Tarascon

Tarascon is a town on the eastern bank of the Rhône in the Provence in the southeast of France.

Understand
The city was founded in 48 by the Romans. The town's history is shaped by "The Legend of Martha and Tarasque". According to population legend, the dragon Tarasque devoured travellers on the banks of the Rhône and was banished by Saint Martha. This legend also gave the city its current name; its previous name is said to have been Nerluc.



Get in
Tarascon sits halfway between Arles and Avignon, around 20 km from each.

By train
The nearest TGV stations are Gare d'Avignon TGV, Arles, and Nimes.



By bus
There are several bus lines from towns all over the Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Vaucluse. You can always buy your passage from the conductor.

By boat
While there is no regular boat line in Tarascon, you can arrive by boat in Tarascon via river cruises.

Get around
In the old town, within the old city walls, there are only a few parking possibilities. However, there are parking spaces on the edge of the old town, from which it can be reached in just a few minutes.

The bus network in and around Tarascon is maintained by Envia.

Tarascon is for the most part small enough to enjoy by foot.

See
Town centre:

Beyond the town centre:

Do

 * Every year on the last weekend in June, the Fêtes de la Tarasque, which were founded by King René I of Anjou in 1469, are celebrated with parades of Arlèsiennes (women in local costume from Arles) and Gardians (cattle herdsmen in Camargue costume on horseback).
 * On the third weekend in August, medieval festivals are held at Tarascon Castle.

Buy

 * The Marché aux Fleurs ("flower market") is held on the Pentecost weekend.

Sleep


Camping Saint Gabriel, Route de Fontvieille in St Etienne du Gres. Tel. : +33 4 90 91 19 83, email: contact@campingsaintgabriel.com. Open: March-November.

Camping Municipal Alpilles Provence, Avenue du Doctor Barberin, 13103 Saint Etienne du Gres. Tel : +33 4 90 49 00 03.

Go next

 * Aix-en-Provence the city of Cézanne and the Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
 * Arles
 * Avignon
 * Saint-Rémy-de-Provence