Fancy a ferry trip? The Frioul Islands beckon. These islands are more than just scenic spots. They have played a key role in Marseille’s story.
The Frioul Islands are an archipelago. They are located about 1.5 km off the coast of Marseille. The archipelago consists of four main islands. These are Pomègues, Ratonneau, If, and Tiboulen du Frioul. Together, they cover almost 200 hectares.
The name “Frioul” comes from the Provençal word “Frieu”. This means a sea passage between two islands. It specifically refers to the sea between Pomègues and Ratonneau.
Let’s step back in time. The Frioul Islands’ story is closely linked to Marseille. Greek sailors founded Massalia in the 6th century BC. Julius Caesar’s fleet anchored off the islands in 49 BC. They laid siege to the city.
Over the centuries, the archipelago served as a stopover for ships. In the 16th century, the Frioul Islands were at the forefront of attacks. French and foreign fleets targeted them.
In 1597, the Florentines captured Pomègues. They built a defensive tower. The archipelago became heavily fortified as an outpost of Marseille.
For two centuries, the Frioul Islands played a crucial sanitary role. Marseille was vulnerable to plague and cholera. Contaminated ships were quarantined here. This happened particularly in Pomègues’ natural port.
In the 19th century, a dyke was built. It linked Ratonneau and Pomègues. This connected Pomègues’ port to a new lazaretto north of Ratonneau. The Caroline Hospital was ahead of its time in its architectural and sanitary design. It closed in 1948.
During World War II, the Germans occupied the islands. American forces bombed them. In 1970, the French Navy ceded the archipelago to Marseille. The city built a village and private homes on Ratonneau.
The Frioul Islands are now part of the Calanques National Park. This protects the area’s unique environment. The islands are home to diverse flora and fauna. These have adapted to the arid conditions.
Pomègues and Ratonneau are connected by the Berry dyke. This was built in 1822 under Louis XVIII. It is named after the Duke of Berry.
The island of If is famous for the Château d’If. This fortress is known from Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It supposedly housed Edmond Dantès.
The Frioul Islands are a car-free zone. Only about one hundred people live there year-round. There is a marina with over 600 berths. It is lined with concrete buildings from the 1970s.
The islands have shared gardens. A holiday center, a fire station, and a marine farm are also here.
The Frioul Islands are geologically significant. They date back to the Urgonian period. The landscape features white limestone cliffs. Military activity has left its mark. There are ruined buildings and metal pollution from munitions.
The islands are home to endemic plant species. They also host rare and protected species specific to the Marseille islands. The fauna includes seabirds. Some are rare and protected, like the Mediterranean puffin.
These islands have a special charm. They offer a blend of history, nature, and recreation.
Before you leave, consider the past. The Frioul Islands have been a fortress, a quarantine station, and a refuge. They are now a place of natural beauty and a reminder of Marseille’s rich heritage.