Marseille tourism: Boating to Château d'If

From 1634 the chateau d'If was used as a detention center for political prisoners. Its most famous and romantic prisoner is the fictional inmate Edmond Dantès, the hero of Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Montecristo. Imaginary or not, you can visit his cell as well as the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask who, contrary to legend, is as likely to have stayed there as the marquis de Sade. Among the certifiable prisoners one finds Joseph Custoldi de Faria, hypnotizer and spiritualist as well as a sailor who seems to have inspired the writer with his character of Edmond Dantès. Throughout the centuries the island has received several guests, such as a rhinoceros in 1516, a gift from the king of Portugal in transit to the Vatican. During World War II the Germans used it for its strategic position. While the guide may choose to live on the grounds for period of time, for the most part the island remains uninhabited and is only visited by the tour boats.

Practical information: You can purchase round trip ferryboat tickets for the 15 minute ride at the Quai des Belges (on the Vieux-Port) for about 8 euros. Entering the castle will set you back an additional 4 euros. You may stay as long as you wish, provided you leave by 5 p.m.

The château is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5:30pm (until 6:30pm Apr-Sept). Adults pay 5€ to enter the island or 3.50€ for ages 18 to 25; free for those 17 and under.