Tarascon

25 km. South of Avignon and 20 km North of Arles.

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 48 AD.

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.

The chateau du Roi Rene is exceptionally well preserved, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France..
This palace started in 1400 by Louis II of Anjou and finished by his son King Réné with majestic feudal looks: you will feel very small at its entrance!

With an impressive defensive system, it also houses the elegant interior of a princely residence.
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 Souleiado rnuseum that exhibits the famous Provencal 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.