Tarascon Castle: Distant view along banks of the Rhone

The construction of the current castle of Tarascon was started in 1401 by Louis II of Anjou, after the previous castle was destroyed. The construction was continued by his first son, Louis III of Anjou, and was completed in 1449 by his second son, Ren\u00E9 I of Naples. Thus, the castle is often referred to as le ch\u00E2teau du roi Ren\u00E9 ('King Ren\u00E9's castle'). It was turned into a military prison in the 17th century, until its acquisition by the state in 1932. It stands on the banks of the Rh\u00F4ne opposite Beaucaire Castle, and near the Collegiate Church of St Martha.