Frioul If Express
Frioul If Express
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4.0
412 reviews
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pauljjj2017
Maidstone, UK102 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Ferry located in the old port. Tickets are 11.10€ return and can be purchased on the day from the ticket office on the harbour wharf. The Frioul Archipelago is a must visit for its historic and biodiversity interest. The boat leaves and returns on a regular schedule but check times on their website as it differs according to the season.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plino
Cologne, Germany209 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The ferry is a quite good organized team and part of the public transport of Marseille.
First recommendation: buy tickets online. This is possible 24 hours before the transfer.
Second recommendation: try to avoid peak times. Summer holidays, specially the french are too busy.
Third recommendation: the day pass can help you to jump the line. There are three lines: Resident of the island, Marseille day pass holder and the normal public.
The island Friul has restaurants and even a small store, of course with touristic prices. It's a good place to spend the day.
Yes, if they have Mistral (wind weather) the ferry stays in Marseille.
First recommendation: buy tickets online. This is possible 24 hours before the transfer.
Second recommendation: try to avoid peak times. Summer holidays, specially the french are too busy.
Third recommendation: the day pass can help you to jump the line. There are three lines: Resident of the island, Marseille day pass holder and the normal public.
The island Friul has restaurants and even a small store, of course with touristic prices. It's a good place to spend the day.
Yes, if they have Mistral (wind weather) the ferry stays in Marseille.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol A
Littlehampton, England, United Kingdom79 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Just a short (about 20 minutes) ferry ride from Marseille Old Port. You can get a two destination ticket and start by visiting the Chateau d'If - then jump back on the boat for Frioul. Two 'islands' joined by a causeway. A line of great little restaurants vying for your custom with their plats du jour and cold carafes of wine - and all those other French culinary delights. Also a few shops. Walks on both sides of the causeway and plenty of little rocky inlets and beaches to swim from, so dont forget your swimsuit. A lovely day or afternoon out.
Written July 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randi W
Orlando, FL15 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
The boat trip was beautiful but they fail to tell you to line up hours early for the return trip. They fill the boat with tour groups and will treat you very rudely if you aren't in a group. And, you won't get on the boat and will have to wait another hour and a half. And hope to get on that boat and not bumped by another group. I hope the rude man visits the U.S. and I can return his lack of kindness. I had felt welcomed in France until this experience. I am very disappointed. They don't care about their customers.
Written October 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia_UK_1992
London, UK22 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We stayed in Marseille for 5 nights and ended up visiting Frioul twice it was so amazing.
Getting to the island couldn't be easier. You hop on a boat at the Old Port which costs around £8 return, it's a 20 minute boat journey, of which the views are amazing, and then you're free to roam the island all day. The first day we went the sea was very choppy and the boat journey was an exhilarating experience to say the least. If you are at all nervous of boats or get sea sick then I would not recommend going when it's a windy day as the sea is very choppy and mixed with the speed of the boat it makes for a bumpy (and wet) ride. The second day we went when the water was calmer it was a more relaxed trip.
Once you arrive on the island there's signposts pointing to the different beaches and Calanques but we found the best bits of the island aren't signposted! The main beach on the island is amazing, a mixture of sand and pebbles with a lot of space for sunbathing and swimming along with a little bar overlooking the bay. If you're looking for something little more private you can carry on up the road towards the hospital and explore that side of the island. Here is where we found a tiny little pebble beach which one day we had to ourselves for half the day, only to be joined by 2 kayakers later on. There are a few of these dotted around the island with amazing views looking back to Marseille or out to sea. From the port of Frioul to these little beaches it takes about 30 - 40 minutes to walk and there's a few hills but nothing too taxing. The main beach is around 20 - 30 minutes walk but there was a little land train that was running on one of the days we were there.
There are places to eat and drink on the island but if you're planning on walking around the and trying to find a secluded beach then be sure to take plenty of water and some food.
Overall well worth a trip if you're looking for gorgeous beaches with a little bit of walking for amazing views of the Island and Marseille.
Getting to the island couldn't be easier. You hop on a boat at the Old Port which costs around £8 return, it's a 20 minute boat journey, of which the views are amazing, and then you're free to roam the island all day. The first day we went the sea was very choppy and the boat journey was an exhilarating experience to say the least. If you are at all nervous of boats or get sea sick then I would not recommend going when it's a windy day as the sea is very choppy and mixed with the speed of the boat it makes for a bumpy (and wet) ride. The second day we went when the water was calmer it was a more relaxed trip.
Once you arrive on the island there's signposts pointing to the different beaches and Calanques but we found the best bits of the island aren't signposted! The main beach on the island is amazing, a mixture of sand and pebbles with a lot of space for sunbathing and swimming along with a little bar overlooking the bay. If you're looking for something little more private you can carry on up the road towards the hospital and explore that side of the island. Here is where we found a tiny little pebble beach which one day we had to ourselves for half the day, only to be joined by 2 kayakers later on. There are a few of these dotted around the island with amazing views looking back to Marseille or out to sea. From the port of Frioul to these little beaches it takes about 30 - 40 minutes to walk and there's a few hills but nothing too taxing. The main beach is around 20 - 30 minutes walk but there was a little land train that was running on one of the days we were there.
There are places to eat and drink on the island but if you're planning on walking around the and trying to find a secluded beach then be sure to take plenty of water and some food.
Overall well worth a trip if you're looking for gorgeous beaches with a little bit of walking for amazing views of the Island and Marseille.
Written August 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArtfulWanderings
Perth, UK299 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Travelling with my partner on his business trip allows me to visit some wonderful places and explore a little. On a number of his trips over the past four years we have been to Marseille and taken the chance to visit the Frioul Archepelago and Chateau d'If.
Catching the ferry from the Old (Vieux) Port, it takes about 20 minutes to the first stop, the smallest of the four islands, If, and its famous 'Chateau'. The Chateau started as a fortress against attacks from the sea, and became a prison in the mid-16th century. There is plenty of evidence of that long chapter. Some interpretation has been done on the site, some rooms and areas have been left alone. Chateau d'If sits on rough ground, surrounded by ancient stone paths with some rough-hewn stairs, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
The largest of the four, Ratonneau is joined to Pomegues by a sea wall. With no road traffic allowed, the joined islands are easy to walk around.
There is a small snack bar on If, but I chose to head to Ratonneau and enjoy one of the brasseries with a great view of the harbour and Marseille. In the heat, the shade was great!
TIP: If you don't have long, the ferry takes an hour to loop from Vieux Port, to If, 10 minutes on to Port Frioul on Ile de Ratonneau, back to If and onto Vieux Port. If travelling in the warmer months, take water with you, the islands get really hot in the sun.
Catching the ferry from the Old (Vieux) Port, it takes about 20 minutes to the first stop, the smallest of the four islands, If, and its famous 'Chateau'. The Chateau started as a fortress against attacks from the sea, and became a prison in the mid-16th century. There is plenty of evidence of that long chapter. Some interpretation has been done on the site, some rooms and areas have been left alone. Chateau d'If sits on rough ground, surrounded by ancient stone paths with some rough-hewn stairs, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
The largest of the four, Ratonneau is joined to Pomegues by a sea wall. With no road traffic allowed, the joined islands are easy to walk around.
There is a small snack bar on If, but I chose to head to Ratonneau and enjoy one of the brasseries with a great view of the harbour and Marseille. In the heat, the shade was great!
TIP: If you don't have long, the ferry takes an hour to loop from Vieux Port, to If, 10 minutes on to Port Frioul on Ile de Ratonneau, back to If and onto Vieux Port. If travelling in the warmer months, take water with you, the islands get really hot in the sun.
Written August 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
betty g
New York City, NY149 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
frioul is essentially a large rock a quick ride out form marseille's port. there is a tiny port with a bunch of crappy restaurants. when you debark there is a beach directly to the right that everyone goes to - don't go there. go on into the island, past the mini 'town' and essentially keep on the path to get to the other side. all the way. this will take around 45 minutes. there is an amazing little cove at the end, with three beaches giving access. all three are reachable by foot, you can also swim from one to the other. it is the most perfect little beach in marseille, usually there is hardly anyone there. perfect for a picnic with a bottle of rosé on an august night.
Written January 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony S
Derry, UK49 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
we have visited Marseille numerous times over the last 10 years or more, but this is the first time we actually visited Frioul Archipelago- My only regret is that we did not do it sooner. a total change to Vieux Port and very laid back and chilled-perfect for a day of to recharge. I would recommend lunch at a small harbour terrace café with a sign simply saying Snack. food simple and good, wine and service excellent all accompanied with the relaxing Jazz music in the background which was the perfect finishing touch. we will be adding a trip to Frioul on all future visits.
Written July 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gatdiurn
Ullastrell, Spain8 contributions
May 2018 • Family
The island and castle of If are worth a visit, really beautiful and well maintained castle with a souvenir shop and cafe.
However, this ferry operator offers a very poor service, they do not respect their own time table at all (with perfect weather), they sell the tickets with a printed time but once you get there it’s useless, you need to queue up so that the people who arrive first board first regardless of the time on the ticket. Long line and one hour delay was our experience.
The people at the counter were kind and eager to sell tickets, the attendants helping to board are disrespectful, arrogant and rude (don’t be that innocent to ask them if you can board on the time printed on your ticket, they’ll tell you you need to line up and board whenever it’s your turn).
Children 4 and above pay full fare, no children prices which is totally unfair. Their excuse is: “they occupy a seat too!”.
Although a great visit, I’d try another ferry operator next time.
However, this ferry operator offers a very poor service, they do not respect their own time table at all (with perfect weather), they sell the tickets with a printed time but once you get there it’s useless, you need to queue up so that the people who arrive first board first regardless of the time on the ticket. Long line and one hour delay was our experience.
The people at the counter were kind and eager to sell tickets, the attendants helping to board are disrespectful, arrogant and rude (don’t be that innocent to ask them if you can board on the time printed on your ticket, they’ll tell you you need to line up and board whenever it’s your turn).
Children 4 and above pay full fare, no children prices which is totally unfair. Their excuse is: “they occupy a seat too!”.
Although a great visit, I’d try another ferry operator next time.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen W
Walton-On-Thames, UK152 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
The boat takes about 20 minutes to get it If and then a further 10 to Frioul. The return trip to just one of these Islands is 10,80 euros, 16,20 euros for both. Unless you are going early in the morning or later on in the afternoon (late afternoon and evening boats only go to Frioul) be prepared to queue for a long time in the sun both to buy tickets and queuing for the boat. If you want to visit l'ile d'If be aware that you have to pay to get onto the island as well as the price of the boat tickets (6 euros or free for Europeans under 26 years old). The boat trip itself is pleasant, it provides a great view of Marseille from the water, although beware of the strength of the sun on the water as the breeze can provide a false sense of security.
Written August 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcus
2 contributions
I cannot seem to book the Frioul If Express Boat. I get a runtime error. Does this boat no longer go to the island of If and Frioul
Thanks
Szofi76
Budapest, Hungary309 contributions
Hi, there is no online ticket purchuse. Is it possible to buy ticket the day before? For example in the evening, just to avoid long queues...
Eleonora M
4 contributions
Salve, lo consigliate il giro ad una famiglia con un bimbo di 4 e una di 2 anni? Si può portare con sé il passeggino per poterlo poi usare una volta a terra? Grazie
Thaumasios
Pignone, Italy3,629 contributions
Si, però ricordarsi che sull'isola non ci sono stabilimenti balneari (in Francia questo turpe cancro è molto poco diffuso !) e non c'è ombra . Insomma, la gira merita, ma per i più piccini può essere opportuno portarsi l'ombrellone
djmartinrocha
Montevideo, Uruguay34 contributions
Bonjour.
Y at-il quelque chose que je ne comprends pas, est-ce qu'un transport public régulier vous amène à l'île ou est-ce une entreprise qui organise une tournée?
Je suis intéressé à aller demain et rentrer tard, sur la page je ne vois que les heures de départ disponibles du Vieux Port, mais pas de l'île, c'est pourquoi ma confusion. Pourriez-vous expliquer un peu comment cela fonctionne?
Je ne suis pas intéressé par une tournée, mais je veux y aller seul pour passer la journée sur l'île.
djmartinrocha
Montevideo, Uruguay34 contributions
Buenos días.
Hay algo que no entiendo, es un transporte publico con frecuencia regular que te lleva a la isla o es una empresa queorganiza toir turístico?
Estoy interesado en ir de mañana y volver de tarde, en la pagina solo veo disponible horario de salida desde el Puerto Viejo, pero no desde la isla, por eso mi confusión. Podrían explicar un poco como funciona?
Bernardette A
Malta, Austria28 contributions
I am not sure if I am understanding correctly. Chateau d'If is one of the islands and which others are there then? Which would be the best to visit with an 8 year old, please? Thank you!
h242424
Syracuse, NY784 contributions
Chateau d'if and Frioul Archipelago are the only two islands that are accessible via the ferry. They would both be great places to bring an 8 year old. From my understanding the other smaller islands are only accessible by private boat and not really open to the general public.
Sabrina M
Paris, France53 contributions
Bonjour Stéphanie
Quel restaurant conseilles tu pour manger du poisson grillé ?
Et les Resto sont ils loin de la plage ?
Merci bcp
Virginie B
Sombreffe67 contributions
Tout est près de la plage à Frioul, c'est très petit. Tous les restaurants sont dans la même rue au port et se valent à mon avis. Bonjour de Virginie
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Claim your listingFrioul If Express (Marseille) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Frioul If Express
- Hotels near Frioul If Express:
- (0.04 mi) Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port-MGallery
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- Restaurants near Frioul If Express:
- (0.03 mi) Brasserie OM Café - Officiel
- (0.03 mi) Burger King
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- (0.10 mi) Cafe Bovo
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Frioul If Express Information
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