Glanum Archaeological Site
Explore the ancient Gaulish and Roman ruins of Glanum, a significant archaeological site in Provence, France.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Glanum Archaeological Site
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Gaulish and Roman ruins of Glanum, a significant archaeological site in Provence, France.
"Incredible place to come spend a couple of hours learning about the 3 civilizations that lived in the area 2000 years ago."
🎧 Audio Guide is Worth It
Rent the audio guide for €3 to truly understand the history. Info is also in English.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is large and the terrain is uneven. Good walking shoes are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sacred Spring
Near the entrance
Discover the ancient Celtic worship site, a testament to Glanum's early history before Roman influence.
Roman Town Ruins
Main archaeological area
Wander through the remarkably preserved remains of a Roman town, offering a glimpse into daily life.
Triumphal Arch
Entrance to the Roman town
Marvel at the imposing arch, a grand gateway that once welcomed visitors to the Roman city.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Audio Guide is Worth It
Rent the audio guide for €3 to truly understand the history. Info is also in English.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is large and the terrain is uneven. Good walking shoes are essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. There's a cafe on-site.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available, or try parking near Saint Paul de Mausole hospital for free.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Audio Guide is Worth It
Rent the audio guide for €3 to truly understand the history. Info is also in English.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is large and the terrain is uneven. Good walking shoes are essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. There's a cafe on-site.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available, or try parking near Saint Paul de Mausole hospital for free.
🧺 Picnic Potential
There's a picnic area out front, perfect for a relaxed lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Glanum to be an interesting and well-preserved archaeological site, offering a good understanding of Roman life. While not as grand as some other Roman ruins, it's considered a worthwhile addition to a visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, especially with the helpful audio guide. Some note the parking can be expensive, but the historical insights are highly valued.
"A good set of Roman ruins with a nice visitors' center.
Not as spectacular as others you can find, but still very interesting. A nice add on to a visit to St. Remy."
Ethan Cohen
"Incredible place to come spend a couple of hours learning about the 3 civilizations that lived in the area 2000 years ago. Small paid parking lot or you can take a long walk from town. Starts off near the parking lot before you go into the paid area with the arch that you can see starts the road into the old town. Get tickets at the reception center/gifts shop and opens up to an awesome area of ruins. Take the trail to the left first and it will loop back. We got the handheld speaker to help explain a bit more and it was definitely worth the 3€ for our small group. However, there’s a lot of good info posted around the ruins in French, English, and Spanish if you don’t want to pay for the speaker. Make sure to hit the viewpoint at the end of the route that comes back down to the trail back to the start. Good for the kids, especially the ones with an interest in Roman history. There is also a little cafe inside the area and picnic area out front."
Jesse Soto
"Great site and much larger than expected. You can get a real understanding of Roman life from the ruins and printed leaflet (in English). Worth spending an hour or so on site visiting. You might be able to park outside the Saint Paul de Maisole hospital for free (as the car parking opposite is expensive)."
Julia Dixon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glanum is located just south of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. You can take a pleasant walk from the town center, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive and utilize the paid parking lot available on-site.
While direct public transport to the site itself might be limited, you can reach Saint-Rémy-de-Provence by bus from nearby towns. From there, walking or a short taxi ride is feasible.
There is a small paid parking lot directly at the site. Some visitors suggest looking for free parking near the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole hospital, which is a short walk away, to save on costs.
Yes, Glanum is an excellent addition to a day trip exploring the Provence region, including Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It's easily accessible by car from Avignon.
Glanum is very close to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the asylum where Vincent van Gogh stayed. It's also a good stop when visiting Les Baux-de-Provence. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Glanum is a modest fee, typically around €8-€10, with a discounted rate for the audio guide. Check the official website for the most current pricing.
Tickets can be purchased at the reception center and gift shop located near the entrance of the archaeological site.
Opening hours vary seasonally, generally opening around 10 AM and closing between 5 PM and 7 PM. It's advisable to check the official website for the specific hours during your planned visit.
Glanum is typically open from spring through autumn. It may have reduced hours or be closed during the winter months.
While specific combined tickets might not always be available, Glanum is often visited in conjunction with other local attractions in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Inquire at the visitor center for any potential package deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring Glanum, allowing time to see the ruins and utilize the audio guide.
Yes, Glanum is considered good for kids, especially those interested in history. The audio guide can make it more engaging for younger visitors.
Yes, there is a visitor center with restrooms, a gift shop, and a small cafe on-site. There's also a picnic area outside the main ruins.
Information boards around the ruins are available in French, English, and Spanish, making it accessible for international visitors.
Photography is generally permitted at Glanum for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and the historical significance of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The Triumphal Arch and the well-preserved Roman streets offer iconic photo opportunities. The viewpoint at the end of the loop trail provides a panoramic perspective of the ruins.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to preserve the environment and prevent disturbance. It's best to check with the site management for specific regulations.
The golden hours of early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer shadows, ideal for capturing the textures and scale of the ruins.
While general photography is allowed, avoid using flash in enclosed areas if it could damage artifacts. Respect any roped-off sections.
For professional photoshoots, you will likely need to obtain special permission from the site administrators. Contact them in advance to inquire about their policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the terrain can be uneven, it's generally manageable for children. The site's manageable size means you can cover the main areas without exhausting little legs. It's a great way to supplement school lessons with a real-world historical experience, making learning fun and memorable.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The audio guide is essential for a comprehensive understanding, detailing the architectural styles, historical events, and cultural significance of each element. The site's layered history, from its Celtic origins to its Roman prosperity, makes it a compelling study for anyone fascinated by the ancient world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Glanum: From Celtic Roots to Roman Grandeur
The Romans recognized the strategic importance and natural resources of Glanum, establishing it as a Roman town in the 1st century BC. They built upon the existing Celtic foundations, constructing public buildings, private residences, and infrastructure that reflect Roman urban planning. The site features impressive remains of temples, baths, and a forum, offering a clear picture of Roman life.
By the 3rd century AD, Glanum was eventually abandoned, likely due to invasions. However, its rediscovery and excavation have made it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Provence, providing invaluable insights into the interplay between Celtic and Roman civilizations in southern Gaul. The well-preserved ruins allow visitors to walk through history and imagine life in this ancient settlement.
Exploring Glanum: A Visitor's Guide
The site itself is divided into distinct areas, starting with the sacred spring and moving into the heart of the Roman town. Key landmarks include the Triumphal Arch and the Monumental Gate, which mark the entrance to the Roman city. As you wander through the ruins, you'll see the remnants of houses, shops, and public buildings, giving you a tangible sense of the scale and layout of ancient Glanum.
Don't miss the viewpoint located at the end of the main walking loop. This elevated spot offers a stunning panoramic vista of the entire archaeological site, allowing you to appreciate its vastness and strategic location. The site is well-maintained, with clear pathways and informative signage in multiple languages, making it an accessible and engaging experience for all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit