Chateau D'If - The Count of Monte Cristo

Today was a beautiful sunny day in Marseille and the boys and I decided to head out to one of the islands, D'If.  D'If is most well know as the location for the famous story by Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo". While not actually a true story and chateau has named the cells and created the illusion that Edmond Dantes was actually there alongside his friend Abe.  As we have the kids version of the book and the kids know it well they were excited by the island and the chateau.

The chateau was built in 1529 by Francois I.  It was the first royal fortress of Marseille.  It had a threefold role: protecting one of the kingdoms main trade ports; covering the exits and the anchorage of the new fleet and thirdly, watching over Marseille.  By 1580 - it was a prison.  A prison from where no one ever escaped.

Travelling over - up the front and ready for action.......

The prison - where no one ever actually escaped from - except for in a story! 

Exploration begins.......................

The boys are always looking for the archers slots.......and are very excited when they find them.........

The castle in behind - Connor just wants to get up there.........

The draw bridge over the moat - almost there..................

The cell of Edmond Dantes - the Count of Monte Cristo

The tunnel that Abe built which built their friendship and their plan for escape.........

Despite my best efforts - the boys managed to get out! 

The views are breathtaking...............

Up and down the towers we go 

Yup, I was really there too.......

Action shot - must improve my technique so I look like I am jumping higher...........

Listening in English - Connor got these working when Lachlan and I couldn't - sometimes just tapping randomly works!!!!

Castle done and dusted and now time for more exploring outside........

Chilling and thinking..................

Then it was time for lizard spotting....................

Walking around the walls........

Ferry docking - time to go! 

On the ferry - about the pass Fort Jean - we are home!