Did you know? In Paris, there’s a Gallo-Roman amphitheater, a vestige of time when the capital was called Lutèce – or Lutecia. Nestled in Paris 5^th arrondissement, it can be found in the Square des Arènes de Lutèce, in free access and within walking distance from rue Monge.

It’s said the amphitheater dates back from the 1^st century AD. In olden times, it used to welcome drama performances while the arena was – among others – the theater of glorious gladiators’ fights. Now, by way of fights, when the sun is out, the arena welcomes pétanque players and Sunday soccer players who come to enjoy the perfect pitch for their favorite sport.

In its rows, where some 17,000 spectators used to attend games, visitors of the square can have a seat for a picnic, play music or simply enjoy the sun with their friends. Every now and then, small festivals take place there, making the best out of the beautiful acoustic the amphitheater enjoys. For the passionate ornithologists, you can find a bird house too. And you can enjoy the botanic tour.

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You get it now, the Arènes de Lutèce lost none of its superb across the centuries and still today, the place allows Parisians and tourists to live like Lutetians from 2000 years ago, a relaxing and entertaining moment now suited to the current art de vivre.

Open daily
From 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. according to season