Grand offers a clear focus for a cultural getaway: its Gallo-Roman heritage can be explored through a mosaic, archaeological finds and the amphitheatre. The town also sits on a limestone plateau covered in forest. This combination gives you two distinct points of reference when planning your trip: the history of ancient sites and the landscape in which Grand is set. The archaeological themes range from intricate design to excavation findings.
Mosaic and ancient sanctuary
Grand was an important sanctuary in antiquity. The Grand mosaic is located in a basilica; its geometric design depicts two predators, a bear and a wild boar. The geometry and animal depictions give the artwork two clearly recognisable design elements. The mosaic and the basilica in which it is located were classified as historic monuments by decree on 19 January 1884. The classification also draws attention to the connection between a single work of art and its architectural setting.
An archaeological find from the village well
During excavations in a village well in Grand in 1967 and 1968, 188 ivory fragments were recovered at a depth of almost 8 metres; they proved to be two richly decorated diptychs. The well find is clearly distinct from the mosaic: its story is shaped by the findspot, depth and number of ivory fragments, while the mosaic’s geometric design and animal motifs take centre stage. Those interested in archaeology can therefore discover two different perspectives on Grand: a carefully crafted image and the recovery of numerous fragments that proved to be two diptychs.
Amphitheatre and excavations
The amphitheatre can be visited independently at any time via signposted paths. Check the current conditions before your visit. Excavations in the archaeological garden of the amphitheatre’s thermal baths uncovered a gallery 6 metres wide and more than 40 metres long. These measurements give the find a tangible sense of scale. They also show that the history of the amphitheatre can be explored not only through the structure itself, but also through excavations in the area of the thermal baths.
The Gallo-Roman trail
The Site gallo-romain de Grand invites you to explore the streets of Grand in the footsteps of the Gallo-Romans. For children, the trail is enhanced with mini-games and unusual facts; history and heritage are presented in a playful way. Alongside the individual finds and the mosaic, this offers a different approach: the themed trail turns the focus to the streets of Grand and how its heritage is presented. It therefore sets a different emphasis from looking at individual archaeological finds.
The landscape as a second point of reference
The forest-covered limestone plateau adds a landscape dimension to the historical themes. It describes Grand not as a single building, but as a place within a particular landscape. This gives you a clear profile to consider when planning your trip: you can focus on the archaeological remains while also taking the wooded plateau into account as part of the destination. When choosing Grand as a destination, you can weigh up whether your main interest is in ancient sites and finds, or also in the local landscape.
Discover more destinations: Les Voivres, Xonrupt-Longemer, Saint-Amé, Brechainville, Rouvres-En-Xaintois, Rupt-Sur-Moselle, Mirecourt, Ramonchamp
For the broader travel overview: Vosges.
