Beaucaire combines a long history with plenty to discover: in antiquity, the town was known as Ugernum and was a stop on the Via Domitia; the medieval fortress tells the story of a later era. From its ramparts, views stretch across the Rhône, the rooftops of Beaucaire and the neighboring town of Tarascon. When planning your visit, different access conditions, half-day walks and seasonal dates are also relevant, alongside the main historical sights.

History in Buildings and Collections

The Via Domitia, a long-distance road built by Cneus Domitius Ahenobarbus from Italy to Spain, places Beaucaire’s importance in antiquity in a wider context. The medieval fortress was built in the 11th century as a residence for the Counts of Toulouse and was later reinforced as an important military stronghold. Its historical themes thus range from an ancient long-distance route to the town’s later military role.

The Hôtel de Ville also offers a glimpse into another era: Jacques Cubizol, an architect from Nîmes, built it between 1679 and 1683 under the direction of Alexis de La Feuille. Its façade features the Canne de Montpellier and the Aune de France, units of measurement used before the introduction of the metric system. The building thus also shows how measurements were once taken.

The religious buildings mark further periods in history. The Collégiale Notre-Dames-des-Pommiers is an 18th-century church and was designated a historic monument on October 13, 1942. At Église Saint-Paul, three neoclassical paintings by Jacques Réattu, dating from 1827 to 1829, depict episodes from the life of Saint Paul. The Musée Auguste Jacquet complements these themes with collections spanning Roman antiquity, the Foire de la Madeleine and clothing from the late 19th century.

The Fortress and Walks

Admission to the medieval fortress is free. Self-guided visits include the ramparts, the remains of the medieval castle and the landscaped gardens; the keep is closed and can be visited as part of a guided tour. Guided tours explain the medieval fortifications and their polygonal tower. Access arrangements may change; dates and booking requirements for guided tours vary by season. Check the conditions before your trip.

The Massif de l’Aiguille is a good addition to a visit to the Abbaye de Saint-Roman, offering half-day walks. A path from the abbey’s guarded car park leads through Mediterranean garrigue to the top of the limestone hill, where views open up over the Rhône and the Alpilles. Weather and wildfire restrictions may affect access. Check the current conditions before setting out.

Pottery, Wine and Seasonal Events

Unique ceramic pieces are made, fired and exhibited at the Atelier of Françoise Rebord. The studio also offers weekly pottery classes for adults and children. Confirm class availability and booking arrangements before your trip; check access to the studio before visiting.

At the Mas des Tourelles, a working Gallo-Roman wine cellar has been reconstructed, where grapes are made into wine using ancient methods. Tastings include wines based on recipes by Latin authors, including Mulsum, Turriculae and Carenum. A visit includes a walk through a Roman garden and a Roman vineyard to an archaeological site. Tastings may be seasonal or require a booking; check the arrangements in advance.

Abrivados are organized in Beaucaire from April to October, either by the town as part of its taurine festivals or by local associations; in both cases, the town supports the logistics. If you would like to plan your trip around this seasonal event, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Pouzilhac, Courry, Campestre-Et-Luc, La Calmette, Fontanès, Saint-Julien-de-Cassagnas, Cornillon, Salindres.

Return to the regional travel overview: Gard.