Learn about the Château de Tarascon - Heart of Provence Tourism

Built between 1400 and 1435 by Louis II and Louis III, counts of Provence and dukes of Anjou, the castle of King René is one of the most beautiful fortresses in France. It is the perfect example of a building which, through its architecture and decorations, combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. Built on a low rock, it assumed the role of monumental sentinel and constituted the territorial base of their ambitions in the Mediterranean, notably with control of the political border of the Rhône until 1481.

René of Anjou, the good king René

Let us tell you about the castle of Tarascon… René I ^, known as good King René, son of Louis II, made simple improvements for comfort and aesthetics, in order to make it a place for meetings, celebrations and prestige.

Upon his death on July 10, 1480, Provence was attached to the Kingdom of France. The castle, now royal property, became a place of incarceration for European civilian and military detainees. This is how we find exceptional graffiti from warships and commercial ships, which attest to the presence of prisoners.

A unique cultural place in Provence

From 1840, the monument was classified on the first protection list of Historic Monuments. It has been open to visitors since 1933 and became the property of the municipality of Tarascon in 2008.
It hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions and workshops.

Activities are scheduled throughout the year, particularly during Easter, Halloween and the Tarasque Festival at the end of June.

Visit the castle with the family

An original and fun visit, to do as a family, is offered during which all the senses are engaged. To discover the castle and life in the Middle Ages, ask for your Sens'sac, filled for the occasion with games and objects, and set off to explore the place. Using the small illustrated booklet also provided, let yourself be guided and accept the nine challenges. To do this, you must use the five senses and the Sens'sac accessories at each stage. Once the challenges have been met and succeeded, the mysteries unraveled, the visit finished, the children can leave with a souvenir of the castle.
From 6 years old.

In this exceptional monument , history is shared as a family!

On site, a bookstore-boutique contains many treasures for the general public: various books, local products, knightly costumes, games, etc.

For the joy of children, also think about the Tartarin et accomplices connected walk.

Hours

From January to March, open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 17 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

April, open 7 days a week, from 7:9 a.m. to 30:12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.

From May to September, open 7 days a week, from 7:9 a.m. to 30:12 p.m. and from 30:13 p.m. to 45:18 p.m.

From October to December, open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 17 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

The monument will be exceptionally closed on: January 1st ^, May 1st ^, November 1st ^and 11th, and December 25th.

Last entries: 45 minutes before closing.

News

To find out about news and events at the castle

To book your ticket online

Tarascon Castle

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