Until the 16th century, If is an uninhabited island and the occasional haven of fishermen. It is François the 1st, who, during a visit to Marseille in 1516, assesses its strategic importance and gives the order to build a fortress on it.
In a very short time, the fortress changes its purpose and becomes a prison. Rebels, ruffians and refractory galley slaves stayed there for more or less long periods.
From 1689 onwards, the Protestants are thrown en masse into the unhealthy dungeons where many of them die. However, the fortress offers quite decent living conditions to distinguished prisoners.
The most famous prisoner was, without a doubt, José Custodio Faria, whom Alexandre Dumas immortalized in the Count of Monte Cristo.
After having received the revels of 1848 and the communards of 1871, the fortress lost its prison character and was opened to the public in 1890.
As regards Edmond Dantès, the Count of Monte Christo, the chronicle of If has no trace of his imprisonment. On the other hand, the hole which he dug in the wall of one of the cells is still very visible.
The Château d'If (If castle), that welcomes every year more than 90 000 visitors, will be visited during this boat excursion.
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Social events > One-day excursionOne-day excursion : Wednesday 31th May 2023
Wednesday Morning : 8h-12h
The audio-guides (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese) will offer commentaries on the history of the castle and more specific information about the Lords of Baux and everyday life in the Middle Ages.
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a spur of rock, has an incredibly diverse architectural heritage. The exceptional decorbrings memories of the past back to life, upholds traditions, is home to the art of the people who lived here and plays host to prestigious events.
Wednesday noonLUNCH TIME : La Bergerie de Servanes Bus transfer will be available at noon from "Les Baux de Provence" to the restaurant located in the heart of "Provence", "la bergerie (sheepfold) de Servanes".
La Bergerie de Servanes is located in the heart of the Alpilles, on the southern foothills of the massif, where the wild beauty of pines, oaks and Mediterranean plants is shared with that of the orderly olive trees. The presence of Man at these place dates from the Iron Age (Neolithic), with a strong Gallic and Roman presence. The current buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries, and have replaced the bories and other basic constructions which have sheltered the inhabitants since the dawn of time. Wednesday afternoonBus transfer to "Vieux-Port" followed by boat excursion to "If castle". If island belongs to the Frioul archipelago (with Pomègues, Ratonneau, and Tiboulen). |
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