Glanum – a Roman town in Provence
If you are walking in Provence you will have the opportunity to explore a Roman town that, like Pompeii, disappeared from sight for many centuries. That town was Glanum.
It was lost not from a volcanic eruption, but from man-made circumstances. The town was abandoned in 260AD when its inhabitants founded the nearby city of St. Rémy.
In fact, they used some of the stone from the deserted buildings of Glanum in building St. Rémy.
The decay of Glanum
The sophisticated drain and sewer system of Glanum that had been constructed by the Romans ceased to be maintained.
Over the centuries the ruins eventually became flooded and covered with mud and sediment washed down from the surrounding hills in heavy rainstorms.
Little was left to indicate that it had once been a thriving settlement.
The rediscovery of Glanum
Not until 1921 did the first systematic archaeological excavations begin – and they continue to this day. In the intervening years, the five-acre site on which Glanum stood has been opened to the public.
Our two guidebooks Walk & Eat Avignon and walking in Languedoc-Roussillon and Western Provence both contain tours or walks that visit the site.
What to see when visiting Glanum in Provence
Among the ruins to be seen are the public baths and swimming pool. The huge stone slabs with which the Romans constructed the main street remain intact. Underneath the street ran a water channel to carry away rain water and sewage.
Extensive information plaques can be found throughout the town directing the visitor to the principal buildings of interest including the council house, treasury, fountain and wells.
One of the houses has a painted bedroom and there is also all that remains of the forum and theatre. Stone, engraved in Latin nearly two thousand years ago with beautiful classic lettering, will delight any designer or artist.
It’s a fascinating glimpse of how thoroughly the Romans colonised this part of France.
Across the road from the site entrance is a magnificent triumphal arch in a remarkable state of preservation, (see photo above) together with an equally well-preserved and impressive three-storey mausoleum.
These two buildings remain largely intact, in contrast to the ruined state of the remainder of the town. A visit is a must if you are staying in Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, Orange, or nearby. Each of these towns also have Roman remains worth exploring, including some fine amphitheatres.
Whether you are walking or touring by car in Provence, do make a point of visiting Glanum. The setting, surrounded by trees, is delightful – a visit will be a highlight of your walking or touring holiday in Provence.
Buy our guidebooks: Walk & Eat around Avignon and walking in Languedoc-Roussillon and Western Provence.
More Articles
Walking in Umbria and the Marche
Walking in Umbria and the Marche: through Italy’s green heart Umbria and the Marche, [...]
Feb
Walking in Tuscany
Walking in Tuscany: rolling hills and Medieval towns Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards, [...]
Feb
Walking in Slovenia
Walking in Slovenia: a land of diverse beauty Slovenia, a small country nestled in [...]
Feb
Walking in the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands: a journey through wild landscapes The Scottish Highlands, a vast and [...]
Feb
Walking in Northern Portugal
Adventure in Northern Portugal Northern Portugal is a region of rugged beauty, rich history [...]
Jan
Walking on Jersey
Walking on the Channel Island of Jersey The Channel Island of Jersey, located just [...]
Jan
Walking in the Bernese Oberland & Valais
An adventure in the Bernese Oberland & Valais The Bernese Oberland and Valais regions [...]
Jan
Walking the Italian Lakes
Adventures at the Italian Lakes The Italian Lakes, a shimmering necklace of emerald and [...]
Jan
Walking on Guernsey
Walking on the island of Guernsey The island of Guernsey, located in the English [...]
Jan
Walking in Ireland
Walking on the Emerald Isle Ireland, with its rolling hills, rugged coastlines and charming [...]
Jan
Walking on Lesvos
Discover the hidden gems of Lesvos Lesvos, a picturesque Greek island in the Aegean [...]
Jan
Walking in Ibiza & Formentera
Island walking and cycling on Ibiza and Formentera Ibiza and Formentera, two stunning islands [...]
Jan
Walking in Eastern Provence
Discover Eastern Provence Eastern Provence, a sun-kissed region in southeastern France, offers a diverse [...]
Jan
Walking in Croatia
Discover Croatia’s hidden gems on foot Croatia, a stunning country with a diverse landscape, [...]
Jan
Walking in Cinque Terre
Discover the coastal charms of Cinque Terre and the Riviera di Levante The stunning [...]
Jan
Walking in Western Provence
Wanderlust in Western Provence Western Provence, a region of sun-drenched landscapes, historic villages, and [...]
Dec
Walking on the Costa Blanca
Walking on the Costa Blanca – a Mediterranean delight The Costa Blanca, Spain’s sun-kissed [...]
Dec
Walking in Eastern Crete
Walking in Eastern Crete – a journey through time Eastern Crete, a land of [...]
Dec
Walking in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees – a mountainous adventure The Pyrenees, a majestic mountain range that forms [...]
Dec
Walking on Sicily
Discovering the walking trails of Sicily Sicily, a sun-kissed island off the southern tip [...]
Dec
Walking on Menorca
Discovering the landscape of Menorca on foot Menorca, a tranquil Balearic island off the [...]
Dec
Walking in the Algarve
The Algarve – a coastal paradise for walkers The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-drenched southern coast, [...]
Dec
Walking on the Costa Brava
Discover the Costa Brava The Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastline in northeastern [...]
Nov
Walking in Western Crete
Western Crete – an unspoiled haven for walkers Western Crete, a rugged and unspoiled [...]
Nov
Walking on Corfu
The diverse landscapes of Corfu Corfu, a jewel in the Ionian Sea, is not [...]
Nov
Walking in the Picos de Europa
Conquer the Picos de Europa! The Picos de Europa, a dramatic mountain range in [...]
Nov
Walking in the Azores
Discover the best walking trails in the Azores The Azores, a stunning archipelago in [...]
Nov
Walking in the Basque Country
Discover the magic of the Basque Country The Basque Country, a captivating region nestled [...]
Nov
Walking on Fuerteventura: an introduction
Fuerteventura: a walker’s paradise Fuerteventura, the second-largest of the Canary Islands, is a hiker’s [...]
Nov
Walking on Tenerife: an introduction
Walking on Tenerife: a paradise for hikers Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, [...]
Nov
A guide to climbing Teide on Tenerife
Conquering Tenerife’s Teide: a guide to summiting Spain’s highest peak Tenerife, the largest of [...]
Nov
Walking highlights of Malta & Gozo
The islands of Malta and Gozo Malta and Gozo, two small islands in the [...]
Nov
Walking highlights of Mallorca
A hidden gem in the Balearics The Balearic island of Mallorca, often associated with [...]
Nov
The highlights of walking in Andalucía
Walking through Andalucía Andalucía, with its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes, is a [...]
Nov
An introduction to walking in the Dolomites
Walking in the Dolomites The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a mountain [...]
Nov
Walking highlights of Paxos
Walking on Paxos: a guide to the Green Island Paxos, a small island in [...]
Nov
Walking the best trails in Southern Cyprus
Hiking the mountains and coastline of Southern Cyprus Southern Cyprus, with its diverse landscapes, [...]
Nov
Walking in Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri
An introduction to walking in Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri The Amalfi coast, a UNESCO [...]
Nov
The crystal-clear waters of Zákynthos
The underwater beauty of Zákynthos In our guidebook Zákynthos, A Complete Guide with Walks, [...]
Nov
Too hot to walk on Zákynthos?
Walking on Zákynthos in the summer Sometimes the summer heat on Zákynthos makes walking [...]
Nov
Walking on Sardinia: an introduction
Sardinia: a hiker’s paradise Sardinia, a Mediterranean island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear [...]
Nov
Walking on Corsica: an introduction
Corsica: a walker’s paradise Corsica, a Mediterranean island known for its rugged beauty and [...]
Nov
The Timanfaya guided walk on Lanzarote
Exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape: the Timanfaya guided walk Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, [...]
Oct
Walking in the Southern Peloponnese
A walking odyssey in the Greece The southern Peloponnese, in Greece, is a hidden [...]
Oct
Walking and eating in and around Nice
Nice: a perfect destination for winter walking Nice, a vibrant city on the French [...]
Oct
Cider houses of the Basque country
Sagardotegiak – Basque cider houses The beautiful Basque coastal city of San Sebastián (or [...]
Oct
Discovering the flysch in the Basque Country
Discovering the flysch rock formations When walking in the Basque Country, don’t miss the [...]
Oct
A Roman town in Provence
Glanum – a Roman town in Provence If you are walking in Provence you [...]
Oct
Walking on Gran Canaria: an introduction
Gran Canaria: a continent in miniature Gran Canaria, the third-largest of the Canary Islands, [...]
Oct
Walking on La Gomera: an introduction
La Gomera: a walking wonderland La Gomera, one of the smaller Canary Islands, is [...]
Oct
Walking on La Palma & El Hierro: an introduction
La Palma and El Hierro: hiking havens in the Canary Islands La Palma and [...]
Oct
Walking on Lanzarote: an introduction
Lanzarote: a volcanic paradise for walkers Lanzarote, the easternmost of the Canary Islands, is [...]
Oct
Buy Sunflower: this is why…
Over 40 years of experience in each guide Sunflower has been producing guides for [...]
Oct
Walking on Madeira: an introduction
Madeira: a stunning destination for walkers Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean off the [...]
Oct
Walking on the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands: a paradise for hikers The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago [...]
Sep
The Titsa bus service on Tenerife
Navigating Tenerife: a guide to the Titsa bus service Tenerife, the largest of the [...]
Sep
Walking and eating in and around Avignon
A culinary and walking adventure in Provence Provence, a region in southern France renowned [...]
Sep
Walking in the Tatra Mountains of Poland & Slovakia
A walking adventure in the Tatra Mountains The Tatra Mountains, straddling the border between [...]
Sep
Walking in Eastern Crete in October
Eastern Crete in October: a walker’s paradise Eastern Crete, with its rugged mountains, pristine [...]
Sep
The Southern Peloponnese – a walkers’ paradise
A Walking Odyssey in the Southern Peloponnese The southern Peloponnese, Greece, is a hidden [...]
Sep