At the point where the Clain and Vienne Rivers merge, the city of Vetus Pictavis dates back nearly 2,000 years. The city is stretched over 80 ha and dates from the times of the Emperor Augustus Caesar.

To the Southeast, you will see the remains of a 116 metre amphitheatre which could seat more than 10,000 spectators which gives us an idea of the enormous monuments the Gallo-Romans built at the time for public entertainment.

Archaeological digs have unearthed the evidence of ancient everyday life around the theatre including the well laid-out streets, houses, temples, craftsmen's quarter with potters' stalls and ovens. The town stood on the Roman road from Poitiers to Tours, an essential position for trading with Rome, but was destroyed by fire towards the end of the 2nd century A.D.

Also at this site: a menhir bearing a Celtic inscription written in Roman characters.

Nearby : Châtellerault with its rich architectural heritage, the Automobile, Motocycle and Bike Museum and the aquatic swimming centre.

See also:
Activities - Naintré