Making French History Fun?
“Someday you’ll be glad you’ve seen this,” was the theme of a recent tour of Nimes and Pont du Gard with my 10-year-old visitor, McKenna. As spectacular and unique as seeing a 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct or coliseum might seem, most children would rather spend the afternoon at the pool or the Haribo Bon Bon Muséum.
Arena in Nimes
Roman Temple in Nimes
I’m not saying that McKenna didn’t learn something from climbing the steps at la Maison Carrée — the centerpiece of the historic district of Nimes — or from walking where lions and tigers entered the arena.
She definitely took it all in. Now that she’s back in the States, she shares the stories with all her friends.
Wading under the ancient Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard.
If the truth is told, I’m guessing her favorite part of the day was cooling off in the sparkling clear waters of the river below the Pont du Gard.
Another favorite spot for the active 10-year-old was the Jardins de la Fontaine in Nimes. Somewhere among the ruins of Diana’s Temple, she found a playmate.
Temple of Diana
Playing in the Jardins de la Fontaine
Climbing on the pediments of the first-century monument dedicated to Augustus or exploring the vaulted ceiling rooms might have been McKenna’s best memory of the day if we adults hadn’t been in such a hurry.
I guess we just don’t get it.
