Beaucaire is a pleasant town in a nice setting on the river bank at the eastern edge of the Gard department, to the east of Nimes. The town is closely linked to Tarascon, which is likely to be visited at the same time, and is just across the Rhone River from Beaucaire (in the Provence region).
Explore Beaucaire
France This Way review: although the main advantage of Beaucaire for visitors is its great location between and close to the towns of Arles, Nimes and Avignon, and its setting between the Rhone River and the Canal du Rhone a Sete, you should also allow time for a stroll around this town when you are in the region
Some of the monuments in Beaucaire are a little hidden in side streets so we suggest start your visit at Beaucaire tourist office on Cours Gambetta, where you can get a map highlighting each place of interest.
The main feature that you will see on the river is the castle at Tarascon. Beaucaire itself also has an impressive ruined castle standing above the town, with an unusual triangular donjon. The castle is also the location for a popular display of birds of prey known as 'Les Aigles de Beaucaire'.
The town also has a port on the Sete-Rhone canal, which acts as the centre of the town. Here you can stroll along the waterfront as well as organise boat trips or hire boats to explore along the canal.
Apart from the castle and the port, other places of interest in Beaucaire include the baroque style Church of Notre-Dame des Pommiers, built in the 18th century, and the Church of Saint-Paul, best known for its unusually decorated spire.
There are also several 17th and 18th century townhouses of architectural interest in Beaucaire such as the baroque facade of the Hotel Margailler, the towers of the Hotel Dulong (Rue Barbès), the Hotel de Clausonnette and the unusual facade of the Hotel de Roys de Lédignan.
Beaucaire has also been classified as a protected Historic Town in France as well as classified as an official Town of Art and History in France.
Note: a major event in the life of Beaucaire is the celebrations that take place in the second half of June to celebrate the dragon called 'drac' who, it is said, lived in the river 800 years ago and very frequently emerged to eat people. Unfortunately for those concerned the dragon was invisible, which made him rather hard to stop...
Another festival is held towards the end of July, which includes bulls charging through the streets and everyone having a good time!
Places to visit near Beaucaire
You will certainly want to visit the important historic towns of Arles, Avignon and Nimes while you are here, and there are some other interesting sites to visit close to Beaucaire. These include:
- the Abbey of Saint-Roman, just outside the town, is a fine troglodyte abbey. The abbey was carved out of the soft rock by monks in the 5th century. Several rooms including the chapel can be visited and this unique abbey is on a hill and has lovely views out across Provence.
- at the Mas des Tourelles (take the St Gilles road from Beaucaire) there is an interesting recreation of a roman vineyard, garden and wine cellar where you can also taste 'almost authentic 2000 year old wine'.
You can find more travel ideas in the Gard guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Arrange a visit to Beaucaire
Hotels in Beaucaire
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Map of Beaucaire and places nearby
Visit near Beaucaire with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Tarascon
The Chateau de Tarascon is an imposing 15th century castle on the banks of the Rhone
Chateau de Tarascon guide
Tarascon
Tarascon is a pleasant town with a substantial castle on the Rhone river, well placed for exploring the region around Arles and Avignon
Tarascon guide
Fontvieille
This town near Arles has a small historic centre to explore when you are passing
Fontvieille guide
Carrières de Lumières in Baux-de-Provence
The Carrieres de Lumieres is a sound and light spectacle based around famous artists works, in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence
Carrières de Lumières in Baux-de-Provence guide
Baux-de-Provence
The village of Baux-de-Provence is small but exceptionally picturesque, and has beautiful views across the Provencal countryside. Unmissable!
Baux-de-Provence guide
Château des Baux-de-Provence
The Château des Baux-de-Provence is a remarkable ruined castle above the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, with amazing views across the Alpilles
Château des Baux-de-Provence guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gard
Tourist classifications for Beaucaire
Beaucaire has received the following tourist classifications: recommended detour town (plus beau detour); historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); listed town of Art and History
Address: Beaucaire, Nîmes, Languedoc-Roussillon, 30300, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.8081, longitude 4.64417
Plan your visit to Beaucaire, Gard
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin aquatique « Aux fleurs de l'eau: remarkable garden (11 km)
- Montmajour Abbey: national monument (11 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame de Montmajour (Arles): religious monument (11 km)
- Baux-de-Provence: most beautiful village (14 km)
- Arles: secteur sauvegarde (15 km)
- Roman Arles: heritage site (15 km)
- Eglise et cloitres de Saint Trophime, Eglise de Saint-Honorat des Alycamps (Arles): religious monument (15 km)
- Arles église St Honorat (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (15 km)
- Glanum: national monument (15 km)
- Alpilles: regional natural parc (16 km)
- Pont du Gard: grand site of france (18 km)
- Avignon Centre: heritage site (20 km)
Market days in Beaucaire, France
Regular market(s) are held in Beaucaire each Thursday & Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Beaucaire (Francais)