timeless walks in the footsteps of Caesar's legions
Caesar's vast ghost still roams Provincia. For a spiritual encounter across the millenia wander on foot among the many relics the Romans left behind. Some are world class monuments: the colossal Pont du Gard aqueduct, one of the world's best preserved Roman temples in Nimes, the still used arenas at both Nimes and Arles, the many other surprising structures and artifacts in Roman Arles and the open air theater at Orange with its world class summer opera festival. But there are also the chariot tracks on the lonely Roman roads in between that only a walker sees today, the graceful little stone bridge over a nameless stream, the vineyard that still makes authentic Roman wine.
This walk immerses you in the mood and pace of daily Roman life in Provence by taking you along an authentic trail and road network used by the Romans to maintain and guard the aqueduct, to reach their fields and vineyards, to move their legions, and to conduct the empire's far flung commerce and administration. And everywhere along the way you encounter reminders of their presence, common and monumental. Walk and discover. Wear a toga if you like.
Use this itinerary, custom designed for a client, to inspire yours. Start on any day. Walk for as many days as you like. On your own time, at your own pace. Walk and Drive trips with a Roman theme can also be arranged, casting a wider net throughout Provence.
| Day 1 Arrival in Uzes | |
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Transfer by private car to Uzes, a lovely, well preserved medieval renaissance town with Gallo-Roman roots, when it was called Ucetia, and the source of the spring water for the Roman aqueduct to Nimes over the Pont du Gard. The rest of the day is free to explore Uzes, including a stroll to the water source and the ruins of the start of the aqueduct. |
| Day 2 Uzes - Vers Pont du Gard Distance: 7 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate |
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Today is market day in Uzes, one of the best markets in the South of France. Pack a picnic and follow the Roman aqueduct toward Nimes. Pass through fields of fruit trees, olive groves and verdant vineyards. Along the way, explore the vestiges of the aqueduct, remnants of Roman roads, chariot tracks, even an old bridge. Your goal is Vers Pont du Gard, where the Pont du Gard's stone quarries are still in production today. |
| Day 3 Vers Pont du Gard - Pont du Gard circular walk Distance: 7 miles Difficulty: Easy |
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Today's centerpiece is the majestic Pont du Gard. On the way visit the Roman stone quarries and continue through lush vineyards to the picturesque perched village of Castillon du Gard. Explore the Pont du Gard in the afternoon. Return to Vers along impressive aqueduct ruins rarely seen by non-walkers. |
| Day 4 Nimes Roman urban walk - Arles option Distance: 8 miles Difficulty: Easy |
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Transfer by private car to Nimes, Nemausus to the Romans, and their aqueduct's destination. Trace on foot the town's rich Roman heritage: the Maison Carree, one of the world's best preserved Roman temples; the still used Roman arena; the Castellum, the town water distribution complex at the aqueduct's end; the Tour Magne, the massive Roman watch tower, and more. Roman Arles in the afternoon is an add-on option. |
| Day 5 Departure from Provence | |
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After breakfast in Caesar's shadow you will be transported by private chariot to your point of departure from Provincia. |
5 days, 4 nights
Uzege - optional Arles add on
best time April to October
Walks
three walks, easy to
moderate, up to 8 miles per day, shorter and longer options; comprehensive self-guidance package; in-person briefing
Where You'll Stay
Classic: charming B&Bs
and small family run hotels
Superior: high end B&Bs
and superior hotels
Deluxe: top country house hotels
Mix choices if you prefer
Field Support
In-person briefing on arrival; English speaking background support throughout the trip; optional GPS support
Pricing
(per person double occupancy)
Classic: from $1,083
Superior: from $1,293
Deluxe: inquire
indicative prices - actual quotes
may vary; mixing accom. choices also varies price
single supplement - inquire
Included
• all accommodation
• all baggage transfers
• all breakfasts
• briefing on arrival
• comprehensive Trip Kit including all official IGN maps, Trail Guides, and other guidance material
• any transportation except
for transfers if indicated
• meals/picnics other than breakfasts
• any form of insurance