Taxi Marseille → Tarascon

Tarascon, a town of 15,000 inhabitants on the left bank of the Rhône, is dominated by the imposing Castle of King René, one of the finest medieval fortresses in France. Built in the 15th century by Louis II of Anjou and completed by King René, this crenellated castle overlooking the Rhône is a listed historic monument. Facing it across the river stands Beaucaire Castle, creating a spectacular vis-à-vis across the Rhône. Tarascon owes its name to the Tarasque, a legendary creature — half-dragon, half-turtle — that Saint Martha is said to have tamed according to Provençal tradition. The Tarasque festivals, inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list since 2005, enliven the town each last weekend of June with parades, jousting on the Rhône and the procession of the Tarasque effigy through the streets. The town is also known as the home of Tartarin de Tarascon, Alphonse Daudet's colourful character whose reconstructed 'house' can be visited. Gateway to the Alpilles (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence 15 km away) and close to the Camargue, Tarascon is a strategic crossroads between Arles, Avignon and Nîmes. The historic centre features fine 16th and 17th century mansions, the Sainte-Marthe collegiate church (Romanesque and Gothic) and the Cordeliers cloister, now an exhibition space.