Roman Sites & Museums in Hauts de France
This page about the Roman archaeology of Hauts de France 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 Hauts de France. 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 Hauts de France
Roman Bavay - Bagacum
The Roman city of Bagacum was an important junction of seven major roads that linked northern France to Germania, southern and western France. One of these went to present-day Boulogne-sur-Mer, from where boats set sail for Britain. The ruins of a 2.5 hectare forum, that is relatively well preserved, make this the largest surviving Roman Forum in France. From the end of the 3rd century and through the 4th century the forum was heavily fortified with thick walls and turrets. These ramparts can still be seen today.
Vendeuil-Caply Gallo-Roman Theatre
This Roman theatre built at the end of the 1st century AD is now all that is visible to the public from what was a medium sized Roman town that covered at least 130 hectares. Although not particularly well preserved, much of the basic structure is still evident. Set on the side of a hill in rolling agricultural land now under cultivation, this small theatre, with a diameter of 81 m, was constructed into the side of the hill. Some reinforcing architectural elements have been exposed. Besides two sets of steps leading of the rectangular stage, there is also a small shrine, at the centre of the semi-circle arc.
Museums With Roman Collections in Hauts de France
Forum Museum Bavay
The archaeology museum in Bavay, and the adjacent Roman Forum site, have recently undergone considerable development. Although many artefacts were removed from the site over the years, and now in museums in France and Belgium, there are still some quite spectacular objects on display in the museum. Besides showing what life was like for the inhabitants of the Roman city, the exhibits also outline the strategic importance of the city for the Roman Empire. Entry to the museum includes the archaeological site, but features the forum and fortifications can be seen from the street.
Oise Archaeology Museum
The Musée Archéologique de l’Oise is a delightful regional museum that houses the collections of artefacts from local excavations. Displays range from Palaeolithic stone axes, to polished Neolithic axes, and many finds from the Roman occupation of the valley within which the museum is set. This amounts to over 30 years worth of excavating the Roman town. Artefacts on display include items that relate to aspects of everyday life, as well as a number of human and animal figurines and fragments of wall painting.
Interactive Map of Roman Sites & Museums in Hauts de France
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 Hauts de France
