanography Institute) and of the Hélice de César (sculpture). Continue ride to Notre Dame de la Garde via Avenue des Roches (3.4 Kms) / Notre Dame de la Garde. Presentation and history of the Basilica: visit possible. (20/30 min stop for the visit, bathroom break, and water fountain) continue riding to the restaurant for lunch (1.4 Kms). 13 h /conclusion of the ride at les Docks Debrief of the tour. Invitation to visit the Tour St Jean Gardens and the MuCEM, possibility to visit historic neighbourhood, le Panier or shopping at the Terrasses du Port shopping mall, etc ...(organise this with your guide)

Marseille: Half Day E-Bike tour sea front and food tasting

7. Marseille: Half Day E-Bike tour sea front and food tasting

Tour of Marseille via Corniche Kennedy and the sea front (Duration 5h, 38 Kms, degree of difficulty: easy) 9am: We welcome clients at Les Terrasses du port - Presentation of the tour - Distribution of safety equipment: helmet, hi-vis vest. - Advice on using the bikes; using the gears, electrical assistance... Short test drive on les Docks. Final check with clients that bikes are in good working order : saddle height, brakes, advice on riding in the city 9:30am: Le MuCEM. Presentation of the MuCEM and the Villa Méditerranée / Cosquer cave è Ride off to Le Pharo, (4 Kms). 10am: Le Palais du Pharo. Ride to le Vieux port, L’Ombrière, le Bassin du Carénage. Presentation and history of Le Palais Pharo, the Vieux Port. We continue our ride to Notre Dame de la Garde via la Corniche John Kennedy, (6 Kms). ... La Corniche John Kennedy... Visit les Catalans, the colonial armies’ war memorial, Malmousque, the oceanography Institute (Marégraphe) with a view over the Château d’If. 11am / Notre Dame de la Garde. Presentation and history of the Basilica: visit possible. (20/30 min stop for the visit, bathroom break, and water fountain) continue riding to the restaurant « chez Paul» for lunch (12 Kms). ... Corniche John Kennedy, the seafront... Facing the wind, while following the Corniche John Kennedy as far as l’Hélice, le Roucas, Le David « backs to the sea », the Borely beaches, then the villages of Vieille Chapelle, La Pointe Rouge, Montredon... And finally les Goudes. 12:15pm /gastronomic lunch at waterfront Restaurant « Chez Paul ». « Chez Paul » The most typical Marseille-style restaurant in les Goudes. Overlooking the small port, behind the boats, tasting of Marseillais specialities and local wine (supions, casserons, octopus salad, panisses). Stopover 45 min. departure at 13 h to les Docks (16 Kms). 2pm /arrival at les Docks Debrief of the tour. Invitation to visit the Tour St Jean Gardens and the MuCEM, possibility to visit the historic neighbourhood, le Panier or go shopping at the Terrasses du Port shopping mall, etc ...(organise this with your guide)

Marseille: Day Boat Ride in the Calanques with Wine Tasting

8. Marseille: Day Boat Ride in the Calanques with Wine Tasting

Step aboard a beautiful boat and begin your full day tour. Pass the Frioul Islands and see the Château d'If in Marseilles from the perspective of the water. Then, drop anchor in a calm cove and stop for a mini wine tasting course with Provencal wines and typical tapas from the south of France. Swim, if you like, in a very safe area and snorkeling gear will be provided aboard the boat. Take the option to reserve a table in a seaside restaurant. Next, discover the Calanques National Park. Learn about the secrets of this magical, protected region of rocky inlets.

Marseille: Private City Center Walking Tour with Cruise

9. Marseille: Private City Center Walking Tour with Cruise

Enjoy a cruise from Marseille to the Côte Bleue coast where you can snorkel in the crystal clear water. Explore the city center of Marseille on a guided walking tour. Admire stunning city and sea views from the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde.  Choose a tour option where you are picked up from your accommodation in Marseille, or from an option where you meet your guide at the Old Port of Marseille. Embark on your cruise from the Old Port and take in views of the city from the water as you depart. Head to the Frioul Islands and pass by the fortress and former prison Château d’If. Put down the anchor in les Calanques of la Côte Bleue. Relax in the boat or or go snorkeling to see colorful fish and corals.  After 2 hours, head back to the Old Port of Marseille. Begin your guided walking tour of Marseille. Marvel at the panoramic views of Marseilles from the Old Port. Finally, follow your guide to the oldest bakery in Marseille and a santon figurine factory. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour.

Available activities

Other Sightseeing Options in Château d’If

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What people are saying about Château d’If

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 435 reviews

The 48-hr city pass has made my stay in Marseille easy. I took bus or tram, and the boat Le Bateau Frioul-If. After paying over 5 EUR, I visited 2 islands, that was a good choice. Lunch at Frioul Island was authentic and delicious. I also took the little train to the Basilique Notre-Dame. The hill was stiff, so it definitely saved some energy by taking the train.

Absolutely brilliant tour, not to be missed. Very interesting to hear about how Marseille, came to be a tourist destination. Practical and comfortable way to see Aix-en-Provence and Cassis. Decent amount of free time dedicated to exploring both towns on your own, with good suggestions of things to see.

This was definitely the highlight of our visit. It’s great for teenagers and so interesting to walk around and see the art. I will look for tours like this again when I visit Euro cities.

Great pass, visited 6 museums with it and rides metro e bus and got discount on ride to Notre-Dame and entrance

This audio tour was fantastic. Very accurate location, interesting facts and clear audio.