Les Arenes

This is one of the oldest and best preserved amphitheaters of the Roman Empire. It is in Nimes, where denim also originated (de Nimes) and then was exported through the Italian city of Genoa (jeans).

It was built at the end of the 1st century AD and held 24,000 people. It hosted bull fights (which still happen here in the summer) chariot races and gladiator duels. It is the largest bullfighting center outside of Spain.

We had an audio tour of the arena and he kids were able to head inside and see the sand in the middle (raked often to cover the blood) and to climb all the way to the top. They enjoyed traipsing around despite the light rain we are having.

After we walked to la Maison Carée, an ancient Roman temple built by Augustus for his sons.

We are on our way to our last stop of the day so here are a few photos from the arena and temple.