All Travel Guides
  • Dansk
  • Deutsch
  • English
  • Español
  • Français
  • Italiano
  • Magyar
  • Nederlands
  • Norsk
  • Polski
  • Português
  • Svenska
  • Ελληνικά
  • русский
  • عربى
  • 한국어
  • 中文
  • 日本語
  • Chateau d'If, a fortress and former prison located on the Ile d'If, the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago offshore from Marseille
    Provided by: JeanLucIchard/Shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
Europe France Provence Do & See Château d'If (Marseille)

Château d'If (Marseille)

The guide was updated:
Château d'If is a historic fortress located on a small island off the coast of Marseille. Built in the 16th century, the castle served as a military prison until the end of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the castle's narrow cells and see the exhibitions about the fortress's history and its use as a prison. Château d'If is also famous for being featured in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas.

Useful Information

Digital Travel Guide Download

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
Provence's Lavender Fields

Provence's Lavender Fields

Immerse yourself in the captivating aroma of Provence by visiting its famous lavender fields. While the duration of the lavender season varies across different areas of Provence, it generally takes place from the last week of June to the beginning of August when the flowers are harvested. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photographs and witness the biggest variety of shades of blue and purple. If you're looking for the best areas to see lavender fields in Provence, the Plateau de Valensole and Luberon are both popular choices. Sault, located just off the city of Avignon, is also a celebrated destination for lavender enthusiasts, as it's home to one of the most spectacular lavender fields in France and hosts the yearly Lavender Festival every August. And if you want to learn more about the interesting history and uses of lavender, be sure to visit the Lavender Museum. Here, you can discover everything there is to know about Provence's number one export and the beloved flower that is the soul of this beautiful region.
Bookable
Read more
Palais des Papes (Avignon)

Palais des Papes (Avignon)

The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent historical palace located in Avignon and one of the most grandiose medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It once served as a fortress and palace and housed 9 Popes throughout the 14th century. Visitors can explore the palace and gain an insight into its rich history by visiting more than 20 rooms, including the Papal apartments adorned with frescoes painted by the renowned Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
Read more
Vincent van Gogh Foundation (Arles)

Vincent van Gogh Foundation (Arles)

The Vincent van Gogh Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating the works of this prolific artist whose creativity blossomed during his stay in Arles between 1888 and 1889. But the Vincent van Gogh Foundation is more than just a museum showcasing the artist's works; it is a platform that explores the impact of van Gogh's art on the contemporary world. The foundation achieves this by presenting his original works alongside those of contemporary artists paying tribute to the Dutch master through temporary exhibitions renewed once or twice a year.
Read more
Calanques National Park

Calanques National Park

Located between the communes of Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a sequence of stunning inlets boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a plethora of outdoor activities. The Park includes coastal mountain ranges, a vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the world's most bountiful submarine canyons. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Calanques is by hiking along one of the numerous trails within the park. However, if trekking is not your thing, don't miss out on the Calanques' splendour by embarking on a sailboat or a catamaran to explore this wondrous area from the water.
Bookable
Read more
Picasso Museum (Antibes)

Picasso Museum (Antibes)

The Picasso Museum in Antibes is housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi, where Pablo Picasso took up residence following an invitation by the then-curator of the Grimaldi Museum. During his two prolific years in Antibes, Picasso produced numerous works that he later donated to the castle. The museum displays an impressive collection of Picasso's paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures, as well as some of his personal belongings. Additionally, the museum features works by other artists who inspired or were influenced by the Spanish artist. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean from the castle's ramparts and explore the museum's beautiful sculpture garden.
Read more
Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon

Carved by the Verdon River, Gorges du Verdon is a remarkable natural setting that is among the most spectacular in Europe. This 25-kilometre limestone canyon is characterised by turquoise waters and reaches depths of over 700 meters at some points. Travellers have several options for experiencing this breathtaking landscape, including driving along the top, climbing the sides, hiking into it, or kayaking through it — with the latter being the most popular choice. The kayak route leads to the stunning artificial lake of Sainte-Croix, which is an ideal spot for renting a pedalo, having a picnic, or simply admiring the magnificent scenery.
Read more
Museum of Civilisations of Europe & the Mediterranean (Marseille)

Museum of Civilisations of Europe & the Mediterranean (Marseille)

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is an award-winning museum dedicated to the rich history of the civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean. It was designed by French-Algerian architect Rudy Ricciotti and built in 2013, the year in which the city of Marseille was named the cultural capital of Europe. Situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the building has become an iconic landmark of the city. The museum is shaped like a large cube with sides that measure approximately 72 meters in length, and it has three floors. Its facades are made up of hollow concrete elements that shimmer like silver in the sun and offer breathtaking views of the sea from all angles.
Read more
Promenade des Anglais (Nice)

Promenade des Anglais (Nice)

The Promenade des Anglais is the most famous stretch of seafront in Nice, and it owes its name to the English ex-pats who paid for it in 1822. Over the years, it has become a fashionable meeting place for beach lovers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists alike. The seven-kilometre walkway offers stunning views of one of the most beautiful bays on the Côte d'Azur. As you stroll along the promenade, keep an eye out for some of its landmarks, including the iconic Hôtel Negresco and the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée. You'll also see the giant iron sculpture, La Chaise de SAB, created by Niçoise sculptor Sabine Géraudie in 2014, which pays homage to the city’s famous blue-and-white beach chairs.
Read more
Ride the Cable Car to Mount Faron (Toulon)

Ride the Cable Car to Mount Faron (Toulon)

A must-do activity when in Toulon is to ride the cable car up Mont Faron, a towering limestone crag that stands at an impressive 584 meters above the city. The seven-minute ascent in the charming red cable car — featuring a sizeable glass floor panel — offers magnificent vistas throughout, including a panoramic view of the bay, renowned as one of the most exquisite in Europe, Toulon's port, the island of Porquerolles, as well as other nearby islands, the mountains, and the city. At the summit, an array of amenities awaits visitors, such as a zoo, restaurants, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a sanctuary chapel, and a memorial.
Read more
Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

The Eden Theatre opened in June 1889 as a theatre and music hall but also played host to boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, opera performances, and concerts. It is recognised as the world's first public cinema and remains the oldest functioning one. In 1982, it closed after its proprietor was killed in a robbery. However, it re-opened once a year for a week to organise small film festivals, until it eventually closed down in 1995 and fell into disrepair. In 2013, when Marseille was declared the European Capital of Culture, the theatre underwent a €6.5m renovation, returning it to its former glory. It's a must-visit in the region — not only to enjoy the movies and the festivals but also because of its remarkable long history.
Read more
Cours Mirabeau (Aix-en-Provence)

Cours Mirabeau (Aix-en-Provence)

Cours Mirabeau is a picturesque, tree-lined avenue that serves as a hub of commerce and entertainment in Aix-en-Provence. The avenue boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, catering to both locals and visitors. The thoroughfare is also home to a diverse array of markets, offering locals a convenient spot for their regular shopping needs. Along the avenue, you can find the ancient Fontaine Du Roi René, which honours René of Anjou, who died in the 15th century while holding a sceptre in one hand and a bushel of local grapes in the other. Next to it, lies the strange Fontaine Moussue. The fountain is fed by a natural spring, covered in moss and creates a delicate mist on cold winter days.
Read more
Place de l'Horloge (Avignon)

Place de l'Horloge (Avignon)

Place de l'Horloge (Clock Tower Square) is the main square and heart of Avignon. It gets its name from the city's Gothic clock tower, which is, ironically, barely visible from the square as it's obscured by newer Neoclassical City Hall buildings. The square is a melting pot of culture and history, housing the City Hall, Avignon's Opera House, as well as a variety of outdoor restaurants and cafés. Place de l'Horloge is also a popular venue for annual events such as the Festival d'Avignon in July and the Christmas Market in December.
Read more
Marseille History Museum (Marseille)

Marseille History Museum (Marseille)

Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Marseille at the Marseille History Museum. The museum boasts an impressive collection of historical and archaeological artefacts that date back to the city's founding times. With 3500 m2 of exhibition space, an auditorium, and a documentation centre, there is plenty to see and do here. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, while adults will appreciate the carefully curated displays that provide insight into Marseille's rich and complex past.
Read more
Saint-Victor Abbey (Marseille)

Saint-Victor Abbey (Marseille)

A few steps from the Vieux-Port lies Saint-Victor Abbey, Marseille's oldest church. Built by the graves of Marseille's first martyrs, the abbey has served various purposes throughout history, including as a church, prison, warehouse, and barracks. And despite a history that is lined with war and destruction, this remains one of the most beautiful churches in the city and therefore, should not be missed. Entry is free, but a small fee is collected for seeing the crypt containing important historical artefacts and sarcophagi.
Read more