Beaucaire, between Avignon and Arles, is one of the cities to visit during your stay in Gard! Discover its lovely marina and its old town steeped in history!
Discover Beaucaire
Beaucaire is the largest city in Terre d'Argence, about 15,000 inhabitants live there all year round. Located on the right bank of the Rhône, Beaucaire is at the end of the Rhône to Sète Canal (connecting the Rhône to the sea), and is also a river port.
The tour can start from there: stroll along the quay, stop for a drink at a terrace, watch the locals playing petanque and the barges in the marina.
Visit the historic center
Beaucaire obtained the label 'City of Art & d'Histoire' in 2000.
Let's dive a few centuries back to better understand the history of the city. At the time of the Madeleine Fair, in the 17th and 18th centuries, Beaucaire became a hub of international trade. Its port, connected to the sea, allows the exchange of goods of all kinds. The fair takes place in July and attracts visitors and merchants arriving by boat from around the world. Napoleon Bonaparte would have even stayed here !
It was at this time that magnificent mansions and churches testifying to the richness of the city were built. Even today, walking through the cobbled alleys of the ancient center, one can discover these remarkable facades, richly carved and ornamented.
Live like a local
Take the time to get lost in the old town, feel the special atmosphere present within the thick medieval walls, discover the Place Vieille with a certain charm... Take the stairs of the Banquette to admire the view of the two castles facing each other: one side Beaucaire and on the other Tarascon.
Live the Madeleine Fair
Even today we celebrate this famous Madeleine Fair which has made Beaucaire famous all over the world !
Every year, from July 21st, the fever rises like the temperature in the streets of Beaucaire, and the city is adorned with its festive clothes: parade, bodega, abrivado, release of bulls, concerts... A festive event where all generations come together to celebrate the traditions of the region !
Climbing the Fortress
You cannot finish the visit of Beaucaire without climbing to the highest point of the city: its fortress ! Perched on its rocky outcrop, it dominates the entire city and the Rhone valley. You can discover the remains of the medieval castle (polygonal tower, chapel, round path) and its landscaped gardens.
Discover also within the fortress the museum of history and archaeology Auguste Jacquet (Musée de France). From Roman antiquity to the fashions of the late 19th century, its collections testify to the cultural uniqueness of this Rhodanian city located in the heart of the golden triangle Nîmes, Arles and Avignon.
