Frioul Archipelago

The Frioul archipelago is a series of four islands off the French Mediterranean coast, around 4 kilometers (2 miles) from Marseille. The archipelago's islands encompass a total land area of around 200 hectares. The population was 146 as of the 2015 census.

The Frioul Archipelago is a collection of beautiful and ancient islands off the coast of Marseille, on the western tip of the French Riviera. The islands are varied and stunning, just minutes away from the mainland via ferry or sightseeing boat, with rough beaches with spectacular sea creeks (Calanques), various types of wild birds, trees and bushes, calm coves, and historical monuments. The archipelago is made up of four major islands and is part of the breathtaking Calanques National Park.

What to Do: Begin by visiting the spectacular fortified Chateau d'If, a former castle and (later) jail immortalized by Alexandre Dumas in "The Count of Monte Cristo." Pomègues, often considered the most beautiful of the four islands in the Frioul, is rugged and green, offering breathtaking coastal hikes, lush vegetation, and wild swimming in coves and sea creeks. It also has historical military defenses.
Meanwhile, Rattoneau is a good choice for families looking for safe, calm beaches and gentler walks, with the popular Saint-Estève beach only a 30-minute walk from the pier. Finally, the tiny "Tiboulen de Rattoneau" island is a popular snorkeling and diving destination.