Arènes de Lutèce

Arènes de Lutèce is an ancient amphitheatre whose remains are scattered and partially reconstructed within a quiet residential neighborhood of Paris. The visible sections show tiered stone seating on one side and fragmented foundations that hint at the structure's original scale.

The amphitheatre was built during the first centuries after Christ and played a central role in public life of the Roman city. In the 3rd century, sections were dismantled to reinforce defensive walls against invading Germanic tribes.

The site carries the name of the ancient city of Lutécia and reflects how Romans displayed power through public entertainment. Visitors can walk along the stone seating tiers and experience how thousands gathered here for spectacles that shaped community life.

The site sits on open ground near Rue Monge in the 5th arrondissement and can be visited at any time. It is best explored early in the morning or late afternoon when fewer people are around and light reveals the stone details more clearly.

Hidden beneath the seating areas are several underground chambers that once held animals used in the arena's combat shows. These concealed spaces reveal how carefully Roman engineers designed the infrastructure needed to stage such grand spectacles.

Location: Quartier Saint-Victor

Architectural style: ancient Roman architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: Lutetia

Address: 49 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-19:00; Saturday-Sunday 09:00-19:00

Phone: +33145350256

Website: http://parisinfo.com/musee-monument-paris/71451/Ar%C3%A8nes-de-Lut%C3%A8ce

GPS coordinates: 48.84460,2.35322

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:09