Beaucaire, a city of art and history, at the heart of Terre d'Argence, the Argence region, has stood since the dawn of time. Its ancient vestiges, medieval edifices and splendours dating from the Age of Enlightenment all bear witness to its prestigious past. This living heritage is an open invitation to travel through time. The chateau was one of the palatial residences belonging to the Counts of Toulouse and was built towards the end of 17thc. on the site of Roman ruins. The Saint Roman Abbey is an early Christian and medieval troglodyte monastery, listed as a Monument Historique and built upon a limestone outcrop overlooking the confluence of the Gardon and Rhone rivers. The town hall was built as a royal commission between 1679 and 1683. It acted as headquarters for the privileged curators of the Fair as well as the consulate. The Fair reached its heyday during the Age of Enlightenment. Its decline began during the 19thc when the town's economy turned towards the new means of transport and communication with the canal between the Rhone and Sete. Today, it is a leisure port and the Beaucaire canal can hold some 220 boats. This greatly favours a tourist economy, boosted by its hoteliers, wines, regional products and bullfighting traditions.

Office du tourisme , 24 cours Gambetta, BP 61,  tél 04 66 59 26 57. www.ot-terredargence.fr