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Discover the château d'If lying just off the Marseille coast, a fortress built by François I and made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Come and be captivated by the legends of the place and the outstanding views of Marseille and the Iles du Frioul.
Visiting the château d'If
• Between myth and reality. Such imaginary prisoners as the Count of Monte-Cristo, the Abbé Faria and the Man in the Iron Mask all have their own cells. The graffiti left by anonymous prisoners may be seen on the terrace of the keep and in the inner courtyard.
• Exhibitions and installations. The visit includes permanent exhibitions on Alexandre Dumas, the château d'If and the natural environment of the Iles du Frioul. An exhibition case by Bernard Belluc (born in 1949), co-founder of the Modest Art association, is devoted to the life of Marshal Kléber, whose body was placed in one of the cells of the château.
Understanding the château d'If
• A crucial fortress. François I wanted the château d'If to fulfil three functions: protect the coast from invasion, provide cover for the anchoring and outings of the entire new royal fleet of galleys, and keep a watch on Marseille which became part of France in 1480.
• A State prison. Those opposing official authority were imprisoned here from 1580 up until 1871, especially Protestants and Republicans.
• A mythic place known worldwide. Alexandre Dumas published The Count of Monte Cristo in 1844. Its hero, Edmond Dantès, is imprisoned at If. The novel was very popular and has been translated all over the world, and twenty-three films have been made of the book.
