MONTE-CRISTO guided tour

• This tour is inspired by real events and characters from Dumas’ novel.
• The city and its history come together to bring the legend of the Count of Monte Cristo back to life.
• 1 hour 30 minutes all around the Old Port to follow in the footsteps of the future Count of Monte Cristo.

"On February 24, 1815, the lookout at Notre-Dame de la Garde signaled the arrival of the three-masted ship Pharaon, coming from Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples..."This is the ship that will dock at the Old Port, and from which the Marseillais hero will disembark to begin his destiny...

It is important that participants are able to walk comfortably in an urban setting. There are a few staircases along the way. It is preferable that only children aged 7 and above, accompanied by their parents, join the tour. Younger children may not fully enjoy or benefit from the experience.

Departure: The Old Port

Let’s begin your adventure where everything starts for Edmond Dantès. On the Old Port, imagine the arrival of the Pharaon and the vibrant atmosphere of the city of Marseille. It is here that Edmond sets foot on Marseillais soil, unaware of the tragic fate that awaits him.

Justice Stop: Place Bargemond

We head up to Place Bargemond, the former courthouse. Feel the weight of justice and the intrigues that led to Dantès’ downfall. This place symbolizes the unjust condemnation that will change his life forever.

Night of Imprisonment

Next, we continue to a small barred window, a remnant of Edmond’s first night in captivity. Behind these bars, he gazes one last time at freedom before being sent to Château d’If.

Ancient Alleyways

We cross through the Panier district, the oldest part of Marseille. Walk the narrow streets and imagine Dantès, a young sailor, strolling carefree before being escorted to prison. This neighborhood retains the soul of the city’s past.

The Novel’s Locations

Throughout the tour, we’ll discover how Marseille and the places walked by the young sailor, and later by the powerful Count of Monte Cristo, have transformed over the centuries-from an ancient village to a Mediterranean metropolis. The city inspired Dumas, who loved to visit and scouted the locations that give his story such a sense of reality.

To the Prisoner’s Departure Point for Château d’If

Walking along the quays, we reach the embarkation point from which the prisoner was deported. It is here that Edmond boards for the fortress of Château d’If, the legendary prison made famous by the novel.

End of the Tour

At the Ferry Boat dock. We finish your journey in front of the Ferry Boat embarkation, facing the sea-a moment to reflect on Edmond Dantès’ resilience and the enduring power of the legend.

 

Who is your Guide?

Frédéric Presles is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker, and a member of the prestigious Société des Explorateurs Français. Founded in 1937, this institution brings together extraordinary individuals-scientists, travel writers, filmmakers, journalists-who share a passion for adventure, discovery, and the transmission of knowledge.

Frédéric has led expeditions to the four corners of the world, including recent journeys to Chilean Patagonia, the heart of the Sahara, Australia, and the far North.

In this spirit of exploration and sharing, Frédéric offers a unique guided tour of Monte Cristo’s Marseille, combining historical accuracy, storytelling, and an explorer’s perspective. His expertise on the connections between Marseille and the work of Alexandre Dumas, enriched by his experience as an explorer, guarantees a vivid and captivating immersion into the world of The Count of Monte Cristo.

He conducted this research when he moved to Marseille more than twenty years ago, discovering the city while rereading Dumas’ novel. In 2024, three books were published by EMCG Editions, which he directs:

In the Footsteps of Monte Cristo in Marseille (Coffee Table Book and Pocket Edition)

Urban Game: In the Footsteps of Monte Cristo

Organizer : EMCG Editions en Mouvements et Collections Graphiques
Duration : 90 minute(s)
Number of participants : 10

To take with you:
The weather in Marseille is often sunny and warm. So remember to bring:

a small bottle of water,

sunglasses,

sunscreen,

something to cover your head.
Requirements:
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for the following:

people with reduced mobility,

children in strollers,

animals.
Important information:
Meeting point at 25 Quai Rive Neuve, 13007 Marseille, in front of the Marseille Soap Museum.