Visiting Tarascon: what to see, what to do and must-see sites

Only the Rhône River separates Beaucaire from its neighbor. Tarascon stretches along the Provençal bank of the river, facing the Gard bank. These two towns seem to mirror each other. They share a history, a culture, and an identity shaped by the river and the exchanges between Provence and Languedoc. Beaucaire and Tarascon form a unique heritage duo, where traditions, gastronomy, and the art of living resonate from one bank to the other. Find everything you need to know to visit Tarascon on this page!

Tarascon, a city of history and legends

Its name does not come, as one might believe, from the Tarasque, the legendary monster that lived beneath King René's castle. Tarascon comes from the Indo-European language and means "rocky escarpment." A Roman city, ErnaginumIt was located on the site of the very pretty Romanesque chapel of Saint-Gabriel and at the crossroads of several Roman roads. It then moved to Lansac (village of Tarascon), and finally to the location we know today.

Tarascon developed thanks to a river port, the history of the relics of Saint Martha, and King René, who owned a castle there. 🏰

What to do in Tarascon?

King René's Castle

View of Tarascon Castle from the bridge, © Terre d'Argence Tourism

This manor house was built in the 15th century for Good King René, Count of Provence. The castle stands in opposition to the Beaucaire medieval fortressresidence of the Counts of Toulouse.

Good King René was a patron of the arts, a scholar, musician, and even a writer. With the construction of this castle, he introduced the Renaissance style to France.

You will be able to discover during your visit : bedrooms, private rooms, banquet halls, private oratory, chapel, bathhouses, as well as the impressively sized courtyard of honor.

The Tarasque, that legendary monster

Like all the towns along the Rhône, Tarascon has its legendary monster. According to tradition, the Tarasque lived beneath King René's castle. VallabreguesThe Coulobre was prowling. In Beaucaire, the Drac was abducting washerwomen and children. In Tarascon, it was the Tarasque that haunted the left bank of the Rhône.

Near Tarascon Castle, you can get a glimpse of this man-eating monster. Imagine… a lion's body, a spiky tortoise shell, a serpent's tail ending in a scorpion's stinger, and bear claws. It breathes fire and gives off a pestilential stench.

The legendary monster of Tarascon, the Tarasque

Saint Martha and her collegiate church

Saint Martha Church in Tarascon, © Youssef Jounaid

Just opposite the castle, you can admire the Collegiate Church of Saint Martha. She is the patron saint of Tarascon and the sister of Mary Magdalene, patron saint of Beaucaire. She is said to have lived in Tarascon and founded a religious community. She is best known for having vanquished and tamed the legendary Tarasque with holy water and a cross.

Observe the facade of this building, originally from the 13th century. Its crypt, located 3 meters underground, houses a sarcophagus containing the relics of Saint Martha.

Even today, Saint Martha's Day is celebrated on July 29th.

Visiting Tarascon during the Tarasque Festival

This traditional and popular festival has been held since the 15th century. On the last weekend of June, for one weekend only, legends, illustrious figures, and life during the reign of Good King René are celebrated in Tarascon. Take part in the Tarasque race, greet Tartarin of Tarascon, admire the Grand Tarasque Parade, and enjoy many other activities and celebrations!

Visit Tarascon and its historic center

The historic center of Tarascon is full of treasures, like Beaucaire, many private mansionsEach one as unique as the next. Begin your stroll at the castle, then the Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, and continue exploring: the picturesque alleyways and facades with colorful shutters tell countless stories. The Hôtel de Laudun on Place Branly, the Hôtel Clerc de Mollières on Rue du Progrès, and the Hôtel de Sade-Cadillan on Place Fraga all display their beautiful facades. Take a moment to admire the town hall, built in 1648: its architecture is inspired by Arlesian models. What will certainly surprise you is the presence of the statue of Saint Martha slaying the Tarasque. Religious iconography depicted on a civic building is surprising for such an edifice.

The Souleïado Museum

This charming museum is located in Aiminy's private mansion; it traces the history and secrets of the famous Indian printed cotton fabrics. Visitors can discover precious fabrics, traditional quilts, Provençal art objects, a printing workshop and its printing blocks, as well as the Provençal way of life.

Entrance to the Souleiado Museum, © Souleiado Museum

Old photo of the workshops of — Entrance to the Souleiado Museum, © Souleiado Museum

The Souleïado house holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Tarascon and is part of local history. Many abandoned orphans were given a ribbon of Indian fabric by their biological parents. The color of the ribbon was recorded in a register so that the orphan could be reunited with their family of origin when the time came.

Visit the Souleïado Museum

Anecdotes and famous figures

Daudet and Tartarin

In Tarascon, the writer Alphonse Daudet created one of the most famous characters in Provençal literature. With Tartarin, he paints a tender and humorous portrait of a boastful hero, a symbol of the southern spirit. Even today, his legacy is part of the town's identity and collective imagination. The inhabitants of Tarascon, however, resented him greatly for having caricatured a local. They even staged a mock trial in 1997. In his trilogy, Daudet describes the wire bridge (suspension bridge) and also mentions the Beaucaire fair and its castle.

Fun fact 📢

The very first lottery winner was a hairdresser from Tarascon, Mr. Bonhoure.

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Provençal flavors 🍅

On Tuesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 13 p.m., let yourself be captivated by the scents and flavors of the South. The local market and its vendors await you on Cours Aristide-Briand, Avenue de la République, Rue des Halles, Place de la Mairie, and Place Verdun.

Here you will find the best ingredients to prepare the greatest classics of Provençal cuisine.