Magical Day in Tarascon, France 🇫🇷

The South of France is filled with little villages and hamlets waiting to be discovered by more than locals. I’m thrilled to enjoy these areas of France, and to gain a huge appreciation for the architecture and cultures within each little town.

And…the weather is warm, just like I like it. This also includes the trains - they are hot and filled with tourists headed to Nîmes for the Feria de Nimes yearly festival . Fellow writer friend, Katy Dalgleish and I were squished in like sardines to get out of town and enjoy another medieval town: Tarascon. I had sweat rolling down my back like a faucet.

One guy on the packed train seemed like he had his whole life possessions and a bicycle that everyone had to go around, or he had to get off at each stop to let passengers off because no one could get around him. It was crazy! There were way more people on that train than should have been for sure, and the 35 minute ride couldn’t have come faster to get off and breathe!

Once in Tarascon, if I didn’t know better, and based on our lovely day today, Tarascon could be the flower capital of France. It’s not known for that, but the Saturday outdoor market was filled with flowers of every color and stripe. It was really amazing, and I would have loved to take many of the plants home. Instead, I did the next best thing—taking many photos of the roses, as they were so vibrant in rich colors and tall, that I couldn’t get enough of their fragrant petals and their gorgeous heads.

Our first stop was on the recommendation of another writing friend, Diane Osgood, who suggested we go to the Musee Souleiado. Since 1806, the brand, Souleiado, has been a recognized brand for the life style of Provence. The Musee is there to protect and preserve the culture and traditions of captivating Provençal objects as patchwork, shimmering fashion creations, and home decor. Princess Diane loved their fabric purses and tote bags. The scenography of the artisans that created the fabrics have inspired famous designers as Christian Lacroix and Alessandro Di Micchele for Gucci.

Supposedly, this museum was closed today. (Note: I wrote this yesterday). However, there was a landscaper working his craft and had a door open to the back of the building. He never said a word to us, pretty typical of a working Frenchmen, as we peeked in the doors and windows, and then checked out a few rooms inside. It is a small museum compared to most, and the displays were good to show how the French fashion institution has thrived for over a century in modern times. I’m sure Marie Antionette had a fabulous wardrobe collection in the 1700s, just saying, but probably not the folks who ran her household!

Katy and I then strolled down the quiet streets until we hit the market street. This place was not as flashy as other towns visited in the South, but the people were friendly and welcoming. We had a ball checking out the nooks and crannies - including The Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Martha in Tarascon.

In fact, as we started entering the church, there were only a few bars left in the hymn that the congregation was singing, then started pouring out of the church. Come to find out, there was a wedding going on and it had just ended as we entered. Good timing.

As the wedding people left, I took a quick picture of the bride and groom being serenaded with rice or rose petals, all good luck symbols for the new couple and a happy married life. I whispered to Katy that coming upon a wedding has to be good luck for us, too, as the lagers slowly walked past us and down the man in staircase.

I’m thankful we had time to walk around the church, light a couple of candles, and sit quietly in a pew for a spell. Not only that, but this particular church has an interesting history dating back to the 10th century regarding St. Martha and her intercession in helping Clovis, king of the Franks, heal from a serious kidney illness. At that time, it was the only church in the Christian World dedicated to the hostess of Christ. Saint Martha’s relics were found on an official discovery in 1187, who the people of Tarascon had venerated for centuries. I will add this church was quite impressive and had a festive vibe. Maybe it was the wedding bringing in the good, and seemingly happy spirit of Saint Martha!

Another stroll through town led us to the Tarascon Castle. One must visit the medieval fortress if in the area. The huge beige brick monstrosity stands as 147 ft tall (45 meters), and sits on the Rhône River. It was built in the first have of the 15th century blending Gothic and Renaissance architecture; the most exquisite fortress in France (or so they say). The castle had many jobs. It was home for kings and queens of France, a prison for civilian and military, and during the French Revolution, Robespierre’s supporters were all executed there in 1795.

Whoa!

It was sight to behold and check out as we climbed many winding and narrow staircases to almost the top. I wonder what the people of the village thought of this castle back when it was first constructed and opened for “business.” Did they like it? Fear it? Work in it?

After several hours in Tarascon, it was time to head back and meet up with another writing friend and incredible artist, Wendy, and her husband, Steve, for dinner. First stop though was to check out their new apartment in Nîmes. It is beautiful! I gotta say, though, Wendy has the coolest art studio I’ve ever seen! It’s Big, with great light, and filled with her love of painting and more (she sews, too).

What a day!

Magical!

Thankful!

Thanks to Katy, Wendy, and Steve who made every hour more magical than the last!

Time for bed…

It’s the little things.

I’m going to try to load 3 photos! They many not, but will eventually. Thanks for being patient with me 🩷

bSoleille!

Terri