Saint Gabriel Chapel, at the Foot of the Alpilles

Near Tarascon, Saint Gabriel Chapel rises on the ancient site of Ernaginum, a crossroads of ancient routes.

The chapel at the end of the path

From the Fontvieille road, the chapel appears behind the trees, at the end of a path opening between the olive trees.

The hill marks the westernmost edge of the Alpilles, near Tarascon. Olive trees and holm oaks grow on its dry limestone soils, while the Rhône valley, with its fertile and well-irrigated land, spreads below the relief.

Romanesque façade of Saint Gabriel Chapel in Tarascon — The façade appears among the olive trunks in the clear late-afternoon light.

The façade and its sculpted portal

In its lower section, a large arch shelters the doorway, framed by two columns topped with a triangular pediment. Their capitals are decorated with acanthus leaves, while the pediment gathers several sculpted scenes beneath small arcades.

Higher up, the oculus dominates the façade and draws the eye towards the gable.

Oculus and sculptures on the gable of Saint Gabriel Chapel in Tarascon — The oculus, decorated with leaves and masks, is flanked by the symbols of the four Evangelists.

On the pediment, the Annunciation appears on the left, with Mary and the archangel Gabriel. On the right, Mary and Elizabeth embrace. The figures are set beneath three small arcades that extend the architectural design.

The semicircular tympanum depicts Daniel in the lions’ den. The scene is associated with the archangel Gabriel’s announcement of the coming of the Messiah.

Sculpted tympanum of Saint Gabriel Chapel in Tarascon — The sculpted tympanum depicts Daniel in the lions’ den, surrounded by animals and foliage.

Ernaginum, an ancient crossroads at the foot of the Alpilles

In Roman times, Ernaginum occupied the westernmost foothills of the Alpilles. The site stood at the meeting point of the Domitia, Aurelia and Agrippa roads, on a route linking Avignon, Arles and Aix. The proximity of the Durance and the Rhône also encouraged trade.

The present chapel was built in the last quarter of the 12th century on the site of two earlier buildings. A funerary stele discovered there is preserved in the chapel; it recalls the ancient presence of Ernaginum, a history now concealed in the landscape.

Side view of Saint Gabriel Chapel among olive trees near Tarascon — From the olive grove, the stone nave can be seen along its full length.

The towers and Castrum Saint-Gabriel

The chapel is part of a larger site. A few hundred metres away, the remains of two defensive towers bear witness to Saint-Gabriel’s strategic role in the Middle Ages. The ruins of Castrum Saint-Gabriel extend this ensemble towards the hills and shed light on its history.

In Saint-Rémy, the Antiques of Glanum offer another testimony to the history of the Alpilles. At the other end of the range, Saint-Sixte Chapel offers another encounter between Romanesque architecture and a rural landscape. The three sites echo one another in their isolation and their place within the relief.

Practical information

Planning a visit to Saint Gabriel

Location: The chapel stands on the RD 33, Fontvieille road, at the Saint-Gabriel hamlet, in the commune of Tarascon.
Interior access: The interior is closed except during occasional openings. The association indicates that it opens on Saint-Gabriel Sundays and by request.
Guided tours and opening times: For upcoming guided tours and opening arrangements, consult the Friends of Saint Gabriel Chapel website.

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Guest houses around Tarascon and the Alpilles

Saint-Gabriel can be visited from Tarascon, the western Alpilles or the Fontvieille area. From here, Daudet’s mill at Fontvieille offers another way to explore the landscapes and heritage of the Alpilles. The portal favours direct links to owners: compare locations, atmospheres and services before choosing your stop.

Guest houses near Tarascon Guest houses in the Alpilles

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