The Chateau D’If is a 16th century fort located on the smallest island in the Frioul Archipelago, found off the coast of Marseille. Although the island is minuscule in size, it has much more to offer with respect to history. It was originally used as a fortress whose strategic location allowed King Francis I to defend the coastline of the city from sea-based attacks. A couple hundred years later it became a massive, isolated prison. In the past 200 years the island has become internationally famous due to the literary works of Alexandre Dumas. His acclaimed novel The Count of Monte Cristo takes place in Marseille, where the main character Edmond Dantes is imprisoned (and later successfully escapes) the Chateau D’If.
Aidan Papalia 