Tarascon

Tarascon, town, Bouches-du-Rhône département, Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région, southeastern France, east of Nîmes. Situated on the left bank of the Rhône River opposite Beaucaire, the town is associated with a legendary monster, La Tarasque, which was said to have ravaged the region until it was tamed by Sainte Marthe. Since the late 19th century it has also been associated with the mock-heroic character Tartarin de Tarascon, created by the French writer Alphonse Daudet. The château, which rises sharply on the banks of the Rhône, was begun in the 12th century and was completed in the 15th century by René I, count of Provence and titular king of Sicily. An imposing stronghold, it has crenellated walls 157 feet (48 metres) high. The church of Sainte-Marthe dates mainly from the 15th century and has a portal dating from a 12th-century Romanesque building. The church’s spire was destroyed during World War II but has been rebuilt.

Tarascon is a commercial and administrative centre as well as a processing and distribution hub for produce from the surrounding agricultural region. Tourism has increased in importance. Other industries include the manufacture of plastics and textiles. Pop. (1999) 12,668; (2014 est.) 14,583.