Roman Sites & Museums in Centre-Val de Loire
This page about the Roman archaeology of Centre-Val de Loire region of France is part of our Guide to Exploring the Roman World (also our France Travel Guide). The guide is produced by Thomas Dowson, an archaeologist and the founder of Archaeology Travel, who also lived in France for ten years, along with contributions by other authors and researchers on this website. Read more about the authors and this website.
The page was last checked and/or updated on 19 December 2023.
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This page provides information and visitor details for the best Gallo-Roman and Roman sites and museums to see in Centre-Val de Loire. Follow the links below for the same in the other regions of France. Or take a look at our choice 25 Must See Roman Sites in France; a good starting point for first time visitors to France or Roman archaeology in France. We have also created an Interactive Map of Roman Sites & Museums in France.
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Roman Sites in Centre-Val de Loire
Argentomagus
Around 50 BC the Romans took over what had been an Iron Age town of the Bituriges Celtic tribe for a few centuries. The Romans named the new town Argentomagus. Today the archaeological remains can be visited at a number of locations in the town of Saint-Marcel. A museum, constructed over the remnants of a crypt from the Roman period and around which are most of the better preserved Roman features, provides the archaeological background from the Palaeolithic to the medieval.
Museums With Roman Collections in Centre-Val de Loire
Museum of History and Archaeology, Orléans
One of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the city of Orléans, Hôtel Cabu is home to the Musée historique et archéologique de l’Orléanais. As is to be expected of a regional museum much of what is on display is the history of the Orléans area. One of the highlights is the trésor de Neuvy-en-Sullias, a collection of 30 bronze Gallic and Gallo-Roman objects that were found Neuvy-en-Sullias commune about 30 kms from Orlèans.
Interactive Map of Roman Sites & Museums in Centre-Val de Loire
You can do at least two things with the following interactive map. First, by switching the display of the map to satellite mode (you can uncheck ‘labels’ to get a clutter free map), you can get a street view of most of the sites. Simply click and drag the yellow pegman (lower right) onto the map and drop it on a blue line or dot to get street-view at that point.
Second, you can also use the markers on the map to save that site or museum to your itinerary. Click on a marker to see the site’s information box. If you are logged in you will see the option to add that place to your itineraries and travel lists. Login or register to use these features.
Roman Sites & Museums in Centre-Val de Loire
