During its heyday, the Roman Empire’s influence extended through much of Western Europe. Even after its fall, it left behind huge amounts of infrastructure, some of which still exists today. The South of France has many such relics, which have also been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. You could even plan a whole vacation around these culturally and historically rich areas and stay at nearby bed and breakfasts, courtesy of New York Habitat.
Roman Theatre Orange, France Pict
You’ll want to begin your tour in the town of Orange. Here you can see the large Arc de Triomphe, thought to be built by Caesar Augustus himself. There is also a large Roman theatre, said to be one of the most well-preserved in the world, for you to explore. Stop in to the excellent museum that places these relics in their historical context and learn more about what life was like in Orange during Roman times. Later, you can take the short trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and sample some of this town’s famous wine. Spend the day exploring the many vineyards in the area, and remember to bring a couple of bottles back for your friends!
From here, you can travel on to see the large Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. Stretching 49 meters (more than 15 stories) into the air, and built entirely without the use of mortar, this three-tiered structure is simply breath-taking to see in person. Surrounded by open fields, it is also the perfect site for picnics and hikes. Following extensive redevelopment in 2000, there is now a small museum which offers guided tours across the aqueduct itself.
Finally, spend a few days in the lovely Provincial city of Arles. This city was very important during Roman times and thus has many sites for you to visit. There is both a theatre and amphitheatre, and even a Roman necropolis, the Alyscamps. There is also an excellent ancient history museum with a collection of Roman sarcophagi that rivals the one in Rome itself! Arles has much more to offer than just Roman relics, so be sure to spend a couple of days there exploring the open-air markets and sitting at the café that inspired Van Gogh’s painting Café Terrace at Night.
Bed and breakfasts are the perfect accommodations for your trek through Southern France. Here is just a small sample of the places from which you can choose:
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Avignon, France Bed and Breakfast Accommodation PR585 photo
When you’re in Orange, you might want to stay at this recently renovated 17th century 2 bedroom bed and breakfast accommodation in a stone farmhouse in nearby Jonquières (PR-585) . Located on an idyllic large property, complete with a pool, this house is sunny, warm and inviting. It’s the quintessential Southern France retreat!
- This 3 bedroom villa in Arpaillargues, near Uzès and the Pont du Gard (PR-504) would be another great place to rest for a night or two on your trip. Each bedroom is beautifully decorated and the bathrooms have all been recently updated. There is also plenty of outdoor space, a pool in which to relax and access to an amazing library!
- Stay at this 2 bedroom vacation rental in Arles, Camargue - Blue Coast (PR-815), while in Arles. The modern kitchen and bathroom mix well with the Provincial décor. Best of all, this apartment is located in heart of the historic center, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the Roman relics and other great sites!
Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a great way to incorporate some history into your next vacation. Visit the Unesco French Properties page to see of the great places to visit. The designated Roman relics in the South of France are some of the best in the world and with bed and breakfast accommodations from New York Habitat, it couldn’t be easier to travel around to see them all!
For more information on the city of Arles, see Accommodations in Arles, Camargue - Blue Coast, France.
Have you been previously visited these sites or towns? Do you have any recommendations or tips to share with us on the Roman relics in the South of France? Please share in the comments section.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- New UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the South of France
- Experience a bit of Spanish flair in the South of France this fall and go to a bullfight!
- “Les rencontres d’Arles” : discover Camargue and photography
- Accommodations in Arles, Camargue - Blue Coast, France
- Experience medieval times in the South of France with your own vacation rental!
April 7th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
The only Roman site I’ve visited in the South of France so far is the Graufesenque pottery production site in Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees, which was really cool. I’ve heard much about the photography festival in Arles, but I had no idea there were so many antique sites to see. The accommodation pictures look lovely.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
speaking of Roman siting, I saw one bridge built by Romans in Vichy specifically in Auvergne! it’s a tiny bridge but very strong. also, Clermont-Ferrand has wonderful old Roman like churches that are part of UNESCO’s world heritage site.
This article is very nice because it helps me plan my next trip, that’s what I love about NYhabitat!