Frioul archipelago

Pomègues and Ratonneau - fragile islands

Les îles du Frioul vues de Marseille © Ville de Marseille

Marseille vue des îles du Frioul © Parc national des Calanques

Les îles du Frioul vues de Marseille peintes par Jean-Baptiste Olive

A limestone silhouette off the coast of Marseille, the jagged profiles of the four islands of the Frioul archipelago - Pomègues, Ratonneau, If, and Tiboulen - point towards the coast. Two million years ago they were part of the continent, linked by an isthmus.

Getting here and regulations

Before heading out, make sure you are prepared and read here about good conduct and regulations required in the Calanques National Park (green zone on this map).

In addition, the bylaw dated 5 February 2021 regulates traffic and use of the natural land around the Frioul archipelago. Other regulations applied in the national park forbid cycling (except in the village and on the road to Hôpital Caroline) and climbing.

The natural environment in Frioul is particularly fragile. Help us to preserve the plant life and ensure a calm environment for nesting birds. Respect the natural environment: take your rubbish with you and do not create noise pollution. Be discreet and stay on marked trails. It is against the law to pick flowers, particularly the sea daffodil, a rare and protected species.

Saint-Estève beach is overcrowded in summer: see the page about beaches and swimming for more information.

Getting here

Frioul-If boat from the Vieux-Port.

Getting to the Calanques National Park from Marseille

Localisation

GPS coordinates: 43.278625, 5.307833