23 km. south of Avignon and 20 km North of Arles,it is at the intersection
of routes RN 570 and D99
Situated on the banks of the Rhone at the crossroads that lead to Avignon, Camargue and le 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 La 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 him. 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 du Roi Rene (1400).
Collegiate Church St. Martha (12th and 14thc.).
Hotel de Ville (1648).
The Cordeliers cloister (1450), St Jacques Church. Abbaye St Michel de Frigolet (5 km).
Leisure activities:
Market on mondays (morning).
Cinema. Swimming pool. Tennis. Climbing. ULM.
Horseback riding. Hiking and mountain biking trails.
Outings on the Rhône
Hotels in Tarascon
Tarascon
