Deep in the south of France, Provence offers an almost predictable palette of travel experiences: oceans of vineyards, fields of scented lavender, adorable villages and intoxicating bouillabaisse. Most Roman towns in Provence had a theater (some had several), baths, and aqueducts; the most important places had sports arenas. Impressive physical remains — especially its stately temple and majestic arena — testify to Nimes’ former importance. Wherever they went, the Romans impressed the “barbaric” locals with massive engineering projects. Another fine Roman legacy in Provence is the open-air theater in Orange (another popular retirement town for army officers). When a trove of ancient sculptures and bronzes was discovered underwater a few years ago, scuba-diving archaeologists had to haul them out at night to keep the site hidden from poachers. The evocative Roman ruins you’ll see there make history an essential part of the picnic of the good life in France. Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television.