Via Domitia

The Via Domitia (118 BC) was Rome's first road in Gaul, connecting Italy to...

The Via Domitia (118 BC) was Rome's first road in Gaul, connecting Italy to Spain through some of the finest wine country on Earth. This adventure follows the ancient highway past the world's best-preserved Roman arena, the perfect temple, the towering aqueduct, and the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi

10 experiences 🇫🇷 France easy 1-2 weeks

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Curated by Wine Memories

  1. 1
    🗺️

    Nîmes Amphitheater & Wine

    The best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. Built around 70 AD, it still hosts events today. Watch gladiator reenactments, then explore the wine bars in the medieval center serving excellent Costières de Nîmes.

    tour $$
  2. 2
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    Maison Carrée & Ancient Nîmes

    The most perfectly preserved Roman temple in existence. Built around 2 AD, it inspired Thomas Jefferson's design for the Virginia State Capitol. Across the square is Norman Foster's modern Carré d'Art museum.

    tour $
  3. 3
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    Pont du Gard Vineyard Picnic

    UNESCO World Heritage aqueduct towering 49 meters high. Built around 50 AD without mortar, it carried water to Nîmes. Pack a picnic with local rosé and find a spot along the riverbank with the aqueduct as your backdrop.

    adventure $$
  4. 4
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    Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    The "New Castle of the Pope" sits on land Romans first planted. The famous galets roulés (rounded stones) reflect heat onto vines at night. Grenache-dominant blends are rich, powerful, and age magnificently.

    tasting $$$
  5. 5
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    Orange Roman Theatre

    The best-preserved Roman theatre in Europe, with its massive stage wall still intact at 37 meters high. Louis XIV called it "the finest wall in my kingdom." Now hosts the famous Chorégies d'Orange opera festival.

    tour $$
  6. 6
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    Gigondas & Vacqueyras

    Mountain villages in the Dentelles de Montmirail producing wines that rival Châteauneuf at half the price. Gigondas is powerful and spicy; Vacqueyras is earthier and more approachable. Both are Grenache-dominant.

    tasting $$
  7. 7
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    Arles Arena & Van Gogh Trail

    Roman arena slightly smaller than Nîmes but equally well-preserved. Van Gogh painted here obsessively. Explore the Roman and artistic heritage, then sample wines at bistros that inspired his Café Terrace at Night.

    tour $$
  8. 8
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    Les Baux-de-Provence

    Dramatic fortress village carved into limestone cliffs. Romans quarried the stone here. The Carrières de Lumières — an immersive art show in the quarries — is breathtaking. Les Baux AOC produces excellent wines from Roman terroir.

    adventure $$$
  9. 9
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    Narbonne - Capital of Gallia Narbonensis

    Capital of Rome's first province in Gaul (118 BC). The underground Via Domitia remains visible. The unfinished Gothic cathedral looms over Roman foundations. Now a gateway to Corbières and La Clape wines.

    tour $$
  10. 10
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    Languedoc Coastal Wineries - La Clape

    La Clape massif rises dramatically from the Mediterranean. Once an island, now connected to the mainland, its unique terroir produces white wines of startling quality. Many estates sit on Roman ruins.

    tasting $$

Plan the trip

Insider tip. The Via Domitia still exists beneath Narbonne's main square. Stand on the ancient stones that Roman legions marched over 2,000 years ago. Then toast them with Châteauneuf-du-Pape — the wine they could only dream of.

Getting there and around

Car required
Yes
Parking
Paid parking in cities. Free at most wineries. Historic centers often pedestrianized.
Nearest airport
Marseille (MRS), Montpellier (MPL), or Nîmes (FNI)
Drinking and driving
France takes drink-driving seriously. Designate driver or book private tours.
Other airports
  • Lyon (LYS) if combining with Rhône Corridor
Without a car
TGV connects major cities. Car essential for wine routes.

Where to stay

Base yourself in
Nîmes (2 nights), then move to Arles (2 nights), then Narbonne
Why there
Each base has excellent restaurants and covers nearby regions.
Booking tip
Summer festivals (Avignon, Arles photo) book up months ahead.
Nightly range
€80-250

Recommended stays

Budget
Gîtes de France for countryside character
Luxury
Château des Fines Roches (Châteauneuf), L'Oustau de Baumanière (Les Baux)
Mid-range
Boutique hotels in historic centers
Vineyard stays
Domaine stays in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

What it costs

Includes
Accommodation, tastings, meals, transport, site entry
Meals
€30-60 per day
Per person
€800-1,500
Ways to spend less
  • Picnic lunches at archaeological sites — very French
  • Many Roman sites free or cheap entry
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape is expensive — Gigondas equally good at half price
  • Southern Rhône wines excellent value compared to Burgundy
Tasting fees
€10-30 per domaine

Booking and timing

Lead time
2-4 weeks for prestige domaines
Closed days
Many closed Sundays. Some August closures for holidays.
Peak season
July-August crowded and hot. June and September ideal.
Best time of day
Morning for sites (light, fewer crowds), afternoon for tastings.
Group size
Most domaines prefer small groups (2-6)

Where to eat

Lunch
  • Pont du Gard: Bring a picnic — best dining is informal
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape: La Mère Germaine
  • Les Baux: Mas de l'Oulivie for views
Dinner
  • Nîmes: Alexandre (2 Michelin stars)
  • Arles: L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel
  • Narbonne: La Table Saint-Crescent
Winery restaurants
  • Château de Beaucastel — appointment required
  • Mas de la Dame (Les Baux) — excellent terrace

If your time is short

Do not miss
If you only have one day
If it rains
Nîmes arena has covered sections. Museums excellent.
Skip if time is short

Mistakes to avoid

  • Don't underestimate Provençal summer heat — sites bake in July
  • Don't skip Châteauneuf-du-Pape's stone terroir walk
  • Don't rush Pont du Gard — bring wine and stay for hours
  • Don't drive after Châteauneuf tastings — those big Grenaches hit hard
  • Don't miss the Via Domitia beneath Narbonne — it's the actual Roman road

Worth stopping for

  • Nîmes arena at blue hour with dramatic lighting
  • Pont du Gard reflected in the Gardon River
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape galets roulés (rounded stones) close-up
  • Les Baux fortress at sunset
  • Arles' Café Terrace at Night location (Van Gogh's painting)