Roman Sites & Museums in Pays de la Loire
This page about the Roman archaeology of the Pays de la 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 Pays de la 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 Pays de la Loire
Gennes Roman Amphitheatre
This Gallo-Roman amphitheatre is thought to have been one of the largest in north-west France. The typically elliptical arena measures 44 by 39 metres, with a semi-circular cavea thought to have been able to seat around 5,000 spectators. The basic outline and shape of the amphitheatre, as well as a number of architectural features, is well preserved and easy to see, but they have been enhanced by extensive excavations. These include three rooms at the edge of the arena that would have been used for performers.
Roman Jublains – Noviodunum
The modern-day town of Jublains has its origins as the Gallic capital of the Diablintes tribe. By 65 AD, the town had taken on many Roman features. The public baths, theatre, temple, and the fort are strikingly well preserved and attest to the Roman town’s strategic position on an important route between the Loire Valley to the south and the channel to the north. An on site museum has an extensive and interesting set of displays of some of the finest artefacts from various locations around the Roman town.
Museums With Roman Collections in Pays de la Loire
Interactive Map of Roman Sites & Museums in Pays de la 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 Pays de la Loire
