Antique Theatre in Orange, Pont du Gard, Nimes and Arles
Private full day tour from Avignon
9.00 AM to 5.30 PM
Orange
Roman Orange was founded in 35 BC by veterans of the Second Gallica Roman legion. The town is renowned for its Roman architecture ; it possesses the best preserved Roman theatre in Europe, as well as a particularly fine triumphal arch, both built during the reign of Augustus. The arch, theatre and surroundings were listed in 1981 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Pont du Gard
The nearby Pont du Gard, 20 miles from Nîmes, also built by Agrippa, is a well-preserved aqueduct that used to carry water across the small Gardon river valley.
It was long thought that the Pont du Gard was built around the year 19 BC. Newer excavations, however, suggest the construction took place in the middle of the first century A.D. Its construction is attributed to Augustus’ son-in-law and aide, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. Designed to carry the water across the small Gardon river valley, it was part of a nearly 50 km (31 mi) aqueduct that brought water from springs near Uzès to the Roman city of Nemausus (Nîmes).
Nîmes
Considered as the french rome, Nîmes has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire.
The elliptical Roman amphitheatre, of the 1st or 2nd century AD, is the best-preserved Roman arena in France. It was filled with medieval housing, when its walls served as ramparts, but they were cleared under Napoleon.
It is still used today as a bull fighting and concert arena.
The Maison Carrée (Square House), a small Roman temple dedicated to sons of Agrippa was built c. 19 BC. It is one of the best-preserved Roman temples anywhere.
Arles
"The Rhone is not a long quiet river but it keeps in its memory a part of the history of Arles. It is written in fragments, marble vessels, amphorae and ceramics "
In 46 B.C., in order to thank Arles for its help in his struggle against Marseille, Pompeii’s ally, Julius Caesar settled the veterans of the 6th legion there. Arelate ("the settlement near the swamp") was raised to the rank of colony.
Tour prices are per vehicle for full day from Avignon.
Full day tour-→2 - 4 persons-→390 €
Full day tour-→5 - 8 persons-→440 €
Monuments fees not included.
