Tarascon en Provence
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Bouches du Rhône department

Situated on the banks of the Rhone at the crossroads that lead to Avignon, Camargue and Luberon, Tarascon is still today associated with the legend that supposedly took place here in the year 48AD.

The legend goes that Martha came from Palestine to Tarascon where there ruled at the time a terrible amphibian monster called Tarasque. With great courage the saint miraculously tamed the monster.

Since that time pilgrims come to visit the Collegiate Church St. Martha which was built in her honor not far from the chateau Rene (one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France).

Tarascon inspired other stories, in particular Tartarin de Tarascon by Alphonse Daudet in 1872. A house in the center of the city is dedicated to hirn. You should visit it after having strolled through the picturesque streets, one being the Halles a Arcades, or the Arc de Boqui (covered) and the rue des Juifs.

Tarascon is also proud to have the Souleïado rnuseum that exhibits the famous Provençal fabric. It is in a 14thc. building in the center of town. This traditional cloth is still being manufactured by the Carles Demery factory and is exported throughout the world.

What to see:

Chateau Roi Rene (1400).
Collegiate Church St. Martha (12th and 14thc.).
Hotel de Ville (1648).
The Cordeliers cloister (1450), St Jacques Church.

Activities:

Cinema. Swimming pool. Tennis. Climbing. ULM.
Horseback riding. Hiking and mountain biking trails.
Outings on the Rhône.

Accommodation:

Hotels
Bed and Breakfast
Holiday rentals - Gites
2 campgrounds

Neighbouring villages :

Saint Etienne du Grès (6km),
Graveson (10km), St Rémy (16km)