Things to Do in France

Chateau de Clos Luce may not be the country’s grandest castle, but it’s still gained favor among art and history loving travelers thanks to its notoriety as the official final residence of famed artist Leonardo da Vinci. While the castle was once home to King Francis I, today it stands as a museum to the great painter’s works. Travelers can wander the halls and check out more than 40 models and machines designed by da Vinci, as well as wander the underground tunnel that connects Chateau du Clos Luce to the royal Chateau d’Ambroise. 

Immortalized by Alexandre Dumas' intrepid protagonist Edmond Dantes in 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (Le Comte de Monte Cristo), the 16th-century fortress of Château d'If has allured history and literature buffs since it opened to the public in 1890. Perched on a rocky islet west of Marseille's Port Vieux (Old Port), the fortress-turned-jail incarcerated anyone opposing official authority between 1580 and 1871, endowing it with the status of one of France's most significant historical landmarks.

The Basics
For a holistic introduction to Marseille's rich history, combine your visit to Château d'If with a sightseeing tour or shore excursion of Marseille city, a jewel in the coastal crown of the French Riviera. Tick off Cathedrale de la Major, Notre-Dame de la Garde church, and Fort Saint-Jean before a guided tour of Château d'If. For travelers that prefer to explore independently, a Marseille city pass (valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours) covers your entry and boat ride to Château d'If, in addition to admission to 13 of Marseille's museums and a free walking tour.

If you've got limited time in Provence, a full-day cruise from Marseille to Cassis comes highly recommended — the panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur, the Gulf of Cassis, and the rocky promontories of the Marseille calanques reveal themselves in sun-drenched splendor. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Château d'If that reveals the fortress' history.

• A visit to the fortress is ideal for history and literature enthusiasts.
• Audio guides are available in 11 languages.
• Take a packed lunch or book a tour with an included meal, as only ice cream and drinks are available to purchase on the island of If.
• If venturing to If independently, put aside three hours to cover the round-trip journey from Marseille and the fortress and island tour.

How to Get to Château d'If
From Vieux Port in Marseille, the Frioul If Express departs every hour, with the last departure from Marseille running at 4:05pm. The journey only takes 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean's Frioul archipelago, which, in addition to If island, includes the islands of Pomegues and Ratonneau.

When to Get There
Château d'If is open between 10am and 6pm throughout the year but closed on Mondays. Due to its coastal location, it is more pleasant to visit on a warm and sunny afternoon. The summer months of June through September are prime for their warm climate and balmy coastal breeze.

The heart and soul of the Vieil Aix (Old Town) the historic Cours Mirabeau is the main thoroughfare of Aix en Provence, passing between the ring roads that mark the boundaries of the old medieval center and the new town. A broad tree-lined avenue crammed with shops, restaurants and cafés, Cours Mirabeau runs from the iconic statue of King Rene (Fontaine du Roi René) in Place Forbin, to the stately Place du General de Gaulle.

Simply strolling the wide avenue – a spacious 42 meters wide - is enough to unveil many of its charms. Elegant 17th-century mansions, walled gardens and ornamental fountains line the sidewalks and a pit stop at one of the many alfresco cafés is the perfect way to take in the scenery. Once home to the city’s elite, Cours Mirabeau boasts one-time residents like a young Cezanne and architectural highlights include the monumental entrance of Hotel de Villiers and the regal Hôtel d'Arbod Jouques. Look out for the many impressive fountains along the route too; most notably the masterpiece of ‘La Rotonde’, which takes center stage in the Place Général de Gaulle.

Northwest of Mâcon is the little town of Cluny. Dating to an abbey established in the year 910 (called Cluniacum), the town became the epicenter of a Benedictine reform movement that sought to revive monastic traditions. From this tiny hamlet grew over 2,000 Cluniac abbeys across western Europe, and along with them, Cluny’s distinctive architecture. Three subsequent churches were erected on the site over the next century, but the third one was closed during the French Revolution so its stone could be sold for building projects, leaving behind few remnants.

The two main tourist attractions in Cluny are the abbey’s remaining fortifications, mentioned above, as well as Blanot Cave. The former consists of three towers and the Porte des Jardins (Garden Gate). As for the abbey church itself, the south transept (the “cross-piece” of Gothic cathedrals) and the lower clock tower are all that remain of the abbey church. The Musée Lapidaire, housed in the old monastic granary, contains abbey artifacts such as third church’s figural capitals. Blanot Cave is a labyrinth of connected limestone galleries and huge rooms, 80 m (262 ft) below ground.