The Château d’If Ferry is a ferry that takes passengers between Marseille, France and the Château d’If, a famous castle and prison located on a small island just off the coast of the city. The ferry has been in operation since the late 19th century, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marseille.
History of the Château d’If Ferry
The Château d’If ferry has been in operation since 1883, when it was created by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (now known as CGT). The ferry was initially used to transport prisoners from the mainland to the Château d’If, which had been turned into a prison in the late 18th century.
Today, the ferry still serves the same purpose, but it is also used to transport tourists to the island, who can explore the castle and its grounds. The ferry is operated by the Marseille Tourist Office and is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Features of the Ferry
The Château d’If ferry is a large vessel that can accommodate up to 200 passengers. It has two decks, with the upper deck being open to the public and the lower deck reserved for passengers. The ferry is equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning and comfortable seating.
The ferry also has a bar and café, which serve drinks and snacks. There is also a gift shop on board, where passengers can purchase souvenirs and other items.
The Journey to the Château d’If
The journey to the Château d’If takes approximately 25 minutes. The ferry departs from the Old Port of Marseille and travels along the coast before arriving at the Château d’If.
Once the ferry has arrived, passengers can disembark and explore the castle and its grounds. The ferry then returns to the Old Port, where passengers can disembark and continue their journey.
Things to Do on the Château d’If
Once on the Château d’If, there are a number of things to do and see. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, including the prison cells, which are now open to the public. The castle also has a museum, which displays artifacts and documents related to the castle’s history.
Visitors can also take a boat tour around the island, which will take them to some of the smaller islands in the area. The tour usually lasts around an hour and is a great way to see the beautiful scenery of the area.
How to Get to the Château d’If Ferry
The Château d’If ferry can be reached by taking the metro to the Old Port station in Marseille. From there, it is a short walk to the ferry terminal, where the ferry departs.
Conclusion
The Château d’If ferry is a popular tourist attraction in Marseille, and it is an easy and convenient way to explore the famous castle and its grounds. With its modern amenities and comfortable seating, the ferry is an enjoyable way to get to the Château d’If.