About the Port
Tarascon sits on the banks of the Rhône in Provence, its skyline anchored by the Château de Tarascon, a formidable fortress raised by the Counts of Anjou that has watched over river traffic for centuries. The town's compact old quarter, with its shuttered facades and quiet squares, rewards an unhurried stroll and lies within easy walking distance of the pier. Its position on the river has long made it a natural stop for travelers moving between Avignon and Arles.
Beyond the town, Provence unfolds in classic form. Arles, with its Roman and Van Gogh associations, is a short trip away, while the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence offers dramatic limestone scenery and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Together these nearby sites make Tarascon a practical and rewarding base for exploring the region's history, art, and landscape.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Tarascon.
Tour the Château de Tarascon
Step inside the riverside fortress to see its vaulted halls, spiral staircases, and rooftop terrace with sweeping Rhône views. It sits right at the water's edge, so no transfer is needed—just a short walk from the pier.
See Carrières des Lumières
In an old limestone quarry near Les Baux-de-Provence, monumental digital art projections wash over towering rock walls in a immersive sound-and-light show. Pair it with a visit to the hilltop village above, about a 20-minute drive from Tarascon.
Follow Van Gogh's Arles
A short trip brings you to the café terraces, bridges, and light that inspired some of Van Gogh's best-known canvases, alongside the city's Roman arena and theater. Comfortable shoes help for the cobbled streets of the old center.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Tarascon
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 22, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 7 | $8,025 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 7 | $8,025 | |
| Nov 2, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 13 | $7,069 | |
| Nov 5, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $4,099 | |
| Nov 16, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 13 | $6,069 | |
| Nov 19, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $3,099 | |
| Apr 26, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 7 | $6,474 | |
| Jul 9, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 7 | $6,002 | |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 10 | $8,882 | |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 7 | $6,002 | |
| Sep 23, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 9 | $8,987 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 7 | $7,092 | |
| Nov 1, 2027 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 13 | $7,479 | |
| Nov 4, 2027 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $4,179 | |
| Dec 13, 2027 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 13 | $6,779 | |
| Dec 16, 2027 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $3,479 | |
| Nov 2, 2028 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $3,439 | |
| Nov 16, 2028 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $3,339 | |
| Nov 30, 2028 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $3,139 | |
| Dec 14, 2028 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $3,239 |