Sète, France

Nîmes & Pont du Gard

UNESCO Sites of “French Rome” Delve into the Roman history of the South of France during a visit to Nîmes and the legendary Pont du Gard. Known by locals as the “French Rome,” the city features some of the finest examples of well-preserved sites outside of Italy. Begin with a scenic drive to Nîmes to view its ancient amphitheater and take photos. Then, continue to the Maison Carrée, an ancient Roman temple which inspired the neoclassical Église de la Madeleine in Paris and the Virginia State Capitol building in the United States. In 2023, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Pont du Gard; this three-tiered bridge was the tallest aqueduct built of its kind, showcasing the advanced practices of the Roman civilization. A true masterpiece of engineering, it supplied the city of Nemausus for five centuries. After time for photos, return to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.