FIG. 65. HOUSE IN TARASCON.
Tarascon has some good bits of architecture in its narrow but somewhat picturesque streets,—the winding stair and projecting turret being very effectively treated in one instance ([Fig. 65]). The gateway of the town ([Fig. 66]) on the east is also simple but good, and quite Northern in style, having two round towers flanking the entrance archway.
Beaucaire.—Crossing the bridge of boats from the castle of King René, the bare limestone rock surmounted by the Castle of Beaucaire meets the view ([Fig. 68]). This castle was anciently a possession of the Counts of Toulouse. During the Albigensian crusade it was besieged by Simon de Montfort, and an interesting account of the siege operations by himself still exists. While engaged in the siege he was attacked and defeated by Raymond VII. (1216). Although now a complete ruin internally, the walls exist all round and shew the great extent of the fortress ([Fig. 67]). The outer enceinte, and its long approach by wide flights of stairs from the west, can still be traced, as also the outline of the outer and inner bailey. The gateway of the latter, in a fragmentary state, still survives. The immense strength of the fortalice is distinctly apparent, owing to the height and steepness of the naked rock on which it stands ([Fig. 69]).
FIG. 66. GATE OF TARASCON.