Francis I of France wanted the Château d’If to fulfil three functions: protect the coast from invasion; provide cover for the new royal fleet of galleys, and keep watch over Marseille, annexed to France in 1480. It later became a state prison and anyone opposing official authority was imprisoned here from 1580 until 1871, especially Protestants and Republicans.
The stuff of legend, renowned worldwide. Alexandre Dumas published The Count of Monte Cristo in 1844. Its main protagonist Edmond Dantès is imprisoned at If. Hugely popular, the novel has been translated into most languages and has inspired twenty-three films one of which “The Count of Monte Christo” with Jim Caviezel is one of my favorite movies.
After my visit to Chateau D'If it was time to take the boat back to Marseille city center.
On the way back there were some interesting sights. . . . .
Once I arrived back in Marseille I decided to try a spin on the big ferris wheel. . . . .
This was a lot of fun and not at all scary as I though it would be, plus great views . . . . .
I then headed to my apartment for the last time to get my luggage and then take a taxi to the cruise port to board the MSC PREZIOSA!
The ship is quite impressive with 18 decks, many bars and much more. . . .I will take pictures on the last day at sea and will devote a page to the ship details then. After an exhausting check-in (no porters) I found my cabin . . . . 
After unpacking I relaxed a bit before dinner and made it an early night. . . . .
My doggy for the day is . . . . . . . . .
"NO NAME TRIPLETS"
Notice how the Pomeranians are both panting and the Chihuahua is cool as a cucumber.....LOL
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