City of Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, Tarascon, or Tarascon-sur-Rhône, takes place on the banks of the Rhone, on the edge of the Gard department. It is located between Avignon and Arles, not far from the Camargue and Luberon.
Populated since prehistoric times, the territory of Tarascon would have been saved in ancient times, according to local legend, by Saint Martha, who courageously tamed the Tarasque, a terrifying amphibian monster. Important city of the Middle Ages, it flourished in the fifteenth century with the construction of its collegiate. The one that was made famous by Alphonse Daudet and his famous tale, Tartarin de Tarascon, is also known for its production of luxury fabrics Souleiado, continues to seduce passing visitors with its traditional charm and its architectural heritage of exception.
Tarascon has no less than twenty-six sites classified as Historical Monuments testifying to the richness of its history through the centuries.
Considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the country, King René's castle was built by Louis II of Anjou in the 15th century and finished by his son who left him his name. Unveiling an impressive defensive system, it also has the elegant charm of a princely residence. The present building was designed on the site of a former Roman castrum, and consists of two independent parts, a seigniorial dwelling confined by round and square towers, and a low court.
Dedicated to the end of the 12th century, the Sainte-Marthe collegiate church was enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its crypt presents the relics of Marthe in a sarcophagus of the fourth century. Damaged during the Second World War, it has been partially restored. Provencal Romanesque style, it was listed as a Historic Monument in the nineteenth century.
Provençal Romanesque style, the Saint-Gabriel chapel dates from the third quarter of the twelfth century. It reveals a beautiful portal surmounted by a carved tympanum, and an antique-inspired decoration. It is classified as an historic monument.
Built in the middle of the 18th century, the Saint-Jacques church is also classified as an historic monument.
While strolling through the city, do not forget to admire the other listed or listed sites such as the 17th century baroque town hall, the Saint-Honorat abbey, the Saint-Michel de Frigolet abbey, the Lansac chapel Saint-Victor chapel, Goublet castle, Saint-Nicolas hospital, Mauléon hotel, Raoulx hotel, Sambucy hotel, Panisse farmhouse, courthouse, villa de Tartarin, or the theater and the Porte Saint-Jean. Tarascon also reveals very interesting archaeological remains.
