- The Arena of Nimes is better preserved than the Colosseum in Rome—you can still see shows there.
- Maison Carree is the only fully preserved temple of the ancient world—it looks brand new.
- Jardins de la Fontaine is a beautiful 18th-century park built around Roman ruins.
- Pont du Gard (huge Roman aqueduct) is a short drive away and a UNESCO site.
- The Feria de Nimes brings bullfighting and parties to the streets twice a year.
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When to go: Spring or Autumn
May, June, and September are perfect. It's warm and sunny.
Summer (July-August) is very hot. Ferias (Pentecost and September) are wild parties.
- Best: May-Jun, Sep.
- Feria: Party time.
- Summer: Hot.
Getting there: Train
Nimes has a TGV station (Nimes Pont du Gard or Nimes Centre). It's 3 hours from Paris.
Nimes Airport (FNI) is small (Ryanair). Montpellier Airport is close too.
- Train: TGV.
- Airport: FNI or MPL.
- Bus: Shuttle to center.
Where to stay: Near the Arena
Stay in the Ecusson (historic center) near the Arena or Maison Carree.
It's all walkable.
- Ecusson: Central.
- Arena: Views.
- Station: Convenient.
What to see: Romans everywhere
Buy a pass for the Arena, Maison Carree, and Tour Magne. Climb the Tour Magne for views.
Visit the Musee de la Romanite (modern museum opposite the ancient arena).
- Arena: Gladiator site.
- Maison Carree: Temple.
- Tour Magne: Tower.
- Museum: Roman history.
Food: Brandade and Olives
Brandade de Nimes is a salt cod puree (delicious on toast). Picholine olives are local.
Gardiane de Taureau is a bull meat stew (often served with rice from Camargue).
- Brandade: Cod puree.
- Gardiane: Bull stew.
- Olives: Green Picholine.
- Wine: Costieres de Nimes.
Getting around: Walk
The center is pedestrianized. You can walk everywhere.
Buses take you to the Pont du Gard.
- Walk: Easy.
- Bus: To Pont du Gard.
- Car: Not needed in city.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Provence's coast. Good value for history.
The Roman Pass saves money.
- Pass: Save money.
- Food: Reasonable.
- Hotels: Mid-range.
1 Day in Nimes
Morning: Arena of Nimes. Musee de la Romanite.
Lunch: Brandade in a square.
Afternoon: Maison Carree. Walk through Jardins de la Fontaine up to Tour Magne.
Evening: Dinner near the Arena.
- Morning: Gladiators.
- Lunch: Local food.
- Afternoon: Gardens.
- Evening: Sunset.
FAQ
Is denim really from here?
Yes! 'De Nimes' became 'Denim'. It was a sturdy fabric made here.
Is bullfighting legal?
Yes, it's a local tradition. But you don't have to watch it.
Is it safe?
Yes, generally safe.