Tarascona

Like many towns in this part of Provence, Tarascona overlooks the Rhone River.

Life in the town flows languidly and immemorially with its waterway, especially on hot, silent summer days and does not seem to have been particularly affected by tourism.

Instead, it comes alive again on the occasion of the festival of the Tarasque, an amphibious monster that used to inhabit the banks of the Rhone, which according to legend devoured the inhabitants of the city and which only Saint Mary managed to tame. Today it is the symbol of the city.

Things to do

• King René’s Castle: this imposing fortress on the river was built by Louis XII to defend the borders of Provence and houses within its walls a marvellous (and richly decorated) Gothic building, the old hospital pharmacy and prison. It is always free for all on the first Sunday of the month.
• Maison de Tartarin: all about the myth of this character from Daudet’s novels.
• Old town: while not having the suave elegance of many Provençal towns, the winding streets are very picturesque, especially those around the town hall.
• Sainte-Marthe Church: splendid example of Provençal Gothic.
• Souleiado Museum: this museum explains the history and origins of Provençal textiles with no less than 40,000 drawing plates.
• Saint-Michel-de-Frigolet Abbey: at the top of the Montagnette is a massive Romanesque construction that dominates the area.