Top 3 Roman Theaters (Arenes) in France

Roman theater, Orange (Provence)

A UNESCO World Heritage site. It dates from the reign of Emperor Augustus and is one of the best preserved examples still existing. Every july, the Chorégies d'Orange take place in the theatre.

Get in: Orange is located near the junction of the A7 and A9 autoroutes. It is situated in the Rhone valley about 100km north west of Marseille, 30km north of Avignon and 200km south of Lyon.




Arènes d'Arles, Arles (Provence)

The Roman ampthitheatre (les Arènes d'Arles) was built in the first or second century B.C.E. houses Corridas at Easter and the Rice Festa in September. Throughout the summer there are various courses camarguaises.


Get in: By train: SNCF Gare d'Arles.
By bus: There are several bus lines from towns all over the Bouches-du-Rhône from which you can reach Arles. You can always buy your passage from the conductor.
By car: Take the Autoroute from Salon or yet another from Marseille, but give preference to the smaller routes and Alpilles towns like Fontvieille, Paradou, les baux, etc.



Les Arenes, Nîmes (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Place des Arènes, a well preserved Roman arena that hosts bull fighting festivals in September. It was built 100 AD to seat 24,000 spectators It currently seats 10,000 when full and is an amazing site.


Get in: You can access Nîmes via Autoroute A9 or A54. The SNCF connects Nîmes to Montpellier and Avignon. The airport Nîmes-Garons is 20km outside the city.