Îles du Frioul

The Îles du Frioul are an archipelago of four rocky islands, Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen, in the Bay of Marseille, part of the 7th arrondissement in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The main islands, Pomègues and Ratonneau, are linked by the Berry dyke, and together they form a landscape of bare white limestone, scrubby vegetation, small coves and sea views. The harbour of Port du Frioul on Ratonneau is the arrival point for boats from the Vieux-Port, and a short walk from the quay leads to the former quarantine complex, including the Hôpital Caroline, where ships' passengers once waited out epidemics. Visitors can follow marked paths across the islands, swim from rocky coves and pebble beaches, and look back toward the city skyline, the Corniche and Notre-Dame de la Garde. The islands have little shade or shelter and limited services, so water, food and sun protection should be carried. A typical visit takes three to five hours, depending on the walking route and swim stops. The boat runs from Quai des Belges in the Vieux-Port and takes about twenty minutes, at about EUR 8.30 return for one island or about EUR 12.50 for a combined ticket covering If and Frioul. The best vantage points are the ridges above Port du Frioul and the paths toward Pomègues, which give long views to the open sea. Crowds are heaviest on summer weekends, when beaches and boats fill; spring and autumn weekdays are much quieter. Timetables vary by season and strong wind can disrupt service, so confirm sailings with the operator before travelling and check the last return boat to avoid being stranded.