Nimes and Pont du Gard will stun you…
Did you know that picture-perfect romantic French Provence, whose sunflower and lavender fields inspired legendary impressionists like Van Gogh is also home to two of the most jaw-dropping, magnificent Roman structures in the world? And one day is all you need to gawp at their architectural splendour.
History buff alert. Surely, medieval ‘French Vatican’ town of Avignon is on your radar for its two stunning landmarks…the Roman-styled 14th century old Palace of the Popes and the arched bridge, Pont St Benezet stretching across the river Rhone. (Read my related post on ‘Do you know who was madly jealous of the Popes’ powerful palace’ http://bit.ly/2mQlbse). If you have an extra day in Avignon, then grab the opportunity to explore two exemplary Roman monuments, just 50 km within your reach.
Head first to the bustling city of Nimes, which used to be an important textile centre from the middle ages to the late 19th century. Interesting side factoid: Nimes was famed for a special blue cotton cloth ‘de Nimes’. No prizes for guessing where it ended up? In America, with Levi Strauss, for use as ‘denim’. So, thanks to this lesser known Roman town of France, today we have jeans!
Nimes was actually built by Julius Caesar as a retirement home for veteran soldiers after the fall of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra in Egypt. No surprise that it is dotted with several impressive Roman structures, including the famous Square House (Maison Carree), fabulous Roman gardens, fountains, baths, the Temple of Diana and many neo-Roman churches. All testimony to the remarkable building skills of the ancient Romans under the supervision of Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus and the foremost construction engineer of those times. Spend a few hours exploring all these if you can.
But what you’re really here for is the city’s proudly displayed centrepiece…the best preserved colosseum in the world! Surprised? Built in the 1st century AD, with the capacity to seat 24,000 spectators, this masterpiece stands erect in one piece, minus the sliced facade of the one in Rome. And its no less awe-inspiring.
Equipped with an audio guide, you will easily lose yourself in the tour for a couple of hours. There are no gates, just 60 open welcoming arches, all around the circumference on two levels for easy access to the upper level terraces through multiple corridors, galleries and exit stairs. Admission to the arena used to be free, as the Romans wanted to openly encourage a lifestyle of amusement for all. Well, that certainly helped to keep the crowds hooked then. And the tradition continues today…the colosseum is now a bullring! Two annual bullfights ares staged right here during the Feria de Nîmes. Barbaric custom or cultural heritage…the debate continues to rage.
Mammoth stone pillars support the 60 arches, there are no signs of concrete having being used. The steps going up to the higher levels are worn out, the smooth depressions signal wear and tear over the centuries. Who was the first person to leave his footsteps here, you wonder…does your foot fall exactly where his had once? At the second tier, you may need to shade your eyes from the intense, brilliant sunlight, as you ogle at the 360-degree view. Try counting the rows of stone benches encircling the structure at multiple levels…which seat would you choose?
Visualise a toga-clad crowd, cheering wildly as drivers guide their chariots with fiery energy around the ring below. Go to the very top for an even more rewarding view of the complete colosseum and the sprawling city of Nimes. Imagine the architectural prowess of the ingenious Romans. Even in those ancient times, they had devised a retractable roof for the arena…a vellum canopy spread out over the tiers of seats; the holes for the canopy’s poles are still visible.
Later, stroll into the two museum sections: Gladiator’s Quarters and the “Colours of the Corrida” to study the costumes, fighting gear, pictures and short film sequences of gladiators and matadors. Try to analyse your emotions, while you dive into the past, when entertainment had a sadistic flavour and human primal instincts were glorified.
As you walk out, consider this. Driven by the need to fulfil Nimes’ increasing need for water for its Roman baths and irrigation, Caesar ended up accomplishing another incredible feat: a 50-kilometre long canal, supplying over forty million gallons of water each day to Nimes. And the world’s most impressive three-tier stone aqueduct crossing the Gardon river valley. Pont du Gard, a one-of-a-kind UNESCO heritage site, about 3o km away, is your next stop.
The Pont du Gard park complex is a haven for nature lovers…hiking, cycling, horse-riding or canoeing…pick your poison. Or simply amble along from the visitors’ centre out to the ‘pont’ (bridge) to marvel at the impeccable construction, in the backdrop of an enchanting river valley.
The massive bridge is 274 meters in length and 49 meters high. At the top of the edifice is a covered pipeline. Although, no longer a functioning aqueduct bridge, the very fact that it is still standing is testament to the outstanding skills of its builders. Not only is this the highest and most impressive of all the Roman aqueduct bridges, it is also one of the best preserved. Cross the walkway on the second tier, pausing to touch the massive mortar-free arches. Reflect on the impeccable precision of the massive engineering project.
The rays of the early evening sun play hide and seek through the arches of the Pont du Gard. The bridge will be completely awash in golden sunshine, as the sun kisses the soft yellow complexion of the limestone blocks. Sit by the banks, watching the gleaming, twinkling smooth pebbles on the river side and listening to the peaceful trickle of the water. You will find yourself taking unending pictures of its every arch and every angle, until it is time to bid this Roman remnant ‘adieu’. And in the fading glow of the dusk, it will dawn upon you… this is France, not Rome.
100cobbledroads.com 
Avignon bridge certainly is breathtaking one. I never knew about this place which is so rich with history and its monuments. You have captured it really well through your photographs 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂
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This is Pont Du Gard, 50 km from Avignon 🙂
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This is such refreshing post. Never heard of most of the places you have shared. We are planning a trip to Italy and Rome sometime in July. Can’t visit to see all the places you have shared.
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You will certainly love it if you are a architecture addict.
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Your post reminded me of the history lessons I used to have while in highschool, where I’ve learned about the Roman Empire. When you think about it, how big it used to be, stretching from Eastern Europe all the way to today’s England… It’s also interesting to see how many “Colosseums” exist in different cities of Europe. Besides Rome and Nimes, as you mentioned, I can name others in Pula – Croatia or Verona – Italy.
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So right..its beautiful seeing vestiges of Rome all across Europe. Have yet to see the ones in Puia and Verona.
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I missed the museum there. It was one hectic tour in Rome and we spent more time in Colosseum steps soaking in the atmosphere. Love your pictures, so well taken.
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Indrani, did you go to the Colosseum in Rome or this one in France?
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It is such a pity that I had not heard of this place till quite recently. The arena looks a lot like the Colosseum in Rome. The bridge is definitely awe-inspiring as well. Will keep this in mind for my next trip to France.
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South France is loaded with such treasures.
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The Romans really got around 😉 Also, what a perfect time to take photos during the golden hour! These are all really fascinating spots to visit. I’ll bookmark for the future, thanks for sharing 🙂
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We waited till sunset, so that we could get that picture. It was surreal to see the colors of stone transform slowly.
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This looks so much like Colosseum!!! I’m thrilled to hear that this too is a UNESCO site! The ancient Romans did build a similar arena all across Europe & UK wherever their empire expanded, but hardly any of it still survives. This is in a great condition.
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Yes, this is one of the best preserved.
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The Romans in the Gaul!!! Reminds of those Asterix reading days….
Excellent image of the aqueduct with golden light in the background…
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Now that you mention Asterix, I love Pont du Gard and Nimes even more!
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Its beautiful and I could imagine how they held events here. With this huge arena, you can view what is happening down there 🙂 Lovely!
-blairvillanueva
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Great stuff. There’s really something about Roman architecture that touches the soul. I have only been to Paris in France, so this post is obviously a sign that it’s time to get back and see more!
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Paris is a charm but France is rich with so much more. Maybe you will enjoy my other French posts on Avignon and Lyon.
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I wasn’t aware of this Roman history in France. I can’t believe how well preserved some of it is, it should be as popular as the Colosseum in Rome. You took such great photos of each of the sites!
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Roman history of Avignon is even more amazing. It was the French Vatican and had the Pope’s Palace! You will find that post n my blog too.
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Whoa. Lovely Pics Punita! 🙂 Love Roman architecture. Have been to Colosseum and was totally bowled over the architecture and the corridors. My fav pic is of the sun playing hide and seek!
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
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I can’t wait to go seriously – it’s like reading a history book or going through history class all over again, simply love it! Love architecture so it must be like heaven!
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Thank you so much! I’m a big history fan…everything has an extra dimension when you know the why and how..
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I am living since 10 years in France and seeing your pictures and reading about your experience.. i can’t believe that I have never been really to south of france; it is so beautiful and since forever on my bucket list…
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South France is gorgeous..so many unbelievably lovely places. Avignon, is specially gorgeous too. You can find my post on that on the blog, in case you’re interested.
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thank you! I will check it out 🙂
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Thank you for this write up. It’s good to know history and these monuments are really hidden gems in France. I didn’t know about these and I am finding this one really exciting. The pictures are also, undoubtedly great!
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Thanks so much. Glad you liked the post.
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Thats really informative. And not just a new information to me but those photos speak so well.
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Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Eye-opening. I had no idea there was so much roman architecture in France. The Arena is worth a trip on its own. Definitely would like to capture the eaarly sun through the arches of the Pont du Gard too.
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And don’t miss the Papal Palace in Avignon. You can refer to my post on that, if you’re interested.
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The monuments looks absolutely stunning! The people who are standing near the colosseum looks so little. I had no idea about the history so I really enjoyed learning about it in this post. I really love jeans so its so cool to find out that it comes from Nimes. By the way, great capture of the sunset. It looks so beautiful
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Nimes and Pont du Gard are two of the most unexpected sights in Southern France, along with the Pope’s Palace in Avignon. Must-see!
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