Tarascon

Tarascon stands on the Rhône, opposite Beaucaire, beneath a great castle of the counts of Provence. Louis II of Anjou began rebuilding the fortress in 1400, and its main structure was completed by 1435. His successor René made it a place of princely residence as well as defence. In 1449 he held a tournament here for his knights and friends. Later the castle served as a prison, its captives leaving drawings and inscriptions on the walls.