Tarascon, Provence, France
Tarascon is located just on the border between Provence and Languedoc, on the river Rhone (opposite Beaucaire), just 15 km south of Avignon, about 10 km from Arles, Saint-Remy-de-Provence and Les-Baux-de-Provence, near the Park Natural of Alpilles and relatively not far from Luberon and the Camargue, so it is a great base for exploring huge area of Provence.
Parking in Tarascon
The largest parking lot is located opposite the church of St. Martha and the Château du Roi René, at Avenue de la Republique (P1; GPS: 43.805490, 4.655055). It extends to the Cours Aristide Briand roundabout (P2; GPS: 43.8039953, 4.6559917). Another large parking lot is located next to the train station (P3; GPS: 43.801558, 4.656881). You can also try to park along the Boulevard Itam and Boulevard Gambetta streets.
Château du Roi René
If you parked in the first parking lot indicated by us, you will be very close to two of the biggest attractions of the town: the castle of King René (A; GPS: 43.806273, 4.655021) and the church of St. Martha (B; GPS: 43.805553, 4.655908). Very well preserved castle of the fifteenth century is located on the bank of the Rhone river and has very impressive gothic shape. You can visit it - the ticket prices are as follows: adults 25+ 7.50 €, adults 18-24 5.50 €, youth 10-17 3.50 €, children below 10 enter for free.
Église Sainte-Marthe
According to Catholic tradition, the church houses the remains of St. Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Jesus' disciple. The church was built in eleventh century. It was a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Even French kings visited it, including Louis XIV.
The Old Town
You should also stroll the interesting Rue des Halles street to see the old town's center, which is the located in the Place du Marche street. On the right side you'll see a small square with a monument of "Taratin of Tarascon" (C; GPS: 43.805030, 4.657480) - a fictional character created by writer Alphonse Daudet. Going forward, you will see how both sides of the street become arcades. You finally reach the Place du Marche (D; GPS: 43.806034, 4.658032), where the headquarters of the local authorities is located. Various cultural and social events often take place on the Rue des Halles and intersecting Avenue de la Republique. We had the opportunity to stroll the Flower Market and enjoy the Country Western dances performed by local groups.
Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet
A few kilometers from Tarascon, in the middle of the Provencal forest, there is a beautiful abbey of Saint-Michel de Frigolet. You can park your car in the northern (P4; GPS: 43.8599789, 4.7286794) and southern (P5; GPS: 43.857500, 4.726584) parking lots. The area of the abbey can be easily visited. Visit the beautifully decorated church from the nineteenth century, as well as a Romanesque chapel. There is also a shop where you can buy products locally developed by monks. You can also take a walk in the surrounding area and enjoy amazing Provencal nature.
See also: