Beaucaire’s medieval character is particularly evident in its fortress: it was built in the 11th century as a residence for the Counts of Toulouse and later reinforced as an important military stronghold. From its ramparts, there are views over the Rhône, the rooftops of Beaucaire and the neighbouring town of Tarascon.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Beaucaire can focus their accommodation search on this town.
History
Access to Beaucaire’s medieval fortress is free and includes the covered walkway, the remains of the medieval castle and the landscaped gardens. During self-guided visits, the keep remains closed; it can be visited as part of guided tours. These tours also explain the medieval fortifications and their polygonal tower.
The townscape also contains striking historical reminders. The Église Saint-Paul preserves three neoclassical paintings by Jacques Réattu from 1827 to 1829, depicting episodes from the life of Saint Paul. The Hôtel de Ville was built between 1679 and 1683 by the Nîmes architect Jacques Cubizol under the direction of Alexis de La Feuille. Its façade bears the units of measurement Canne de Montpellier and Aune de France, which were used before the introduction of the metric system.
In ancient times, Beaucaire was known as Ugernum and was a station on the Via Domitia, the long-distance road from Italy to Spain created by Cneus Domitius Ahenobarbus. The Collégiale Notre-Dames-des-Pommiers is an 18th-century church and was classified as a historic monument on 13 October 1942. The Musée Auguste Jacquet displays collections ranging from Roman antiquity and the Foire de la Madeleine to clothing from the late 19th century.
Things to do
Weekly pottery classes for adults and children are held at Françoise Rebord’s studio. Unique ceramic pieces are made, fired and displayed there.
From April to October, abrivados are organised in Beaucaire either by the town as part of its bull-related festivities or by local associations. In both cases, the event is organised with logistical support from the town.
Guided tours of Beaucaire’s medieval fortress explain the medieval fortifications and their polygonal tower.
Nature
The Massif de l’Aiguille is suitable as an addition to a visit to the Abbaye de Saint-Roman for half-day walks. A path from the supervised car park at the Abbaye de Saint-Roman leads through Mediterranean garrigue to the summit of the limestone hill; from there, there are views of the Rhône and the Alpilles.
Food and wine
At Mas des Tourelles, a functioning Gallo-Roman wine cellar is being reconstructed, where grapes are processed into wine using ancient methods. Wines made in the reconstructed Gallo-Roman cellar according to recipes by Latin authors are available for tasting, including Mulsum, Turriculae and Carenum. A visit to Mas des Tourelles also includes a walk through a Roman garden and a Roman wine-growing area leading to an archaeological site.
