Beaucaire / Arles

This stretch links two towns packed with fascinating history and monuments. At Beaucaire, the river port reaches into the heart of the old town, a place to enjoy many discoveries. Arles, with splendid Roman and medieval monuments, boasts an exceptionally rich heritage. From Beaucaire Marina, the route crosses the southern suburbs of the town before rejoining the cycle path along the Rhône embankments as far as Fourques. It enters Arles from the north-west of the city.

The route

From Beaucaire Marina, follow the route via Chemin de Saint-Joseph and then Chemin des Abattoirs, on paved roads through the southern neighbourhoods of the town. After 1.5 km, you'll rejoin the recently built asphalt cycle path along the Rhône embankment on the right bank of the river. Comfort facilities (benches, picnic tables and information boards) are provided along the route. Dismount and walk briefly when crossing the Rhône intake dam. Continue along the embankment to Fourques, then cross the suspension bridge over the Petit Rhône and enter Arles via the Trinquetaille district.

Train stations:

• Beaucaire
• Tarascon
• Arles

Tourist Offices:

• Beaucaire terre d’Argence Tourist Office Tel: +33(0)4 66 59 26 57
• Arles Tourist Office Tel: +33(0)4 90 18 41 20
• Tarascon Tourist Office Tel: +33(0)4 90 91 03 52

Don’t miss

Beaucaire: the medieval castle perched on its rock above the Rhône; fine mansions; the underground Abbaye Troglodytique de Saint-Roman et l’Aiguille; the river port; Le Vieux Mas (a traditional working farm between Beaucaire and Saint-Gilles).
Tarascon: the Château du Roi René by the Rhône; the medieval Collégiale Sainte Marthe church; the Cloître des Cordeliers (cloisters); the Abbaye St Michel de Frigolet (5km away)
Arles: declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional Roman and Romanesque monuments; the Roman amphitheatre (known as Les Arènes); the Roman theatre; the Musée Départemental Arles Antique (displaying fabulous classical finds); Alyscamps Necropolis; the Romanesque abbeys of St-Trophime and Montmajour (the latter on the edge of town, also a contemporary arts centre); Museon Arlaten, on Provençal traditions; Musée Réattu, for the arts and photography; Espace Van Gogh, dedicated to the great Dutch Impressionist artist who spent an intense time here; Les Rencontres d’Arles, a major annual photographic festivals