Jublains - Roman Settlement

Jublains, located in the Mayenne department of north western France, is an archaeological site rich with Roman history. Originally the capital of the Diablintes, a Gallic tribe, Jublains (formerly Noviodunum) grew into a significant Roman town by 65 AD. It featured a theatre, public baths, a temple, and a fortress, much of which is still visible today.

The site includes some of the best-preserved Roman fortifications in France, with notable ruins like the baths, which were later converted into a church in the 5th century. A local museum showcases various artifacts from excavations, including detailed models of the ancient town layout.

Jublains' history offers a vivid glimpse into Roman urban planning and life, as well as the strategic importance of this location, which once lay on a key route connecting the Loire Valley and the English Channel

Ten facts about Jublains:

1. Ancient Capital: Jublains, originally known as Noviodunum, was the capital of the Diablintes, a Gallic tribe, before becoming a significant Roman town​.

2. Roman Ruins: The site contains well-preserved ruins of a Roman theatre, temple, fortress, and public baths, making it one of France's most important Roman archaeological sites​.

3. Roman Fort: Jublains boasts one of the best-preserved Roman fortifications in France, with a large fortress that served as a defense against pirates and revolts.

4. Theatre: The remains of two Roman theatres’ can be seen, with the second being built directly on top of the first during the 1st century AD.

5. Public Baths: The Roman baths in Jublains were converted into a church in the 5th century, and their remains can still be visited today.

6. Archaeological Museum: Jublains has a state-of-the-art archaeological museum displaying numerous artifacts from the Roman period, including a model of the ancient town​.

7. Christianity's Influence: With the spread of Christianity in the 5th century, Roman structures like the baths were adapted for religious purposes​.

8. Strategic Location: Jublains was positioned on a key route between the Loire Valley and the English Channel, which contributed to its development as a political and economic centre​.

9. Gallo-Roman Legacy: The urban planning of Jublains follows a typical Roman orthogonal layout with clearly defined insulae (city blocks)​

10. Ongoing Research: Systematic excavations in the 1990s revealed much about Jublains' urban layout and Roman influence, and the site continues to be an area of archaeological interest​.

Jublains is an ideal destination for those interested in Roman history and ancient architecture.

Helpful tips for your visit to Jublains

Plan for a Full Day: Jublains is a small town, but there are several important Roman sites like the fortress, theatre, temple, and baths, plus the Musée de Jublains, which could take a full day to explore.

1. Visit the Museum First: Start at the Musée de Jublains to get an overview of the Roman town and its history. The museum offers exhibits on the ancient city's layout, daily life, and artifacts found in the area. It provides useful context for your tour of the ruins​.

2. Take a Guided Tour: If available, join a guided tour to get in-depth information about the significance of each site. These tours can bring the ruins to life with historical context and anecdotes​.

3. Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes: The ruins are spread out, and you’ll be walking through grassy areas, so comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the different locations​.

4. Check Opening Hours: Be sure to check the opening hours of the museum and the archaeological sites. Some areas may have limited hours, especially outside of peak tourist season.

5. Combine with Nearby Sites: After Jublains, visit nearby attractions like the Château de Mayenne or the town of Laval, both of which are steeped in history and only a short drive away​.

6. Pack a Picnic: There are some beautiful open spaces around the ruins where you can relax and enjoy a picnic, especially near the remains of the Roman town​.

7. Explore with Kids: Jublains is family-friendly, with open spaces and areas for children to explore. The museum also offers interactive displays for younger visitors​.

8. Respect the Archaeological Site: Many of the structures are delicate, so it’s important to stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on ruins​.

9. Photography: Bring your camera, as the site offers great opportunities for capturing photos of ancient Roman architecture and scenic countryside​.