A dive into the hidden history of Fréjus
Start your journey at the Archaeological Museum, where each artifact tells the story of the life and excitement of the ancient city. Statues, mosaics, wall frescoes… so many preserved treasures that take you back to the glory days of Fréjus, all in a charming medieval setting.
Then, prepare to descend into the fascinating depths of the crypt, where the secrets of Roman engineers await you. You will discover one of the best-preserved Roman fishponds in the world, a jewel that literally immerses you in Antiquity, several meters underground!
Two monuments for two atmospheres!
Preserved in a splendid medieval setting, it is impossible to remain unmoved by the magnificent collections of the archaeological museum: statues, mosaics and wall frescoes are proudly displayed and remind us that archaeology is a very much alive discipline in Fréjus!
The proof: the visit continues towards the archaeological crypt where you will admire one of the latest finds of the archaeologists, one of the best preserved fishponds of the Roman world, a unique monument which takes you into the past in the literal sense of the term since it is located several meters underground!
Departure of the visit from the Fréjus Tourist Office.
For groups, a guided tour is also possible on the date and time of your choice. Information from the Tourist Office.
No guided tours the week of January 13, 2025. Tours will resume from Monday, January 20, 2025.
Wednesdays at 14:30 p.m.
In July and August, Wednesdays at 15:00 p.m.
The prices of “Archaeological Museum and the Roman Fishpond Crypt”
| Categories | Admission fees |
|---|---|
| Full price | €8 |
| Reduced rate (12-17 years old) | €5 |
| Less than 12 years | Free |
Step 1: the archaeological museum
The Archaeological Museum of Fréjus is a must-see place to discover the rich and thousand-year-old history of the city, once called “Forum Julii” under the Roman Empire. Located in the historic center, it houses an impressive collection of ancient remains discovered in the region, which testify to the importance of Fréjus during the Roman period.
The museum exhibits a variety of objects: sculptures, mosaics, ceramics, tools and coins, offering an overview of daily life at the time. One of the museum's most remarkable treasures is a bronze statue of Minerva, an exceptional work for its rarity and state of preservation. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers valuable insight into Roman urban planning with maps and models, including that of the amphitheater and the aqueduct that supplied the city with water.
Step 2: discovery of the Roman fishpond of Fréjus: an archaeological treasure saved by the city
In 2008, a real hidden treasure was revealed: during a preventive excavation operation, As part of a real estate project, archaeologists from Fréjus discovered a remarkably well-preserved Roman fishpond, an exceptional example of Roman ingenuity.
Thanks to a partnership between the City, the State and the developer, this unique site is protected and integrated into an archaeological crypt, now open to the public.
This immersion into the bowels of the city allows you to explore *one of the best-preserved fishponds of the Roman world, offering a fascinating journey into the ancient history of Fréjus.
Archaeology and construction sites: preserving the past to better build the future
In Fréjus, each real estate project is an opportunity to preserve traces of a buried past, essential to the history of the city.
Since 2001, France has implemented strict preventive archaeology laws to safeguard sites threatened by construction.
In Fréjus, nearly 70% of the territory is affected by archaeological zoning, requiring careful monitoring of each site.
Since its accreditation in 2003, the Archaeology Department has carried out more than a hundred diagnostics and excavations, sometimes revealing unsuspected remains such as the Roman fishpond.
Through this meticulous work, the history of Fréjus continues to be revealed, bearing witness to a city in constant dialogue with its roots and where past and future coexist to bring a unique heritage to life.
Why choose the "archaeological museum and crypt of the Roman Vovoer" tour? Advice from Jérémy Haverbeque, tour guide at the Fréjus Tourist Office
For Jérémy, our tour guide, this visit is the ideal opportunity to discover Fréjus from a new angle:
- To go back to the origins of Fréjus and get a taste of the fabulous treasures unearthed by our passionate archaeologists.
- And to explore a mysterious Roman monument, well hidden underground, which is only revealed to the curious!
