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Bucket list experience:

View across the ruins from a small nearby hill

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Just south along the road from Saint-Remy, towards the Alpilles are two remarkable Roman monuments known as ‘Les Antiques: a Triumphal Arch’, and the strikingly well-preserved ‘Mausoleum’ that stands as a memorial dedicated to Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Beyond those lie the extensive and impressive ruins of the ancient city of Glanum, which – amazingly – were only rediscovered in the 1900s. Ancient Glanum was a Gaulish fortified town founded around a sacred spring in the 6th century BC. It became an official Roman city in 27BC, in the wake of Julius Caesar’s conquest of the region.

The surrounding landscapes of olives and cypresses here are pure Van Gogh: he painted many of his best-known works in these parts.

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Price from: £7
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

If you’re not driving, Les Antiques and Glanum are an easy 15-minute walk from Saint-Remy, along the D5. There are also taxis, and bikes to hire next to Saint-Remy’s train station.

There is a downloadable booklet in English, with a map, on the official website.

When to do it

The sites are open all year round, seven days a week – though it closes on Monday from October through March.

Wednesday is market day in nearby Saint-Remy, which can make parking difficult – but it’s fun to visit the market first, and then head over to Glanum after.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Chateau des Alpilles

Saint-Remy, Provence, France[2.5 miles]

An elegant, historic 19th-century chateau hotel just outside historic Saint-Remy, set in glorious grounds.

Official star rating:

Baumaniere Hotel

Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[5.2 miles]

Legendary country hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant, in a magical setting just below Les-Baux-en-Provence.

Official star rating:

Hotel B Design & Spa

Paradou, Provence, France[6.3 miles]

An intimate retreat: ultra-contemporary, minimalist hotel secluded in the olive groves under the Alpilles. Expect high design luxury suites, a spa and a gourmet restaurant tucked under the Les Baux-en-Provence castle.

Official star rating:

Hotel Le Colbert

Avignon, Provence, France[19.1 miles]

Quirky, bohemian and great value boutique hotel conveniently located within easy walking distance of Avignon’s attractions. One for the budget-conscious traveller.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Provence

Provence, France

Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.

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Chateau des Baux-en-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[4.4 miles]

An atmospheric, ruined 10th century castle teetering atop the craggy Alpilles mountains, rich in Provence feudal history and panoramic landscape views.

Best for ages: 4+ | £15

Angladon Museum

Avignon, Provence, France[19.3 miles]

A superb private art collection in a townhouse, including the only Van Gogh in Provence. There are also paintings by Chardin, Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Modigliani, Sisley and Picasso.

Best for ages: 18+ | £7

Courses Camarguaises

Arles, Provence, France[19.4 miles]

Provence’s bloodless bullfights are one of the region’s most exciting and best-loved sports, a cultural phenomenon held in the magnificent Roman amphitheatre of Arles.

Best for ages: 8+ | £8 | 1+ hours

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