Gladiators Once Fought Here

A Timeless Roman Masterpiece in the Heart of Nîmes

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" – St Ambrose

Today’s Newsletter Presented By

Adore everything about France? Spread the love! Today’s newsletter captures the charm, culture, and beauty of France, from its enchanting landscapes and iconic landmarks to its timeless art, cuisine, and traditions. Know someone who dreams of France too? Spread the magic by forwarding this to a friend - they’ll love discovering a little slice of France in their inbox!

Ancient Roman amphitheatre in the Occitanie region of southern France -Shutterstock

---

In today’s email:

• Gladiators Once Fought Here

• Experience: - Hop on and off in Paris

• Around The Web: Candlelight Concerts; Step Into the Papal Past in Avignon; Carcassonne's Medieval Magic and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Vineyards in Alsace, France

• Mange: A recipe that celebrates chicken and tarragon (poulet a l'estragon)

• Xtra: Top 10 Best Things to Do in Nîmes, France

---

Gladiators Once Fought Here

Step into ancient history at the Arena of Nîmes, the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, it once hosted thrilling gladiator battles and wild animal hunts, attracting over 23,000 spectators. Measuring 133 metres long and 21 metres high, the structure’s two tiers of arcades and 60 bays remain remarkably intact. In the Middle Ages, it became a fortress and later a residential quarter, before being fully restored in the 19th century. Today, this iconic monument welcomes visitors year-round and is a striking venue for bullfights, concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals. Highlights include the Roman Days in April and a spectacular sound and light show each August. Visitors can enjoy an immersive audio-guided tour of the site, exploring its storied past. Don’t miss the chance to walk the same steps as ancient Romans in this magnificent setting. The Arena is open daily, with last entry 30 minutes before closing

The aerial view of Arena of Narmes, an old Roman city in the Occitanie region of southern France - Shutterstock

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. See sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in various languages.

Read more about Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise -

---

Around The Web

Candlelight Concerts

Experience magical open-air performances of Hans Zimmer and Vivaldi, surrounded by hundreds of glowing candles in the Benedict XII Cloister. A unique musical evening in a breathtaking historic setting

Step Into the Papal Past in Avignon

Explore the grand Gothic halls of the Palace of the Popes, once the heart of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Discover frescoed chapels, historic banqueting halls, and the rich legacy of Avignon’s papal era

Romantic Garden Views

Stroll through exquisite Renaissance-style gardens set among ancient ruins at the Saint-André Abbey near Avignon. With over 100 plant varieties and sweeping views of Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles, it’s a peaceful escape full of history and charm

Roquemaure & Côtes du Rhône Origins

Once a bustling Rhône River port, Roquemaure played a vital role in the wine trade and the early recognition of Côtes du Rhône wines. In 1737, royal decree marked barrels with “CDR,” paving the way for the region’s world-renowned appellation. This legacy continues today in the village’s rich winegrowing heritage

Mother's Day in France

Celebrated on the last Sunday in May, Mother's Day in France is a heartfelt occasion marked with flowers, cakes, and family meals. Though not a public holiday, it honours mothers with handmade gifts and, in some cases, the Médaille de la Famille. The tradition dates back to the Napoleonic era

Carcassonne's Medieval Magic

Carcassonne is one of France’s most remarkable medieval cities, a place where history, legend, and daily life come together inside ancient stone walls. Located in the Occitanie region of southern France, about an hour’s drive from Toulouse, it’s a destination that feels like a fairytale brought to life. The most famous part is La Cité, a fortified city with double walls, over 50 towers, and cobbled streets that have stood for centuries. This impressive citadel has been carefully restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its dramatic gates, castle, and ramparts

The Porte Narbonnaise, the main entrance to the ancient fortified city of Carcassonne - Shutterstock

---

🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

From Social Media

Vineyards in Alsace, France

Mange

A recipe that celebrates chicken and tarragon (poulet a l'estragon)

Xtra

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Nîmes, France

Thank you for reading Love to Visit France— your support allows us to keep doing this work.

If you enjoy Love to Visit France, it would mean the world to us if you invited friends to subscribe and read with us. If you refer friends, you will receive benefits that give you special access to Love to Visit France.