Visit the castle, church andabbey of a town that holds the legends of Santa Marta and Tarasca.
Tarascona is a town in Provence that offers historical, artistic, and cultural attractions, such as the castle, the Tarasca, and the Tartarin.
Tarascona is a French commune located in the Bouches du Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The town has about 13,000 inhabitants and overlooks the left bank of the Rhône River, opposite the town of Beaucaire.
Tarascona is known for its medieval castle, built in the 15th century by King René d’Anjou, known as the Good King. The castle is one of the best preserved in France and houses a collection of tapestries and period furniture inside. The castle is also where writer Alphonse Daudet set the adventures of Tartarin of Tarascona, his most famous character.
Tarascona also has a rich religious and legendary tradition, linked to the figure of St. Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary Magdalene, who according to tradition came to Provence after the death of Jesus. The collegiate church of Saint Martha holds her relics and a 13th-century wooden statue depicting her with a chain and a beast on a leash. This is the Tarasca, a monster that infested the marshes near the town and was tamed by the saint with her prayers.
Every year in late June, Tarascona celebrates its patron saint with a popular festival in which floats with reproductions of Tarasca and characters from Daudet’s novel parade through the streets. The festival ends with a solemn mass and a procession with the statue of St. Martha.
Tarascona offers other attractions, such as theAbbey of St. Michael de Frigolet, located in the Montagnette area, a protected natural area rich in flora and fauna. The abbey is an architectural complex that dates back to the 10th century and features several styles, from Romanesque to neo-Gothic. The abbey is also famous for its ciergerie, where candles scented with herbs from Provence are made.
Tarascona is a town worth a stop to appreciate its historical, artistic, and cultural heritage, but also to taste its typical products, such as olive bread, goat cheese, and red wine. Tarascona is also an ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of Provence, such as Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, and the Alpilles.
An opportunity not to be missed to visit Tarascona and learn about the castle and the stories of Tarasca and Tartarin.