The Château de Tarascon has been overlooking the Rhône since the 15th century. It stands between the Alpilles, the Montagnette, and the wild expanses of the Camargue. Majestic, the 45-meter-high feudal fortress perfectly embodies the ideal balance between Gothic and Renaissance styles, combining elegance and strength in exceptional architecture while offering a glimpse into the history of medieval Provence.
Built on the orders of the Dukes of Anjou to mark the boundary of their territory, the castle is a masterpiece of military architecture, featuring a drawbridge, immense walls, and sturdy towers. From its terrace, the view extends over the Rhône, the Alpilles, and the Camargue, providing visitors with an enchanting panorama.
Today, the castle is much more than a historical monument; it is also a vibrant cultural venue. The René d’Anjou Art Center, located within its walls, blends heritage and contemporary art around the fascinating Gallery of Fantastic Animals, echoing the legendary Tarasque, the city’s emblematic dragon. This mythical creature, part animal and part fish, once terrorized Tarascon until Saint Martha, armed with her faith, managed to tame the beast. Since then, each year, the city celebrates this victory with the Tarasque Festival, inscribed in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. For one weekend in June, Tarascon reconnects with its medieval past by bringing this fantastic creature to life in the streets of the town.
Just a short walk from the castle, the Collegiate Church of Saint Martha invites reflection. This pilgrimage site, built in the 4th century, houses the tomb of Saint Martha, the patroness of the city. The church, a jewel of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, is a haven of peace where spirituality and artistic beauty intertwine.
Tarascon-en-Provence is much more than just a simple Provençal village. It is a crossroads of stories and legends, a place where every step seems to tell a millennia-old tale.
