Ancient Roman sites in Les Andelys, Roman archaeological site in Les Andelys, France

The Gallo-Roman theatre of Les Câteliers in Les Andelys is a ruined spectacle building with a diameter of 120 m, one of the largest in Gaul. It faces south on a slope above the Gambon and Paix valleys. Only sections of the perimeter and stage walls remain, with buttresses and a core of flint set in mortar faced with limestone.

The theatre was built during the early centuries CE, showing the long-lasting Roman presence in northern France. The site received protected monument status in 1928, marking its recognition as an important archaeological legacy.

The ruins reflect how Romans built spaces for public gatherings in this part of Gaul, showing the importance of shared entertainment in daily life. The location on the hillside suggests how such venues were integrated into the community's rhythm and geography.

The theatre lies about 1.3 km north of the centre of Les Andelys, on the high ground of the Câteliers above the Gambon and Paix valleys. The remains are fossilised under dense vegetation, with sondages left unfilled and part of the walls still visible; the ground is uneven and there are no marked paths or facilities. Bring sturdy shoes and be careful near the exposed masonry.

The theatre's construction reveals how Roman builders used natural slopes as building foundations for their entertainment venues. This clever approach allowed them to create large seating areas without needing extensive artificial support structures.