Guided tour of Tarascon and the royal collegiate church of Sainte-Marthe
At the crossroads between the Alpilles, Montagnette, and Camargue, Tarascon boasts all the charms of a Provençal town, built along the banks of the Rhône at the heart of the "golden triangle" of Nîmes, Arles, and Avignon. Depart on foot to the historic heart of the old town to explore its heritage. The city center invites you to enjoy its gentle lifestyle, beautiful architecture—simple and elegant—and its pedestrian streets. Don’t miss the Tarasque, the mythical creature of Provence that is said to have given the city of Tarascon its name. Then, visit the Royal Collegiate Church of Sainte Marthe, located in the heart of Tarascon. This Romanesque church, founded in the 11th and 12th centuries, is dedicated to Sainte Marthe. Legend has it that Marthe arrived in 48 AD in this city plagued by a terrifying creature, the Tarasque, which the Saint tamed. Many pilgrims still visit the Collegiate Church of Sainte Marthe, where you can admire its crypt, its organ, and its superb collection of works by great masters. The collegiate church is a major pilgrimage site, attracting the faithful for centuries, and remains an iconic monument of Provence. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
At the crossroads between the Alpilles, Montagnette, and Camargue, Tarascon boasts all the charms of a Provençal town, built along the banks of the Rhône at the heart of the "golden triangle" of Nîmes, Arles, and Avignon. Depart on foot to the historic heart of the old town to explore its heritage. The city center invites you to enjoy its gentle lifestyle, beautiful architecture—simple and elegant—and its pedestrian streets. Don’t miss the Tarasque, the mythical creature of Provence that is said to have given the city of Tarascon its name. Then, visit the Royal Collegiate Church of Sainte Marthe, located in the heart of Tarascon. This Romanesque church, founded in the 11th and 12th centuries, is dedicated to Sainte Marthe. Legend has it that Marthe arrived in 48 AD in this city plagued by a terrifying creature, the Tarasque, which the Saint tamed. Many pilgrims still visit the Collegiate Church of Sainte Marthe, where you can admire its crypt, its organ, and its superb collection of works by great masters. The collegiate church is a major pilgrimage site, attracting the faithful for centuries, and remains an iconic monument of Provence. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
Santons and Christmas traditions along the canals of Provence In the footsteps of fortresses and authentic villages
Avignon - AIGUES MORTES - ARLES - TARASCON - AVIGNON
Rich in symbols, full of emotions and sensations, Christmas traditions in Provence bring meaning and color to the holiday. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Provence. In Aigues-Mortes, discover the fougasse, a traditional delicacy reserved for the holidays; in Arles, dive into the art of santon makers with the creator’s fair, a tribute to this iconic popular craft. Further on, explore the Château de Tarascon, a majestic fortress on the banks of the Rhône, or the perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence with its santon museum and traditional Provençal nativity scene. Don’t miss the Palais des Papes in Avignon, an imposing Gothic fortress, a witness to the religious power of the 14th century.