Provence & the French Riviera - Discover France: Experience the Best of France - page 613

NÎMES TO VAISON-LA-ROMAINE ROMAN PROVENCE
Gloriously intact amphitheatres, triumphal arches and other public buildings trans-
port travellers back to Provence's heyday as a Gallo-Roman province.
Devote day one to (1) Nîmes , with its resplendent amphitheatre and theatre, still
occasionally used for férias , concerts and bullfights. Just outside Nîmes is one of
the great achievements of the Gallo-Roman world - the incredible (2) Pont du
Gard , the world's highest aqueduct. It's particularly awe inspiring when seen up
close - via either a guided walk across the top tier or a self-paddled canoe trip be-
neath its great arches.
Spend day two in (3) Arles , with its duo of impressive Roman theatres. If you've
got some extra time, take a detour through the idyllic (4) Camargue , where you
can spot wild horses and flamingos in the peaceful setting of one of France's
largest natural wetlands.
On day three visit France's most-stunning Roman amphitheatre, at (5) Orange -
built to stage bloodthirsty gladiatorial contests watched by over 10,000 baying spec-
tators - or (6) Vaison-la-Romaine , with its ancient remains left over from the ori-
ginal Roman town, not to mention one of the region's liveliest outdoor markets.
NICE TO CANNES RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS
This trip takes in the key sights of the Côte d'Azur. Begin in the millionaires' play-
ground of (1) Monaco , where you can ogle the yachts, have a flutter at the casino
and spoil yourself at the luxurious Ni Hôtel.
On day two, tackle (2) the Corniches , a trio of white-knuckle roads snaking
across the clifftops west of Monaco. Stop for a wander around the clifftop gardens
of (3) Èze . By late afternoon you'll reach the classic Riviera city, (4) Nice ; check
into the Hôtel Windsor and have an authentic Niçois meal in the atmospheric old
town.
Day three's for more Nice exploration: don't miss the Cours Saleya street market,
the Promenade des Anglais, the Musée Matisse and Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art
Contemporain (Mamac).