Pomègues is the long, narrow southern island of the Frioul, joined to Ratonneau by the Digue de Berry. For centuries ships arriving at Marseille from plague-stricken ports waited in quarantine in its sheltered anchorage, and from the 19th century the island became a military outpost bristling with batteries.
Today it is the wilder, emptier half of the archipelago: a stony spine with small calanques on either side, crossed by a path that starts from Port du Frioul. Parts of the island are protected within the Calanques National Park and some zones are closed to the public; follow the signs.
What to see and do: Île Pomègues
Walk along the island
From Port du Frioul, a track heads south along Pomègues past old batteries and fortifications, with the sea on both sides. Go early in summer: the heat on the bare rock is intense by midday.
Find a quiet cove
Small inlets along the coast offer swimming away from the busier beaches of Ratonneau. Access is over rock, so take shoes you can swim in.
Look back at the city
From the heights of Pomègues you see Marseille end-on, the Château d’If and the open sea to the south-west — a view few visitors bother to earn.
How to get to Île Pomègues
- Take the shuttle from the Vieux-Port to Port du Frioul, then walk across the harbour area to Pomègues. There is no separate boat.
- Allow time for the walk back to the harbour for your return boat.
Insider tips
- There are no shops, no water and no shade on Pomègues: carry everything you need.
- Respect closed areas — some are protected for nesting seabirds, others are former military ground.
- In a strong Mistral the exposed paths are unpleasant; choose a calm day.
Best tours & tickets for Île Pomègues
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Île Pomègues:
Small-group boat trip from €59 Marseille: Boat to Le Frioul, Château d'If, and Swim
The most-reviewed boat trip on this page. You leave from near the MuCEM and sail round the Château d'If and along the wild coves of the Frioul islands, with the story of the Count of Monte Cristo on the way, then stop to swim and snorkel. It circles the fortress rather than landing there — book an entry ticket separately if you want to go inside.
- Close-up views of the Château d'If from the water
- Swim stop in a turquoise Frioul cove
- Masks and snorkels provided; group limited to 11
Catamaran cruise from €72 Marseille: Catamaran to the Frioul Islands, Swimming and Snacks
A relaxed three-hour catamaran outing to the Frioul archipelago with a long stop at anchor for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling, and snacks served on board.
- Long anchorage in a Frioul cove
- Paddleboard and snorkelling
- Snacks on board
Evening sailing cruise from €80 Marseille: Evening Sailboat Cruise to the Frioul Calanques with Buffet and Wine
An evening on a sailing boat: a swim stop in the Frioul archipelago, a buffet dinner with organic wine as the light goes, and the return to port with the city lit up. One of the best-rated evening options in Marseille.
- Swim in a Frioul cove
- Dinner on board as the sun sets
- Marseille lit up on the way back
