Tarascon, France: The Collegiate Church of Saint Martha & The Abbey of Saint Michael of Frigolet
About Tarascon:
Not far from Avignon is the town of Tarascon. A fortified medieval village, Tarascon is a charming historic town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. It sits on the left bank of the Rhône River, about 12-15 miles (20–25 km) from both Avignon (to the north) and Arles (to the south). The latest population figure was approximately 15,400.
Château de Tarascon (King René’s Castle) is the town’s standout landmark — a massive, exceptionally well-preserved 15th-century medieval fortress rising dramatically from the Rhône River banks. Construction began around 1400 under Louis II of Anjou and was completed under King René (René I of Anjou). Its imposing exterior contrasts with more refined interior elements. It later served as a prison but is now a major tourist site.
Collégiale Sainte-Marthe (Collegiate Church of Sainte-Marthe) is a highlight…..a church with Romanesque and Gothic elements, tied to the town’s legendary history.
The town makes an excellent base for exploring the Alpilles, the Camargue, and nearby Provençal highlights. It features narrow streets, markets, and a riverside setting. Tarascon presents interesting architecture, but in addition to that you will find two very interesting Catholic sites.
Saint Martha after the Resurrection:
We often hear of Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany and their close relationship with Jesus. But what of their whereabouts after the Resurrection?
According to tradition, about 14 years after the Resurrection, Martha, Mary and Lazarus were set adrift in a boat, with no oars or sails, to die. They survived, however and first arrived in Avignon around 48 A.D.
Martha then later went on to Tarascon. It is here that we find the Legend of the Tarasque: The town is named after (or strongly associated with) the mythical monster La Tarasque, a dragon-like beast said to have terrorized the area until tamed by Saint Martha in the 1st century. This, of course, is legend and not historical fact. Nevertheless, it is celebrated locally (including festivals) and is inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
About The Collegiate Church of Saint Martha:
The Church is built on the spot of the house where she used to live here in Tarascon. The crypt area contains the relics and the tomb of St. Martha. Her Feast Day is celebrated July 29th (the Feast Day now includes her sister Mary and brother Lazarus).
There is no website of the Church of which we are aware. Visit the official website of the town of Tarascon.
The Church is open daily on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Masses are held on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (winter) and 6:30 p.m (summer) and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The phone number is (33) 04-90-91-0950.
The Abbey of Saint Michael de Frigolet:
Located just a few miles from the center of town, the Abbey is run by the Order of the Canons Regular of Prémontré and follow the Rule of Life of St. Augustine of Hippo. For centuries the Abbey has been a place of prayer and refuge. The Fathers welcome visitors and short-term guests: anyone seeking silence, rest, study or prayer. They are also active in local institutions such as schools and hospitals.
Part of the Abbey is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, a destination for thousands of pilgrims, mostly from Provence. For at least 850 years, the faithful have climbed up the Montagnette to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary. You will find many votives and messages of thanks for her intercession.
Traveling to Tarascon, France:
You can take a train from Avignon to Tarascon. In addition, there are three river cruise lines (Avalon, Viking and Uniworld) that do have stops in Avignon, so it is possible that you can arrange a day trip to Tarascon. Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here.
Address: Route de Frigolet, 13150 Tarascon-sur-Rhône
GPS coordinates: 43° 51′ 29.7288” N, 4° 43′ 42.5172” E
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 95 70 07 Fax: +33 (0)04 90 90 79 23
e-mail for the abbey: abbaye@frigolet.com
e-mail for the hotel: contact@hotel-abbaye-frigolet.com
Visit the official website of the Abbey of Saint Michael de Frigolet in Tarascon, France.
Note: on Tuesdays the local market sets up in town and is a good chance to see some of the local wares, especially the fabrics made here in the local factory.
Photo credits: Commune of Tarrascon & Abbey of Saint Michael de Frigolet.