The Fondation Pierre Gianadda now rises in bold geometric shapes around the ruins. Inside are three separate collections, and the foundation itself sponsors high-profile, themed art exhibits. Recent temporary exhibitions have spotlighted works by Felix Vallonton, Claudel and Rodin, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Its permanent holdings include works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Picasso. The Musée Gallo-Romain displays Gallo-Roman relics excavated from a 1st-century temple: striking bronzes, statuary, pottery, and coins. A marked path leads through the antique village, baths, drainage systems, and foundations to the fully restored 5,000-seat amphitheater, which dates from the 2nd century. In the gracefully landscaped garden surrounding the foundation, a wonderful Parc de Sculpture displays works by Rodin, Brancusi, Miró, Calder, Moore, Dubuffet, and Max Ernst. There's also a sizable Musée de l'Automobile, which contains some 50 antique cars, all in working order. They include an 1897 Benz, the Delauneay-Belleville of Czar Nicholas II of Russia, and a handful of Swiss-made models.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>