The Romans came to Provence in the 2nd century BC to protect the people of Marseille against tribal threats. They soon settled in their new ‘Provincia’, building roads and towns such as the natives had never seen. The new way of life was attractive to all and the peace lasted for several centuries.
From the Cote d’Azur to the hills of Provence and beyond, the Romans left a rich heritage. Prime Roman sites include Arles, home to several emperors, Frejus and Vaison la Romaine.
Roman Archaeology in the South of France, Arles Top Attractions
Arles Roman remains are an impressive part of the city’s World Heritage. Along the Aurelian Way, south east of town, the Alyscamp necropolis shows the remains of sarcophagi and other funerary monuments from the 4th century onwards. It’s an inspiring place where budding artists like to paint, in the footsteps of Gauguin and Van Gogh.
Once seating 12 000, the Roman Theatre and its remaining columns bear witness to the importance of Arles in Roman times. Other sites include the Roman Baths built by Emperor Constantine, a covered passageway dating to the 1st century BC, an obelisk and an amphitheatre backed by two floors of 60 arches. A short drive out of town, Fontvieille claims the vestiges of a Roman aqueduct and watermill.
Frejus and Roman Remains on Cote d’Azur
Between St Tropez and Nice on the Cote d’Azur, Frejus has a scattering of Roman remains, most impressive the high massive pillars which supported the aqueduct. The amphitheatre lies among the poppy fields. There’s a quiet theatre tucked behind a gate and the arcades of the Oree Gate. The archaeological museum displays a number of gallo-roman finds from the area.
Further east, La Turbie boasts the Trophy of the Alps, built in 6 BC to celebrate Augustus’ victory against the Ligurians. The monument is only a quarter of its original height but impresses nevertheless. The popular resort of Nice on the French Riviera has remains of Roman Baths on the Cimiez hill overlooking town and bay.
Vaison la Romaine, Top Roman Site in Provence
The Roman site of Vaison la Romaine dates mostly from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. See the Theatre built against the Puymin hill, the Roman bridge over the river Ouveze and the ruins of rich dwellings, such as the house of the Laurelled Apollo, the house of the Silver Bust or the Peacock villa.
Also worth exploring are Orange, for its Roman Theatre and Monumental Arch, and St Remy de Provence, for its Triumphal Arch and Mausoleum, thought to be dedicated to Augustus grandsons, following their premature deaths. The nearby archaeological site of Glanum reveals the remains of a Roman city while the local inn tempts visitors with Roman fare.
West of the river Rhone in Languedoc, Nimes and the famous Pont du Gard are the perfect complement to the Roman ruins of Provence Cote d’Azur.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
Join the Conversation