Tarascon: Mythical Castle Town
Tarascon, France is one of the medieval fortified French towns that attract many visitors from all over the world thanks to its noble history and the interesting urban legend surrounding it. The legend goes that a dragon monster called Tarasque lives in one of the ancient fortresses in town and feeds on human. To this day, the locals have adopted the myth and a colorful celebration takes place in Tarascon to honor it.
Best Time to Visit
Having a Mediterranean climate, Tarascon, France has hot summers and mild winters. It is between the months of May to August that it is ideal to visit the town as these are the months with pleasant and favorable weather. Fete de la Tarasque is the largest festival in town taking place every June. But if you want to avoid the huge crowd of travelers and find cheap Tarascon hotels, you can visit in the latter months of September and October.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Built on the remains of Roman castrums, several chateaus are scattered all over town. These were previously royal houses turned prisons turned museums. Among the notable ones are Château de l’Empéri and Château de Tarascon. St. Martha’s Collegiate Church is also nearby the chateaus, has an interesting mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and where the tomb of the patron saint of the town – St. Martha – lies. Hotel de Provence is strategically located near the town proper and has a beautiful 18th century architecture. Hotel di Viaduc and Mas des Comtes de Provence are also exceptional Tarascon FR hotels within walking distance to many of the town’s attractions.