South of Tarascon stands an impressive and lonely chapel in the middle of the landscape. All around are old olive trees that finely frame the old Romanesque building. If it weren't for the busy road below, you'd feel as if you'd been transported back to the Middle Ages.

To the right and behind the chapel there is a large olive grove where you can have a picnic (bring a blanket). It is also possible to get to a ruined tower quite quickly on a marked hiking trail.

Site history

This chapel, which has the stature of a large church, was built at the end of the 12th century. On the facade you can see direct references to Antiquity, at the same time you can see purely Romanesque elements. Today this work of art is far from any settlement, but in the Middle Ages it was an important traffic junction. In addition, there were swamps at this point that had to be translated by boats. Through this ferry activity, a community was formed that was soon rich enough to build this chapel. With the progressive draining of the swamps, most of the inhabitants left and now the chapel remains among the olive trees.

Description

The main facade of the chapel is intricately nested. The Saint-Trophime church in Arles may have served as a model. Several gate frames overlap. There are also decorative gables, arches and wide columns. A beautifully decorated oculus makes the building appear even taller.

The chapel is open every first Sunday of the month from April to October. The building is also open to the public on Heritage Days (Journées du patrimoine) in mid-September. More information here: Friends of the Chapel of Saint-Gabriel.

Access by public transport

Bus lines A20 and 221, which run between Arles and Tarascon train stations, have a stop 10 minutes' walk from the chapel. There are around 10 connections daily, but not on Sundays.

More information about the connections under Zou! (only french). For the footpath, see the attached map and the text below.

From the uncharming bus stop between truck parking lots, we head north to the roundabout and keep right. We go over water channels and past the entrance of a campsite. After the road to St. Rémy branches off to the left, we change to the other side of the road, but stay along the main road. Be careful when crossing, drivers do not expect pedestrians here. After a few meters, a parallel old street begins on the left and here are the steps to get to the chapel.

Access by car

The attraction is located between Beaucaire and Fontvieille.

From Beaucaire and Tarascon, take the D970 towards Arles. At the second large roundabout, 12km before Arles, we take the following exit to Fontvieille. We cross a canal and go straight ahead at another crossroads. Immediately after that, the chapel is on the left. However, it is not easy to turn here, you may have to drive about 150m further to be able to turn around there.

From Fontvieille or Maussane, head towards Tarascon and Beaucaire. 2km after the roads of Fontvieille and Maussane have joined and before a left turn, the chapel is signposted on the right.

Parking site

At the foot of the chapel you can park on an old section of the D33 road.