Explore the captivating Roman heritage of Provence on a guided tour through the region’s most iconic landmarks. From the well-preserved arenas of Nîmes to the ancient theater in Orange and the engineering marvel of Pont du Gard, this immersive experience transports visitors back in time. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the small group format ensures a personalized journey filled with fascinating historical insights. Savor the culinary flavors of the area with a delightful picnic, making for an enriching day that seamlessly blends the past and present. What intriguing secrets await as you uncover the remarkable legacy of Roman Provence?
Key Points
- This tour provides an immersive experience exploring well-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Provence, including the iconic Nîmes Arenas, Pont du Gard, and ancient theater of Orange.
- The tour includes a convivial picnic featuring locally sourced products, allowing visitors to savor the culinary delights of the region.
- All entrance tickets are included, eliminating the need for long queues or separate purchases, enabling a seamless exploration of the historical sites.
- The tour is structured to maximize time spent on-site, with a convenient half-day duration and a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
- While moderate physical fitness is required, the tour may not be suitable for those with accessibility or serious medical concerns, and alternative transportation options are available nearby.
Tour Overview
The tour begins with a visit to the well-preserved Roman arenas in Nîmes, where travelers can marvel at the impressive architecture and imagine the thrilling gladiatorial battles that once took place there.
From there, the group heads to the iconic Pont du Gard, an aqueduct that’s an engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The final stop is the ancient theater of Orange, a remarkably intact Roman structure that once hosted plays and performances.
Throughout the half-day circuit, a maximum of 6 travelers will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
The tour ends back at the meeting point in Avignon, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the rich Roman history of Provence.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Avignon.
Included Experiences
Aside from the tour’s impressive sights, the experience also includes a convivial picnic with locally sourced products, providing travelers a chance to savor the flavors of the region.
The picnic spread features a variety of delectable items, including hard-boiled eggs, tapenade, pepper cream, anchoïade with black olives, tomato and oregano goat cheese, and refreshing melon and grape juice. Bottled water is also provided in the car, ensuring guests stay hydrated throughout the day.
The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, giving travelers greater flexibility.
With all entrance tickets included, the tour provides a seamless and worry-free exploration of Roman Provence’s captivating heritage.
Meeting Point and Duration
At the heart of the tour lies the meeting point at La Grande Brasserie Le Cintra, located at 44 Cr Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, France, where travelers come together to embark on their half-day circuit through Roman Provence.
The tour duration is a convenient half-day, allowing visitors to experience the highlights of the region without a full-day commitment.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, the experience maintains an intimate, personalized feel.
After exploring the captivating sites, the tour ends right back at the starting point, ensuring a seamless and efficient itinerary.
This well-organized structure allows guests to make the most of their time and enjoy the rich history and beauty of Roman Provence.
Picnic Lunch Details
A convivial picnic with locally sourced products awaits guests, featuring hard-boiled eggs, tapenade, pepper cream, anchoïade with black olives, tomato/oregano goat cheese, melon, and grape juice.
This midday meal is designed to refresh and nourish travelers after exploring the Roman sights. The picnic is served in a relaxed setting, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the region.
The locally-sourced ingredients showcase the culinary delights of Provence, complementing the historical and architectural wonders witnessed earlier in the day.
This picnic lunch is an integral part of the tour, providing a chance to recharge and enjoy the local culture in a convivial atmosphere.
Site Entrance Tickets
The tour includes entrance tickets to all the featured sites, allowing guests seamless access to explore the Roman ruins and historical landmarks at their leisure. This eliminates the need to wait in long queues or purchase tickets separately, enabling a streamlined experience.
The included sites are:
-
The renowned Nîmes Arenas, an incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater that once hosted grand spectacles
-
The iconic Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that stands as an engineering marvel
-
The magnificent ancient theater of Orange, a remarkably intact example of Roman theatrical architecture
With these tickets, travelers can explore the rich history of Roman Provence at their own pace, seeing the captivating sights and gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s remarkable past.
Accessibility and Health Considerations
While the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Roman Provence, it’s important to note that the experience may not be suitable for all travelers.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation options. Infant seats are available, but the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
Guests will need a moderate level of physical fitness, as the itinerary involves walking and navigating uneven terrain. The tour operator advises potential participants to carefully consider their health and mobility before booking.
Tour Reviews
According to the available reviews, guests have consistently praised the overall quality of this Roman Provence tour, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
Specifically, travelers have highlighted:
-
The amazing views and historical sites that were visited, including the Nîmes arenas, Pont du Gard, and the ancient theater of Orange.
-
The delicious and convivial picnic lunch featuring locally sourced products such as tapenade, pepper cream, and tomato/oregano goat cheese.
-
The professionalism and expertise of the guide, who provided insightful commentary throughout the tour.
While some guests have suggested minor improvements, such as the inclusion of wine or an earlier serving of cheese, the overwhelming feedback has been extremely positive.
This makes this tour an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the Roman landmarks of Provence.
Traveler Experiences
Guests who’ve experienced this Roman Provence tour have consistently praised the amazing views and historical sites they were able to witness, including the iconic Nîmes arenas, the impressive Pont du Gard, and the captivating ancient theater of Orange.
Travellers have highlighted the quality and authenticity of the picnic lunch, featuring locally sourced delicacies like tapenade, pepper cream, and tomato-oregano goat cheese.
Many have commented on the professionalism and expertise of the guide, who brought the region’s rich history to life.
Specific suggestions from past participants include incorporating wine into the picnic and adjusting the timing of the cheese course.
Recap
This tour of Roman Provence’s renowned sites, like Nîmes, Orange, and the iconic Pont du Gard, offers a richly immersive historical experience.
Visitors can explore well-preserved arenas and an ancient theater, marveling at the region’s remarkable engineering feats.
The included picnic showcases the area’s delectable local cuisine, enhancing the journey.
With an expert guide and small group format, participants enjoy a personalized exploration of this captivating landscape.
More Tour Reviews in Avignon
- Avignon, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux & Pont Du Gard Full Day
- From Avignon: Luberon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape Full-Day Tour
- Avignon: Private Walking Tour – Discover History & Heritage
- From Avignon: Best of Luberon Guided Tour
- Arles: Culture & History River Cruise – Day Trip W/Meals
- Provencal Flavours and Secrets of the City
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Avignon we have recnetly reviewed
- 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Avignon
- 2 Best Lunch Experiences In Avignon
- 2 Best Food Tours In Avignon
- Mushroom Hunting in Provence
- Olive Harvest in Provence
- Private Transfer From Avignon to Marseille Airport
- Avignon & Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine Tour
- From Avignon: Châteauneuf Du Pape Half-Day Wine Tour
- From Avignon: In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence
- From Avignon: Luberon Villages Day Tour
- From Avignon: Lavender Tour Around Valensole or Sault
- Brunch in the Heart of Provence