WONDERS OF PROVENCE

Mission preservation

An episode from the series FRENCH HERITAGE JOURNEYS (52MNS)

Synopsis

Since the 16th century, the imposing silhouette of the If castle has been overlooking Marseille.

This legendary fortress was built to protect the city from invasion by sea. Part of the ramparts is now in danger of collapsing.

Restoring such a monument in the open sea, in the heart of the Calanques Natural Park, is a real technical and ecological challenge. Tons of materials must be transported to the island by helicopter, and a rare species of gecko living on the site must be protected.