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Tarascon's massive, fifteenth-century moated castle, named for Good King René the most famous of Provençal rulers, is an outstanding example of medieval fortification and is very well-preserved. After it was built, it defied the castle of Beaucaire on the opposite bank - independent Provence confronting the Kingdom of France. Elegant upper rooms served as the apartments of royalty and were used for banquets and for when the nobles were being entertained by strolling troubadours.
Close by is the restored twelfth-century church of Ste Marthe, which is said to contain her remains. Legend has it that the saint, coming from the Camargue, vanquished the tarasque, a monster which terrified the town and devoured its children. The saint pacified the monster by giving the sign of the Cross and, placing her girdle round its neck, led it to the Rhône, into which it vanished for ever. A festival, decreed by King René in 1496, has been kept alive on the last Sunday in June when a papier-mché tarasque is paraded with much jollification - a symbol of Christianity's triumph over Paganism.
North-westwards from the church, in Rue Proudhon is Musée Souleïado which explores the town's textile industry which brought prosperity a couple of hundred years ago. The curious company which revived the industry earlier this century. The museum has a vast collection of old wood blocks and other items relating to hand-printing of fabrics.
North-west again is the Maison de Tartarin. Tartarin was the central character in one of Daudet's most famous books. Fat and bearded, and portrayed as a modern Don Quixote, Tartarin brought great fame to the town in the 1870s and in his honour the house - built at that time - has been furnished in authentic period style. Behind the house there is a small tropical garden with a conservatory housing a statue of the Tarasque beside a knight in the armour of King René's time.
Beaucaire, on the far bank, has an equal amount to keep the visitor occupied. In contrast to Tarascon, the castle is disappointing, being largely ruinous. However, the castle's Tour Polygonale is interesting for its shape (hence the name), for a small Romanesque chapel and the Musée Auguste Jacquet which houses an archaeological collection. The view from the castle ramparts is excellent and the gardens on its southern edge are equally good.
Close to the town, about 2 miles (3km) or so to the north-west, off the D986, lies the twelfth century Abbaye de St Romain.
North of Tarascon, on the D35, is Boulbon which lies on the slopes of the Montagnette hills overlooking the Rhône and the Vallabrègues Dam. Boulbon is a pleasant old bourg whose focal point is its ruined castle. Each first of June they hold the Procession of the Bottles (Fioles) and blessing of the wine at the Chapel of St Marcellin, patron saint of wine.
North of the Abbey is Barbentane with a chteau whose interior is almost a museum devoted to the furniture periods of Louis XV and Louis XVI, though the room decoration shows a distinct Italian influence. There is also some fine porcelain and china. Alternatively, the visitor can turn east to reach Maillane where the great man of Provençal history, Frédéric Mistral, was born and lies buried. The house that he ccupied for the last 40 years of his life is now a museum in his honour.
Close to Maillane is Graveson where a house that once belonged to the monks of St Michel de Frigolet Abbey is now a small museum of perfumes, with a collection of copper stills and other equipment used in perfume making during its formative years. Of most interest is the collection of different essences. |
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| Click here to start planning a France great vacation, tour or cruise with our Virtuoso Travel Advisors. You may call us too, but we'd really appreciate it if you complete a vacation planner first so we can determine which destination specialist to introduce you to.Thank you very much! Call 1 800 330 8820 or 415 446 5252 to book your Tarascon & Beaucaire, Provence vacation. | |
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