Arènes de Lutèce: Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, opening hours and access

Updated on October 7, 2026

The Arènes de Lutèce, at 4 rue des Arènes (5th arrondissement), are a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre hidden behind the buildings of rue Monge, in a square open free of charge to the public. Together with the Cluny baths, they are, according to the City of Paris, the only buildings from Roman times preserved in the capital. They were discovered in 1869 when rue Monge was cut through. Allow 20 to 30 minutes, longer if you stay on to enjoy the square.

Highlights

The Gallo-Roman amphitheatre

Its semicircular tiers surround a large earthen arena, where local residents now play pétanque, a use permitted by the City of Paris. The site can be visited freely, without a ticket.

Rediscovery and rescue

Uncovered in 1869 during the Haussmann-era works on rue Monge, the arenas were saved thanks to the efforts of figures among whom the City of Paris names Victor Hugo and Victor Duruy. The square opened in 1892 and restoration continued until 1918.

Square Capitan

Next to the arenas, it has borne the name of the anthropologist Louis Capitan (1854-1929) since 1931. It has a children's play area and lawns open outside the winter rest periods. Dogs are not allowed.

Practical info

Tips

Entry is free and needs no booking; dogs are not allowed. Extend your visit with the baths of the musée de Cluny, Paris's other major Roman remain, and with our guide to the Latin Quarter. The Grand Mosque of Paris is very close.

How to get there

4 rue des Arènes, 75005 Paris; there is also an entrance on rue Monge. Métro Jussieu (lines 7 and 10), Cardinal Lemoine (line 10) or Cuvier – Jardin des Plantes (line 7); a Vélib' station is about 120 m away.