Not exactly the kind of arena you would find in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator: the scooped-out space of “Lutece,” ancient name of Paris, are not impressive. But for a glimpse of the capital’s Roman past, the trip is worth it. You can still see the remains of an amphitheater built around the end of the first century A.D as a site of gladiator contests and theatrical performances—one of the largest amphitheaters of Roman Gaul with over a 15,000-person capacity.

Rediscovered in the mid-19th century during the building of the nearby rue Monge, this leafy park is now enjoyed by pétanque and soccer players rather than gladiatorial games. To many residents, the “arenes de Lutece” is an inevitable and peaceful retreat of the French capital.