Vaison-la-romaine, France

The bridge, known as "Pont Romain", at Vaison-la-Romaine was original built by the Romans who occupied this territory for over four hundred years from the 12th century BCE. The Romans built an extensive town here including an amphitheater which sits presently inside the protection of the Puymin Quarter which also houses a great but small museum.

The road on the right of the bridge leads up the hill to another historical site, the ruins of a castle built by Count Raymond of Toulouse built in the 12c AD. The old city just below the castle with its cobblestoned roads is also worth exploring. This area northeast of Orange is in the northern part of Provence. It is the center of wine growing area familiar under the Gigondas region. More recently the bridge was rebuilt after it was damaged in a flood which sent water through the windows and doors on the buildings to the left of the bridge.