Degaby Island, island in Marseille, France
Degaby Island is a small rocky islet in Marseille's bay featuring a fortress dating to the 1680s and later additions throughout its history. The property now includes a restaurant, bar, and terrace spaces with views of the city and surrounding waters, accessed only by reserved boat service.
The fortress was constructed in 1680 under King Louis XIV to defend Marseille from sea attacks from the south. The island changed hands multiple times in the 20th century, including a period as a private property of an art collector, before being restored and converted into an events venue by later owners.
The island served as a gathering place for wealthy locals and artists throughout its modern history. Today, visitors can sense this cultural heritage through the restored spaces that host private events and social gatherings, connecting past leisure traditions with contemporary use.
The island is accessible only by reserved boat departing from near the Mucem footbridge, with a crossing of about 15 minutes depending on weather. Visitors should bring weatherproof clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, as poor conditions may result in cancellation with notice given 24 hours in advance.
A natural cave opening leads to the island's center, where a well displays water that shifts between shades of green and blue throughout the day according to sunlight. This rare geological feature distinguishes the island among other coastal formations in the region.
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