Why travel far when France brims with hidden gems? As a history enthusiast who's explored Southern France's Roman sites firsthand, I'm highlighting the enduring legacy of Ancient Rome in the South of France. These monumental structures, many over two thousand years old, are ideal for motorhome adventures, gîte stays, or hotel getaways.
Nîmes, a treasure trove of antiquity, boasts Roman masterpieces. Begin at the Tour Magne, a tower overlooking the gardens of the Fountain above Mont Cavalier. Erected under Emperor Augustus at the end of the 3rd century BC, it's built with dry stone on an octagonal base. Climb to the walkway and spot remnants of the original arch.
Next, visit the impeccably preserved Maison Carrée, a Roman temple from the 1st century AD. Once a consular house and church, it now houses the museum of ancient Nîmes.
The Arenas of Nîmes are the city's crown jewel—an amphitheatre from the late 1st century AD, designed to entertain Nemausus residents. Repurposed as a fortified village in the Middle Ages, it became an arena again in 1863. Renowned as the best preserved in the world, its corridors and bleachers remain intact. Facades feature carved gladiators in combat, the Roman wolf of Romulus and Remus, and bull busts. Today, it hosts ferias, bullfights, and concerts. From here, head to Uzès and Remoulins for the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard.
Familiar to many by sight or name, the Pont du Gard is a 1st-century Roman aqueduct channeling water from Uzès to Nîmes—a 52 km network that operated for 500-600 years before medieval bridge use. Restored from the 16th century, it's the highest Roman aqueduct worldwide. Over 1,000 workers toiled five years on this mortar-free marvel, secured by oak tenons (save the mortar-sealed top). Sourced from a nearby quarry, stones bear builder engravings. At the summit, traces of red-painted concrete with ferric oxide sealed the water channel. Park nearby and hike GR6/GR63 trails to marvel up close. Continue to Orange.
In Vaucluse, Orange—the "City of Princes"—shines with Roman relics. See the Roman rampart, then the restored Ancient Arch of Orange (1st century AD). Its dry-fitted blocks, bound by iron and lead, depict helmets, shields, spears on smaller arches; ship prows, oars, tridents on larger ones; and a frieze of Gauls vs. Romans, topped by an equestrian group.
The star is the Théâtre Antique d’Orange, built in the 1st century BC under Emperor Augustus. Among the world's best-preserved theaters, it features a front wall, cavea for 9,000 spectators, stage, and stage wall with a 3.5m Augustus statue. The 61m-long, 9m-deep stage and 34-tier cavea (divided by rank) offer exceptional acoustics—even Johnny Hallyday performed mic-free. Now, drive to Vaison-la-Romaine.
Nearby Vaison-la-Romaine teems with Roman remains. Cross the single-arch bridge over the Ouvèze, enduring over two thousand years despite floods. Explore the partially unearthed Roman city:
Standouts: the 1st-century Roman theater (under Claudius), seating 3,850 on 32 bleachers plus 1,300 standing in the orchestra, with echo-absorbing niches for superb sound. The thermal baths, public spas with mosaic floors and hypocaust heating, offered progressive warm-to-cool soaks. On-site guides and panels provide deeper insights into this advanced Roman world.
