TRAVELLIVE 06-2016

Impressive Roman Bridge
An parked our car and brought me
to the Roman bridge. Intrigued
by what I saw, I felt like visiting
the boot-shape peninsula of Italy.
The Roman arch bridge connects
the town’s upper and lower cities. Vaison-la-
Romaine’s beauty gradually appeared when I
strolled down the centuries old gravel roads.
Vaison-la-Romaine is a small town situated near
the Rhones River, at the foot of Mout Ventoux
in the suburb of Bouches-du-Rhones, Province.
Through many ups and downs, its ancient
Roman churches, arenas, theaters, and houses
have been well-preserved. Originally called
Vaiso Vocontiorum in the first 4 centuries CE,
the town was rebuilt in the Middle Ages on
the site of original Roman buildings and its
uniqueness mainly stems from the combination
of the two architectural styles.
VAISON-LA-ROMAINE’S BEAUTY GRADUALLY APPEARED WHEN I
STROLLED DOWN THE CENTURIES OLD GRAVEL ROADS.
“Up” and “down”
They call it the “upper city” to differentiate
it from the lower one - the old town. Located
right at the foot of the mountain, this area was
rebuilt following Gothic style after the Roman
decline. I walked down a small path leading
to the old town and caught sight of the clock
tower soaring in the clear sky. Established
2500 years ago, the city retains almost all its
distinctive features. Every house is of stone
and the windows are decorated with paintings
of artists who used to live here. I strolled
around to enjoy the ancient atmosphere,
running my fingers along the stone walls as I
passed. The fountains and flower trellises on
mossy walls are enchanting.
From the upper city’s small lanes, I crossed
the old Roman Bridge and entered the Roman
ruins. Stores selling lovely souvenirs attract
visitors with their eye-catching entrances. It
turns out that Provence is not only the land
of lavender but home to olive oil and ceramic
products. Colorful ceramic vases are displayed
on the sidewalk to invite passersby to visit the
shops.