Join Christian, a Doctor of Pharmacy and resident of Frioul for more than ten years, to discover the archipelago off the coast of Marseille in a different way. Between turquoise coves, limestone cliffs, Mediterranean flora, military remains, former quarantine sites and panoramic views over the harbor, Christian offers a vivid reading of Frioul: nature, local history, biodiversity and the memory of the islands.
Visits are available all year round, on weekdays or weekends, depending on Christian’s availability, the weather and ferry schedules.
Three formats are available:
1 island - Ratonneau or Pomègues
An accessible nature walk to discover the identity of one Frioul island: landscapes, wildlife, flora, local history and traces of human presence. Depending on the island chosen, the route may include Caroline Hospital, Saint-Estève Bay, Hoche Pavilion, views of Château d’If, Pomègues Fort, Berry Causeway or the calanques of the archipelago.
2 islands - Ratonneau and Pomègues
A more comprehensive format to grasp the diversity of Frioul in a single day. The visit connects coastal landscapes, island heritage, former maritime uses, biodiversity and the memory of the place.
If Island and Château d’If
A visit focused on one of Marseille’s most iconic sites, between fortress, prison, literary imagination and the Mediterranean horizon. Admission to the castle should be added as an extra if this option is chosen.
Formats offered:
- 1 island - Ratonneau or Pomègues: €20 / person
- 2 islands - Ratonneau and Pomègues: €35 / person
- If Island: €20 / person, excluding any possible entry to Château d’If
The round-trip maritime shuttle from Marseille is not included in the price of the visit. It must be paid separately, according to the carrier’s rates. Admission to Château d’If, when included in the itinerary, must also be paid separately.
As an indication, the standard round-trip fare to Frioul is generally around €11 / person; an itinerary including If and Frioul is generally around €17 / person. Prices, schedules and conditions can be checked on the official Frioul-If shuttle website before the visit.
The meeting point is at the Frioul shuttle departure point, at Marseille’s Old Port.
Meals, picnic or restaurant are the responsibility of the participants depending on the chosen format.
For school groups, leisure centers or youth projects, Christian can also offer a specific educational activity around the “time capsule”, upon request.
Christian , +10 years of experience
Doctor of Pharmacy & Herbalist
Christian is a Doctor of Pharmacy, but it was in Frioul that he became a keeper of memory.
After a long journey around the world, this free-spirited traveler of Belgian origin chose Frioul as his home port.
He describes himself as an herbalist, but he is much more than that: an observer of living things, a walker of cliffs and a sower of ideas. With his association Frioul Terre des Artistes and his startup Belle Île en Ville, he is committed to reviving forgotten stories.
🪶 Through walks, publications, educational projects and talks, he tirelessly explores the link between landscape, memory and life.
Born of limestone and salt, the Frioul islands form a rugged landscape that feels almost out of time. Ratonneau, Pomègues, If and Tiboulen make up an archipelago that is both wild and rich in stories.
Just 4 km from Marseille, these white lands are home to a village of 140 residents, an organic aquaculture farm raising sea bass, colonies of seagulls and the small forts that once watched over the entrance to the port.
Ratonneau reveals Caroline Hospital, Pomègues unfolds its wild ridges and marine farm, If displays its legendary castle, and Tiboulen remains an uninhabited outcrop, battered by the swell.
Guided by Christian, you explore these living territories where wind, salt and light blend nature and memory.
Provence & Côte d’Azur guide
Hilltop villages, the Frioul Islands, craft ateliers and heritage places: find Valentia experiences gathered to prepare your next discovery in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Cancellation policy:
Free cancellation if more than 48 hours before the experience starts. Between 48 and 24 hours before, 50% of the amount is due. Less than 24 hours before, cancellation is non-refundable.