Historical and cultural relics dating back to theRoman Empire can be found in Provence.
From Vaison-la-Romaine to Marseille, an itinerary by which it is possible to take a journey through Roman history.
Historical and cultural relics dating back to theRoman Empire can be found in Provence.
From Vaison-la-Romaine to Marseille via Arles, it is possible to take a journey through Roman history. Here is a suggested itinerary, lasting 5 days, to 5 locations that show the passage of the ancient Romans.
VAISON-LA-ROMAINE
Even from its name you can sense its Roman history! Located in the Vaucluse department, Vaison-la-Romaine owes its fame to its 7 hectares of Gallo-Roman excavations, making it the largest archaeological site in France open to the public. It is entered through the Roman bridge and its unique arch, 17 meters long and 9 meters wide. For a long time it was the only passage between the two banks of the Ouvèze. Heading towards La Villasse, one can discover the Maison du Buste en Argent and its baths. Next, a must-see is, without a doubt, the Théo Desplans Archaeological Museum, which houses beautiful archaeological collections, such as marble statues, funerary and everyday objects, frescoes and mosaics. Continue the tour into the heart of Puymin’s remains, from its patrician houses to its hillside. Finally, there is the ancient theater, where the Vaison Danses Festival, an internationally renowned summer event, is held.
ORANGE
Staying in the Vaucluse, Orange is a city rich in Roman history. In fact it has two ancient monuments, dating back to the first century AD and now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Roman Theater and the Arc d’Orange. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the Roman Theater is wonderfully preserved and has an amazing stage wall, 103 meters long and 37 meters high. In the present day, this extraordinary performance venue hosts the Chorégies d’Orange, the opera music festival.
The Arc d’Orange located at the northern entrance to the city. A symbol of Roman imperialism, this monument dedicated to the glory of the city’s founders, then Emperor Tiberius, is a remarkable testimony to Provençal Roman art.
NÎMES
The trip to Occitania continues, specifically to Nîmes, in the Gard department. Before arriving in Nîmes, you can admire the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do not miss a visit to the Musée du Site du Pont du Gard, where you can discover the history of the construction of the bridge, an example of a work of art that combines art and technology.
Having arrived in Nîmes, a visit to the Arena of Nîmes is recommended. It is a Roman amphitheater, very well preserved and dating from the period between the late 1st and early 2nd centuries. 133 meters long and 101 meters wide, the Arena of Nîmes can accommodate up to 24,000 spectators and, even today, regularly hosts various shows, particularly the famous Camargue bullfights and bull runs.
Another important monument in the city of Nîmes is the Maison Carrée, a splendid Roman temple from the late 1st century, with columns topped by Corinthian capitals.
If you are interested in Roman history, a visit to the Museum of Romanity is recommended. Opened in June 2018, in addition to the pre-Roman era, the museum also collects archaeological evidence dating back to the Middle Ages.
Not to be missed is a visit to the Tour Magne. This is the main tower of the fortified walls of the Roman era, located on the hill overlooking Nîmes, and it still rises 32 meters. A unique opportunity to admire the whole town.
ARLES
Next stop on the trip is the city of Arles, in the department of the Bouches du Rhône. A city of Art and History, Arles is known for the richness of its ancient and Romanesque remains. In fact, the city boasts several monuments recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: the amphitheater (Les arènes), one of the 15 largest in the Roman world; the Roman Theater, now used as a venue for events, such as the Rencontres d’Arles and the Les Suds festival; Les Alyscamps, an avenue lined with tombs; the Cryptoporticos, a network of underground tunnels supporting the ancient forum; the Baths of Constantine; and the portal and cloister of Saint-Trophime. The church of Saint-Trophime, an example of Romanesque architecture, is an important stop on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
To end on a high note, a visit to the departmental museum of Arles Antique, where the only known portrait of Julius Caesar can be seen.
MARSEILLE
On your way to Marseille, stop in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to discover the archaeological site of Glanum. Witnessing an exceptional architectural ensemble, the city was inhabited by natives before being colonized by Rome starting in the 1st century, then destroyed by barbarians around 260. These invasions gave birth to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, just 1 kilometer away. Back in Marseille, the Docks Romains Museum on the Old Port opens to us. You can admire numerous amphorae that testify to the fame of this port city but also to its commercial activity thanks to a collection of ancient objects. Further along, just behind La Canebière, is the Museum of the History of Marseille. The museum, accessed from inside the center, opens onto the “Jardin des Vestiges,” a garden containing the stabilized archaeological remains of classical ramparts, port buildings, a necropolis, and so on. An opportunity not to be missed.