Roman aqueduct of Fréjus - Fréjus Tourist Office

Over 42 kilometers, the Roman aqueduct of Fréjus has a height difference of 481 meters and crosses 36 aqueduct bridges.
This monumental work is a true masterpiece of ancient engineering. It arouses the admiration of the curious, lovers of Antiquity and poets.
Thus, Victor Hugo, impressed, wrote in his notebooks: "The aqueduct, new and complete, was magnificent two thousand years ago."
He added: "However, this gigantic collapse, spread over the whole plain, is just as beautiful. Ivy and brambles hang from these magnificences of Rome and of time.

The Roman aqueduct of Fréjus: a masterpiece of Roman engineering

The term "aqueduct" comes from the Latin aquae ductus, literally meaning "water conduit". The Romans, undisputed masters of the transport of this essential resource, meticulously chose each city location according to the availability of water. This aqueduct is made up of two catchments: the Foux spring in Montauroux and the Siagnole spring in Mons. The water, drawn from the foot of the limestone cliffs at an altitude of 515 metres, travelled 42 kilometres to Fréjus, to reach the highest point of the city, the water tower (or castellum divisorium) located on the Moulin à Vent hill.

The aqueduct in a few figures

The building includes 36 aqueduct bridges, 28 of which are located in the Reyran Valley.

A remarkable passage of this work is found at Roche Taillée, where a canal 50 metres long and 20 metres deep was carved directly into the rock, testifying to the scale of the resources involved.

From the Roman aqueduct to the fountain of the 4 parts of the world

The history of water in Fréjus

Built during the second half of the 1st century, the Fréjus aqueduct served the city for more than four centuries.

Largely underground for safety and hygiene reasons, it includes a conduit, or specus.

This conduit, made of regular block masonry, measures approximately 1,60 meters in height and 0,70 meters in width.

Some sections, such as the Sénéquier arches, reveal doubled aqueduct bridges to increase the solidity of the structure.

Listed as a Historic Monument since July 12, 1886, the aqueduct has undergone numerous restorations, notably in 1941 and 2018.

Thus, Fréjus has never ceased to remember this precious source of water.

Moreover, in 1894, a fountain dedicated to the four parts of the world was inaugurated on the Place du Cours.

This fountain celebrated the return of running water and used part of the Roman remains to re-route the water.

It therefore strengthens Fréjus’ attachment to this unique heritage.

Today, the fountain of the four parts of the world, located on the roundabout of Place Paul Vernet, goes beyond a simple decorative monument.

It embodies the continuing history of Fréjus' water supply and its link with the Roman aqueduct.

For years, I have often walked near the aqueduct, and each time, it is a real joy to see these imposing arches. It is quite crazy to think that a structure built by the Romans more than two thousand years ago is still there, standing, today. When I stop there, I get this little thrill, that of telling myself that we are touching a piece of history. In addition, in these periods when water becomes more and more precious, we understand even better the importance of this network for the city at the time, and today, it reminds us that we must preserve this fragile resource.

Antoine, a Frejusian in love with his city’s heritage

How to get to the Roman aqueduct of Fréjus?

The Fréjus aqueduct is easily accessible from the city center. Here are some options to get there:

By car : If you are driving, the aqueduct is located 1,5 kilometers from the center of Fréjus. There are parking lots nearby.
On foot or by bike : close to the city center, the aqueduct can be easily visited on foot or by bike.
By public transport : Local bus lines serve Fréjus and its surroundings. You can take a bus to a stop near the city center, then walk to the aqueduct.