The Gallo-Roman site of Sanxay, a medium-sized town in the province of Aquitaine during Antiquity, is one of the best preserved sites from this rich period. Once exploited as a stone quarry, its remains have been protected by the French government since the end of the 19th century and are freely open to the public.
The Vienne department has a real window on Antiquity with the site of Sanxay. Inhabited from the 1st to the 4th century AD, this small village was equipped with shops, a theater, a thermal complex and a vast sanctuary, facilities generally reserved for large cities located on Roman roads, which was not the case in Sanxay. Spread over about 25 hectares, this truly unique site historically extended over the two banks of a modest river, the Vonne, and its remains bear witness to an important development phase during the 2nd century AD.
At the end of the 19th century, its scientific and patrimonial value was recognized to the point that the French governement acquired it in 1884. Located 30 km from Poitiers, the historical site illustrates concretely the ambition and the know-how that the Romans were able to put at the service of their conquest of the French lands more than 2,000 years ago.
Today managed by the National Monuments Centre, the Gallo-Roman site of Sanxay regularly offers activities such as the Botanical Walks (May 7 to 21, 2023), a guided tour inspired by Pliny the Elder and his encyclopedia, Natural History. In it, the first century Roman writer and naturalist mentioned plants that are still present on the site today. With the help of a booklet, visitors will have fun recognizing them while learning about their uses in antiquity.
Another pleasant way to go back in time: the European Archaeology Days (June 16 to 18, 2023) where two specialized craftsmen, the Infondus, will reproduce pieces from the Sanxay excavations using the artisanal and ancient method of glass blowing.
To find out more about the program and plan your visit to this historic site rediscovered in 1881 by Father Camille de la Croix, go here.
Valerie from Comme des Français
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