Roman baths of Alauna, Roman thermal complex in Valognes, France.
The Roman baths of Alauna were an ancient thermal complex in the provincial city of Alauna, set in the Merderet valley. The site features symmetrically arranged rooms including changing areas, heated chambers, and cold pools laid out along a central axis.
The complex was built in the second half of the 1st century as the city of Alauna grew under Roman rule. It remained in use for roughly two centuries before falling into decline as Roman control over the region faded.
The baths show how Roman bathing culture spread even to the northern provinces, revealing that comfort and refinement reached far beyond the Mediterranean. Walking through the site, you can see where hot, warm, and cold pools were arranged, showing the daily rituals people followed.
The site is now an archaeological garden where the preserved ruins can be explored, maintained by local associations. Guided visits led by knowledgeable people help you understand the layout and the different bathing areas.
The ruins remained visible in the landscape continuously, meaning they were never completely forgotten since ancient times. This set them apart from many other Roman sites that required excavation to be rediscovered.
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