| TARASCON AND LA MONTAGNETTE |
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TARASCON AND LA MONTAGNETTE - Tarascon
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TARASCON AND LA MONTAGNETTE - Fruits de Méditerranée
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| TARASCON, town of myths and legends. |
Situated on the borders of the Rhone, Tarascon is the city of Tarasque, a monster that, around AD48, terrorized the town and was finally subdued by Sainte Marthe. It is also the town of Tartarin, the imaginary Roman hero of Alphonse Daudet.
Legends aside, Tarascon is of genuine interest both historic and architectural.
TO SEE:
The Chateau of Tarascon. Built on a calcareous rock, watered by the Rhone and isolated from the town the chateau of Roy Rene is one of the most beautiful medieval |
chateaux in France. Its austere exterior hides an elegant interior. Facing the chateau is Ste Marthe church built to house the relics of the Saint. The crypt containing the sarcophagus was sculptured between the 3rd and 4th century. In the vicinity of the chateau are magnificent houses dated 15th, 17th and 18th century, witnesses to the past prosperity of Tarascon.
Visit the 17th century Hotel de Ville and promenade through the old picturesque streets in the center of this ancient town.
MONTAGNETTE:
The limestone hills situated at the entrance of Vaucluse contribute to the beautiful countryside, perfumed with thyme and rosemary, immortalised by Mistral and Daudet.
SURROUNDING:
Visit Graveson and its famous country markets, open for business every Friday between 16h. and 20h. The Musee Auguste Chabaud, painter of the Fauves family. Born in Nimes in 1882, his oeuvres, paintings and sculptures, as well as his writings are exhibited in this museum.
Barbentane is a small village found on the northern side of Montagnette, dominated by the Tour Anglica, donjon of the episcopal chateau constructed in the 14th century. At the foot of the village is the 17th century Chateau of Barbentane, still inhabited. The 18th century Italian-influenced interior is very impressive.
Boulbon is a small agricultural town dominated by the ruins of an imposing chateau. In the cemetery is the beautiful 11th century Roman Chapel de St. Marcellin. The heart of Montagnette contains the neo-gothic Abbay St-Michel-de-Frigolet. The serenity of this place has not escaped the notice of the monastic community who has been here since 1858. The monks. belonging to the Ordre des Premontres, produce a liqueur based on a plant called Frigolet. Also hidden in this place, is St. Michel church, a monastery, a small hotel and a restaurant. |
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