On the Roman heritage trail

Although Marseille – originally baptized Massalia – was founded in 600 BC by Greeks from Phocaea in Turkey, the city came under Roman rule in 49 BC. In keeping with their reputation as master builders, the Romans undertook significant building work on the old port, brought to light during the construction of the Centre Bourse shopping mall between 1967 and 1983. Today, the Jardin des Vestiges harbours the remains of a vast basin, used in Roman times to supply drinking water to ships moored at the port. You will also be able to admire the ruins of a leaning tower and section of the Crinas wall, which used to be part of the city walls. A genuine open-air history museum, in the beating heart of Marseille…

To the south of the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – an ode to the Alpilles’ easy-going lifestyle – lies one of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur’s foremost archaeological sites: Glanum. Its impressive remains were part of a town founded by the Gauls in 6 BC, later conquered by the Greeks, then the Romans. The Salyes originally chose this site at the foot of the Alpilles for its strategic location and natural spring. The inhabitants of the oppidum named the site after the god Glan, although no trace of the name can be found elsewhere. Under Roman rule, Glanum was endowed with a monumental centre featuring a forum, basilica, curia (administrative body), baths and a triumphal fountain. Outside you’ll find ancient ruins, a triumphal arch and mausoleum, all in excellent condition.

With its landscapes carved by vineyards set against the backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail, an astonishing rock formation carved by erosion, Vaison-la-Romaine promises to astonish. A genuine voyage through the ages, crisscrossed with medieval lanes, this is where you’ll find the ruins of the ancient city of Vasio Vocontiorum, spread across the Ouvèze plain and neighbouring hills. The Puymin site unveils a series of houses once inhabited by wealthy Roman families: mosaics and sculptures still bear witness to their refinement. The remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre is still a buzzing show and festival venue. La Villasse harbours the remains of Vasio Vocontiorum’s main square, with its forum, shopping street and baths. Connecting the modern and medieval quarters, the Gallo-Roman single-arch bridge soars majestically over the river Ouvèze. A delightful day out for history buffs and avid sightseers alike.

A lively Provençal town dotted with shaded squares and fountains, basking amid the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras, Orange offers a harmonious blend of history, culture and lifestyle. The town harbours two major Roman monuments, now UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch. The former, built during the reign of Augustus, is one of the finest remaining examples of Roman architecture. Measuring an impressive 37 metres in height and 103 metres in length, its monumental stage wall is truly a sight to behold. Every summer, the Roman Theatre is the venue for the Chorégies opera festival, of worldwide acclaim. At the entrance to the town, a towering Triumphal Arch commemorates the Roman soldiers who founded the city in circa 35 BC.

Tucked between Provence and Occitanie, Nîmes unveils an irresistibly charming historic quarter, where past and present live side by side in perfect harmony. Here, elegant mansions, bubbling fountains, lively café terraces and verdant oases such as the majestic Jardin de la Fontaine, rub shoulders with impressive ancient monuments. Nîmes flies the flag of its Roman identity with pride. The Maison Carrée, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only existing fully-preserved temple from the Roman era, is an architectural jewel steeped in elegance and refined ornamentation. A few kilometres to the east of the town, the monumental Pont du Gard is a breathtaking sight. A testament to Rome’s architectural brio, soaring to 49 metres and bedecked with three sets of arches, it now forms an idyllic natural backdrop for water sports, in particular canoeing and kayaking.

Founded by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, Arles – like its neighbour Nîmes – has successfully embraced modern life while continuing to celebrate its illustrious past. Much-loved by Van Gogh, Arles is the venue for the Rencontres d’Arles international photography festival every year and home to one of the most impressive Roman architectural ensembles in France, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. At its heart lies the vast Roman arena (or amphitheatre) – it could formerly accommodate an incredible 21,000 spectators come to view the games. A stone’s throw away lies the Roman Theatre, leaning against the hillside; its stands and orchestra pit are still partially visible. The Constantine Baths, Cryptoporticus and Alyscamps complete this magical spectacle, reflecting 2,000 years of history.

With its shaded lanes, gorgeous old mansions and vibrant cultural life, Aix-en-Provence artfully blends Mediterranean charm, modernity and classical culture. The former capital of Provence also boasts a very ancient and fascinating – yet discreet- past. Aquae Sextiae was the first Roman settlement in Gaul in 122 BC; it owed its name to the abundant thermal spring waters found there. To the north of the current town, the Entremont oppidum, perched at an altitude of 365 metres, is an ancient fortified Celto-Ligurian site. The remains still visible today include ramparts, dwellings and workshops. Pottery, tools and other objects unearthed during archaeological digs at the oppidum are now on display at the Musée Granet. From here, the panoramic vistas over the Aix countryside and sun-drenched landscapes of Provence are simply awe-inspiring.