In the Footsteps of the Romans
From the Pont du Gard to Lyon, a journey through time visiting the finest Roman remains in France, arenas, temples and ancient theatres.
Four days following the trail of ancient Rome in Provence and Languedoc. The route links the Pont du Gard, a monumental UNESCO-listed aqueduct, Nîmes and its intact arena, Arles and its ancient theatre, then Orange and the best-preserved Roman theatre in Europe. It's a journey through two thousand years of history, where Roman stone converses with the light of the south. The major sites each take a few hours; buy tickets online to skip queues, and favour morning or late afternoon, cooler and more photogenic. Spring and autumn are ideal, as summer is hot and busy. Nîmes and Arles deserve an evening to enjoy their lanes.
Practical info
- Stops
- 6
- Duration
- 4 days
- Transport
- 🚗 Car
- Distance
- ≈ 290 km
- Best time
- Spring and autumn
Itinerary
- 1
Pont du Gard
Aqueduc romain du Ier siecle, chef-d'oeuvre d'ingenierie classe UNESCO.
- 2
Nimes
Les arenes les mieux conservees au monde, la Maison Carree et le Jardin de la Fontaine.
- 3
Arles
Amphitheatre romain, theatre antique et Alyscamps, la Rome des Gaules.
- 4
Orange
Theatre antique au mur de scene intact et arc de triomphe du Ier siecle.
- 5
Vaison-la-Romaine
Site archeologique majeur avec ses ruines romaines et son pont a arche unique.
- 6
Lyon Fourviere
Theatres gallo-romains de Fourviere, les plus anciens de France, et musee de la Civilisation.
