A Day in Roman Provence: Nîmes, Orange, Pont Du Gard

Tucked away in the heart of southern France lies a captivating journey through Roman Provence. This guided tour invites travelers to uncover the well-preserved wonders of Nîmes, Orange, and the iconic Pont du Gard aqueduct. From exploring ancient amphitheaters to indulging in a shared picnic of local delicacies, the day promises to transport visitors back in time and leave them eager to discover more about this enchanting region.

Contents show

Key Points

Tour explores Roman heritage sites in Nîmes, Orange, and Pont du Gard over a full day.
Includes visits to the 2,000-year-old Nîmes Arena and the impressive Roman Theatre in Orange.
Provides a shared picnic with local produce and bottled water for a local dining experience.
Recommended for participants with moderate physical fitness; not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walkers.
Tour has received positive feedback for its knowledgeable guide and interesting itinerary, with suggestions to include wine in the picnic.

Tour Overview and Inclusions

The tour offers a full-day exploration of Roman Provence, covering key historical sites in the region.

Travelers will visit Nîmes, Orange, Pont du Gard, and Avignon, with a maximum group size of 6.

Included are a shared picnic with local produce, entrances and audio-guides at Nîmes Arena and Orange Theatre, access to Pont du Gard, and a bottle of water per person.

The tour starts and ends at the Hotel Le Bristol in Avignon, with pickup in a branded car.

Participants should have moderate fitness, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and prohibits walkers or suitcases.

Looking for more options in Avignon? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour starts and ends at the Hôtel Le Bristol Avignon in Avignon, France.

Look for a black car with "Ventourisme" branding to transport you.

Contact the tour operator for alternative meeting points if you’re not staying within the city walls of Avignon.

The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users or those with walkers or suitcases in the vehicle.

Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

The tour provides convenient pick-up and drop-off at the central meeting point, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your day exploring Roman Provence.

Health and Safety Guidelines

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation.

Pregnant travelers may find the moderate physical fitness required challenging. Participants should be prepared for walking and standing at historic sites.

No walkers or suitcases are allowed in the vehicle, so guests need to pack light. The tour experience is best suited for healthy, mobile travelers.

The host is transparent about these guidelines, ensuring a safe and enjoyable day exploring Roman Provence. Guests should consider their individual needs and limitations before booking to make the most of this immersive cultural experience.

Discovering Nîmes and Its Roman Heritage

As the tour commences, visitors are introduced to the ancient city of Nîmes, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman monuments. The centerpiece is the iconic Nîmes Arena, a 2,000-year-old amphitheater that still hosts events today. Guests explore this architectural marvel with the aid of an audio guide, discovering its intricate details and imagining the gladiatorial contests that once took place within its walls.

Attraction	Highlights
Nîmes Arena	– Ancient Roman amphitheater – Remarkably well-preserved – Still used for events – Audio guide provides insights
Orange Theatre	– Impressive ancient Roman theater – Excellent example of Roman architecture – Offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history

The tour then proceeds to the nearby city of Orange, where visitors marvel at the impressive Roman Theatre, another testament to the region’s impressive Roman heritage.

Exploring the Magnificent Theater in Orange

Leaving Nîmes behind, the tour group makes its way to the nearby city of Orange, where they’re met with the impressive sight of the ancient Roman Theatre.

This remarkably well-preserved structure dates back to the 1st century AD and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.

The group explores the theater’s impressive acoustics, ornate carvings, and impressive scale.

Key highlights include:

Admiring the 50-meter wide stage and seating capacity of over 10,000.
Marveling at the intricate decorations and sculptures that adorn the theater’s exterior.
Learning about the theater’s role in ancient Roman entertainment and culture.
Appreciating the stunning panoramic views from the upper tiers.

There's plenty more to explore in Avignon

Crossing the Iconic Pont Du Gard Aqueduct

The tour group now heads to the remarkable Pont du Gard, an immense Roman aqueduct that once carried water over 50 kilometers to the ancient city of Nîmes.

They’ll have the chance to walk across this UNESCO World Heritage site and marvel at the engineering feat that allowed it to span the Gardon River.

The group will explore the visitor center and learn about the aqueduct’s construction and significance in the region.

With its towering arches and picturesque setting, the Pont du Gard offers a glimpse into Provence’s rich Roman heritage and an unforgettable experience for the travelers.

Experiencing the Vibrant City of Avignon

After visiting the majestic Pont du Gard, the tour group continues their journey to the historic city of Avignon.

Here are 4 highlights of experiencing this vibrant city:

Strolling through the charming streets, admiring the elegant architecture and bustling squares.
Exploring the Palais des Papes, a sprawling gothic palace that was once the seat of the Papacy.
Crossing the iconic Pont d’Avignon, immortalized in the famous French song, for panoramic views of the Rhône River.
Indulging in the local cuisine and wine during the shared picnic, savoring the flavors of Provence.

Traveler Feedback and Suggestions

How did travelers rate their experience on this tour of Roman Provence? Based on 7 reviews, the tour received an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating. Travelers praised the knowledgeable guide and the delightful local picnic lunch. Suggestions for improvement included adding wine to the picnic and adjusting the timing of visits. The host expressed openness to feedback, indicating a commitment to continuous enhancement.

Strengths	Weaknesses	Opportunities
Knowledgeable guide	Timing of visits	Adding wine to picnic
Local picnic lunch	–	Incorporating more feedback
Overall high rating	–	–
Positive reviews	–	–
Host responsiveness	–	–

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a shared picnic with local produce, and a bottle of fresh water per person is provided.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour does not offer discounts for seniors or children. The pricing is the same for all travelers, and the tour experience is suitable for adults. Families are welcome, but there are no special rates available.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?

The tour price includes all entrance fees, a shared picnic lunch, and bottled water. There are no additional costs beyond the tour price. However, travelers may want to bring extra money for personal purchases or gratuities.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted at Each Site?

The tour doesn’t specify exact durations, but it allows free time at each site so travelers can explore at their own pace. The guide ensures there’s ample opportunity to take in the highlights of each location.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for some walking. Proper footwear is advised to navigate the ancient sites comfortably.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating Roman heritage of Provence on this immersive day tour. Explore the well-preserved Nîmes Arena, admire the impressive Roman Theatre in Orange, and marvel at the iconic Pont du Gard aqueduct. Savor local produce during a shared picnic, and explore the region’s rich history and picturesque landscapes. With a small group size, this intimate experience promises an insightful and delightful exploration of Roman Provence.