Roman remains in France

France boasts a profound and intricate history, sculpted over millennia by many cultures and civilisations. Among these, the Romans were a formidable force, wielding influence over the region for half a millennium. Their dominion over the ancient Gaulish kingdoms played a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of modern-day France. Two millennia later, the Roman legacy remains palpable, particularly through the impressive array of physical structures that still dot the French landscape. 

Travel through the French countryside or explore its ancient cities, and you will encounter a wealth of Roman ruins. These remnants, some of which are astonishingly well-preserved, offer a window into the lives and achievements of this once-dominant empire. They stand as a testament to the Romans' advanced engineering and architectural prowess, reflecting their ability to integrate and enhance the societies they governed. The Roman influence in France remains ever-present through these ruins, a timeless reminder of their indelible impact on the country's cultural and architectural heritage.

A brief history

Roman rule in France, then known as Gaul, began in 121 BCE when the Romans established their first province in the south. Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul from 58 to 50 BCE was a defining moment, culminating in the decisive victory at the Battle of Alesia. Gaul was subsequently divided into several Roman provinces. 

Under Roman governance, Gaul flourished, integrating Roman law, language, and infrastructure. Cities like Lugdunum (Lyon) and Nemausus (Nîmes) became important cultural and administrative centres. By the third century, Roman influence waned as the Empire faced external pressures and internal decline. The eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the end of Roman rule in Gaul, paving the way for the rise of the Frankish kingdoms.

The Roman hotspots

France has a wealth of Roman remains. You can imagine the legions tramping along sections of well-engineered, beautifully laid roads. You can hear the audience applause in the theatres, the acoustics impeccable thanks to the stone structures and carefully designed angles. You can imagine Romans relaxing in the baths, scrubbing off the dust of everyday empire life in luxury unknown to most subjects. And you can sense the thrill of the baying crowds, cheering on gladiators and athletes at the games in the arena.

But where will you find the remains of these vestiges of empire? Here is our summary of the finest Roman remains in France.

Nîmes

Bordering Languedoc and Provence, Nîmes is today associated with modern architects like Sir Norman Foster, Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck. But its original heyday was under the Romans who built the extraordinary Les Arènes. This amphitheatre features tiers of stone seating, surrounded by imposing arcades of the exterior. Gladiators of Roman times have long since been replaced by bullfighters.

Perhaps even more famously, is the Maison Carrée, the great temple and probably the best preserved anywhere in the world. Dating from 5 AD its symmetry and elegance were admired by Napoleon who instructed the designs of the Madeleine church in Paris to be drawn up along similar lines.

The Jardins de la Fontaine are a pleasant place in summer, built in the mid-18th  century on a Roman site. Remains of the Roman Temple de Diane still stand, and you can stroll up to the Tour Magne which once formed part of the Roman walls for wonderful views.

Elsewhere in Nîmes are two city gates the Porte Auguste and Porte de France, not to mention the fascinating Castellum. This tank held water brought from Uzès, 30 miles away), via an aqueduct, before being delivered through lead pipes to public fountains and wealthy households.

Near Nîmes, at Remoulins about 12 miles away, is the Pont du Gard. A UNESCO World Heritage site and perhaps one of the most readily identifiable Roman monuments of them all. It was an incredible feat of engineering, part of a 30-mile aqueduct, with the bridge spanning 275 metres at a height of 49 metres. Built without the use of mortar, its design is both immensely strong and beautifully delicate with its series of three repeated arches, becoming smaller with each level.

Arles

On the banks of the Rhône, Arles is one of Europe’s Roman gems. Its location was key, being an important strategic junction for the burgeoning empire as well as a centre of industry and wealth. Most notable today is the 20,000 capacity amphitheatre, similar to Rome’s Colosseum with underground machinery to open trapdoors and winch up wild animals to the ‘performance area’. Les Arènes is still used today for cultural events.

Nearby is the theatre, or Théâtre Antique, built in 25 BC. An audience of 12,000 could be accommodated to watch plays for all levels of society. The remains are still sufficient to provide an evocative ambience of times past, and concerts and festivals are still staged here.

Orange

Just north of Avignon, itself a city with a deep-rooted and venerable history is Orange. The extraordinary Roman theatre here still stands (of course, renovated and with restored stone seating) with its huge amphitheatre. Built in the reign of Augustus, the stage wall is mostly still standing, 103 metres wide by 36 metres high; it is an imposing backdrop to any performance. It was built in 25 BC, one of the finest in the Roman Empire, and today it enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. The annual opera festival is held here to great acclaim.

The Arc de Triomphe in Orange is also important, a triple arch built in 20 BC. It was on the Via Agrippa, the key Roman road linking the strategic centres of Lyon and Arles. Up close you can still see the detailed carvings showing the battles of the Second Legion and the naval encounter with Antony and Cleopatra.

Lyon

Lyon may be renowned for its gastronomy but its Roman heritage is also celebrated. It was originally a useful spot for the Roman legions en route to Gaul and gradually became a pivotal centre within the burgeoning empire. The Théâtre Gallo Romain was constructed in 15 BC overlooking the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Seating 10,000 it also had a smaller theatre adjacent, the Odéon, and both are still used today, especially for music and film.

Vienne

The Temple d’Auguste et de Livie is a beautifully restored, compact and solid temple with its elegant, fluted columns still standing in classical style. Not far away, the theatre in Vienne was built in 40 AD and was once one of the biggest and most prestigious buildings in the Roman Empire, seating 13,000. The Vienne Jazz Festival is held here each summer.

Saintes

Saintes, once known as Mediolanum Santonum, flourished as a key Roman settlement in Gaul. Its legacy is evident in the well-preserved Roman structures, including the majestic Arch of Germanicus, the extensive amphitheatre, and the remains of the temple dedicated to Jupiter. These relics highlight Saintes' importance as a cultural and administrative hub during Roman times.

The monumental Arch of Germanicus, erected during the early 1st century CE, commemorates the victories of Germanicus, a prominent Roman general. The amphitheatre is remarkably well-preserved and showcases intricate seating arrangements and vibrant mosaics.

Autun

Autun, a historic town in Burgundy, is home to one of France's most impressive remnants of Roman architecture. This ancient theatre, built in the early 1st century CE, once hosted grand performances and could accommodate up to 3,500 spectators. Its semi-circular auditorium and extensive stage area reflect the grandeur of Roman entertainment venues. The structure's robust stone construction and intricate detailing showcase the sophistication of Roman engineering and design. Today, the theatre remains a vivid testament to the cultural and social life of Roman Gaul, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and highlighting the enduring legacy of Roman influence in the region.

Best of the rest

Fréjus, a historic town on the French Riviera, is home to an ancient amphitheatre that offers a fascinating glimpse into its past. Constructed in the early 1st century CE, this impressive structure could accommodate up to 12,000 spectators and served as a central venue for gladiatorial games and public events. Its tiered seating and the remaining elements of its stage area highlight the sophistication of ancient entertainment facilities. Today, the amphitheatre stands as a striking monument to Roman public life's grandeur and continues to host major concerts having been retrofitted to accommodate modern needs. Musicians such as Queen, David Bowie, Iron Maiden, Tina Turner, and Rod Stewart have all played the venue.

Narbonne, a historic city in the Aude department of southern France, is home to an intriguing Roman site. This location features a complex of ancient buildings dating back to the Roman era, including an impressive series of subterranean structures. These remnants, once part of a large villa or public establishment, offer a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life and urban planning of the time. The extensive mosaic floors and well-defined walls provide insights into Roman construction techniques and domestic comforts.

The Crypte Archéologique in Paris, located beneath the Place du Parvis Notre-Dame, reveals the ancient remnants of the city's Roman past. Visitors can explore foundations, streets, and structures dating back to Lutetia, Paris’s early Roman settlement, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's historical evolution.

Rob Fearn

Editor - Alan Rogers Guides

Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.

He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.

Rob has owned several caravans, and he regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their VW Transporter, complete with a Tentbox roof tent. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season.

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