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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Nimes: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Nimes
- Nîmes, blessed with a warm southern sun and a rich cultural heritage, appears unafraid of the passage of time.
- The city is littered with Roman monuments, some of which are among the best preserved in France.
- With many pleasant tree-lined streets and fountain-adorned public squares, the historic center has an appealing old-world atmosphere.
- Outdoor cafés dot the city's cobblestone pedestrian areas, adding to the charm.
- Nîmes is known for its festivals and has a lively atmosphere. During the summer, the magnificent ancient Roman Amphitheater hosts outstanding cultural performances and concerts, and Thursday evening market events feature jazz, blues, and flamenco music.
- Nîmes, once one of Gaul's wealthiest towns, is now known for its numerous Roman ruins, most of which are in excellent condition.
- The massive amphitheatre, which is an ellipse (440 by 330 feet [135 by 100 metres]) and stands 69 feet (21 metres) high, was most likely built in the first century ce to seat 24,000 people.
- International Airport: Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes Airport(FNI)
- Population: 146 709
- Currency: Euro
- Time: UTC+01:00
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: French
- Religion: Roman Catholic
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Nimes
- The Arènes (Amphitheater) dates from the first century AD and is a testament to Nîmes' remarkable ancient Roman heritage.
- The Maison Carrée is one of the best places to see ancient Roman architecture in all of its glory.
- The Jardins de la Fontaine (Source Gardens) were built in the 18th century as part of a project to beautify Nîmes.
- The Musée de la Romanité, which opened in 2018, breathes new life into the former Museum of Archaeology.
- The Flamenco Festival, which takes place in January and features flamenco dance, classic flamenco song, and flamenco guitar performances, is another event with a Spanish flavor.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Nimes
- Nimes experiences its most pleasant weather in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- The warmest months are typically July and August.
- January and February are the coldest months.
- October and November are the wettest months.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Nimes
The Ancient Roman Amphitheater
- The Arènes (Amphitheater) dates from the first century AD and is a testament to Nîmes' remarkable ancient Roman heritage.
- This impressive 133-meter by 101-meter outdoor theater, located in the heart of town, is one of the best preserved of all the existing Roman amphitheaters.
- The Nîmes Amphitheater was built to accommodate 24,000 spectators, with 124 exits allowing the entire audience to exit in a matter of minutes.
- The facade, which features 60 graceful arches adorned with Doric columns, is embellished with intricate details.
- In the 5th century, the Amphitheater was converted into a fortress, and during the Middle Ages, it was transformed into a knight's castle.
- The monument has recently been restored to its original purpose.
- Cultural events and festivals are now held at the Amphitheater.
- The Arènes hosts Les Grands Jeux Romains, a reenactment of Roman-era public games, in April or early May (unless otherwise noted).
- Chariot racing, gladiatorial combats, and a procession of Roman soldiers are all part of the show, which is presented with historical accuracy and authentically styled battle gear.
Maison Carrée
- Along with the Pantheon in Rome, this magnificent structure is one of the few fully preserved classical Roman temples in the world.
- The Maison Carrée was dedicated to Caius and Lucius Caesar, Emperor Augustus' adopted son and grandson, and was built between 20 and 12 BC during his reign.
- The Maison Carrée features harmonious classical proportions, inspired by the temples of Apollo and Mars Ultor in Rome.
- The Maison Carrée, with its massive dimensions of 26 meters long by 15 meters high, is one of the best places to visit for a glimpse of ancient Roman architecture's grandeur.
- The facade of the monument is the most impressive feature, with tall Corinthian columns adorned with acanthus and a 15-step staircase leading up to the porticoed pronaos (entrance to the temple).
- The temple was used as a convent during the middle Ages before becoming state property during the French Revolution.
- The monument was restored in the 18th century, and more recently, from 2006 to 2008, it was renovated.
- The Maison Carrée has been restored to its former glory after three years of work by sculptors and stone masons.
- The temple's interior is now also used to show a multimedia presentation about Nîmes' history.
Jardins de la Fontaine
- This serene green space, which is situated on the site of an ancient spring, is ideal for leisurely strolls. On a trip through the city, the park provides a welcome change of scenery.
- Tourists will also appreciate the fact that it is not far from other attractions. The Jardins de la Fontaine are only a 10-minute walk from the Maison Carrée.
- The Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Source), which are adorned with monumental vases and Baroque-style statues, were built as part of a project to beautify Nîmes in the 18th century. The former fortified ramparts were surrounded by richly ornamented gardens.
- The gardens are divided into several levels. Visitors will eventually come across the ruins of the Roman-era Temple de Diane by exploring the water basins and waterways.
- The exact function of this mysterious temple is unknown; it could have been the sanctuary of a sacred spring or part of a bath complex.
- Mont Cavalier, a verdant area of subtropical plants and shady footpaths, is located behind the Jardins de la Fontaine.
- The 36-meter-tall Tour Magne, with 140 steps to the top, stands on the summit.
- The Tour Magne, which is now a Historic Monument, dates from 15 BC and was once part of the city's ancient ramparts. During the Roman era, the tower was part of a defensive wall that surrounded the town.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Nimes Off the Beaten Track
The city center
- The city center, also known as "L'Ecusson" ("the Crest"), is Nîmes' historic district and one of the city's most prominent areas.
- It houses most of the historical monuments visited by millions of tourists every year, including the arenas, the Maison carrée, the Augustus Gate, and the Clock Tower, which was the birthplace of the famous writer Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897).
- The city center's narrow winding streets, which are dotted with small friendly bars and restaurants as well as a plethora of other small shops, exude a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
- Don't miss the Museum of Old Nîmes, the brand-new Museée de la Romanité, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Arena (obviously), the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor, and a stroll along the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle to round out your day.
- The city center of Nîmes is a convenient and beautiful place to stay, but it is also very popular with tourists.
- If you want to do and see everything in NÎmes on foot, the city center is the best place to stay.
La Placette
- La Placette, a small district west of L'Ecusson, is Nîmes' working-class district, with a strong Protestant and Gypsy identity.
- Locals here live to the sounds of flamenco and pursue their hobbies of petanque and bullfighting.
- As you walk through the neighborhood's alleys, you feel as if you've entered another world: a small authentic village nestled in the heart of the city, where everyone knows everyone else.
- La Placette is a calm and in Nîmes if you want to get away from the bustling and touristy heart of the city's historic center.
Cadereau
- The Cadereau, which is crossed by Avenue Jean Jaurès and the Quai de la Fontaine, runs west of the city.
- The Jardins de la Fontaine (the Fountain Gardens) – home to the Roman Baths – and the Magne Tower are both located in this residential area near the city center.
- Cadereau exudes a shopping-friendly and festive atmosphere thanks to its abundance of bars, restaurants, and shops of all kinds.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Nimes Culture and Traditions
- The city of Nîmes, always passionate about architecture, has been able to equip itself over the centuries with cultural facilities of the highest order, thanks to its important Roman heritage, which has been remarkably preserved.
- One of the most recent and prestigious examples is the Carré d'Art, an audacious glass architecture by architect Norman Foster that brings together a library and a Museum of Contemporary Art on the old forum opposite the Maison Carrée.
- Nîmes, designated as a City of Art and History, hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year in its five museums and municipal galleries.
- This cultural dynamic includes the School of Fine Arts and the Conservatory, which provide a diverse artistic education as well as concerts and exhibitions. In addition to its two major Ferias at Pentecost and Harvest, Nîmes has a very diverse entertainment offer, with major concerts held in arenas with capacities of up to 13,000 spectators!
- A high-quality theatrical program is also offered in three rooms: the Nîmes Theater, the Christian Liger Theater, and the Odéon, as well as a musical program in Paloma, the new current music equipment.
- Finally, events like the Biography Festival, the European Comics Fair, Music at the Cloister, and others have established themselves as must-attend cultural events in the city.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Nimes: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Tavel
#Food
- Tavel is a dry rosé wine appellation in the southern Rhône region of France. Grenache Noir is the primary grape used in these full-bodied and aromatic rosés, but Cinsault, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Mourvèdre, Picpoul, and Syrah are also used frequently.
- Tavel wines are typically pink when young, but as they age, they become deep pink with gold or amber hues.
- They're fruity and floral, with notes and aromas of red berries, stone fruits, and occasionally subtle almond undertones.
- They usually develop more complex notes of ripe fruit, toasted almonds, and spices as they age.
Oignon Doux des Cévennes
#Food
- The Oignon doux des Cévennes is a unique sweet onion grown in the Gard region of France, which is known for its rugged terrain, light, parasite-resistant soils, and Mediterranean climate with dry summers and heavy rainfall.
- With an elongated bulb and delicate, translucent skin, the onions are pearly white to almost copper in color.
- The flesh is firm, juicy, and crunchy on the inside, with well-balanced flavors. When the onion is eaten raw, the flavors are sweet and mild, with hints of honey.
- It's also great in the kitchen, where it's used to make a delicious onion tart or a savory, thick onion soup with bread, pepper, olive oil, and Gruyére cheese.
Huile d'olive de Nîmes
#Food
- Huile d'olive de Nîmes is a fruity olive oil with a distinct flavor made primarily from the Picholine variety of olives grown in the Gard region of France, where the Mediterranean climate and limestone and clay soil benefit the olive trees.
- Négrette and Noirette are two other common olive tree varieties, and all trees must be at least five years old if the olives are to be used in the production of Huile d'olive de Nîmes.
- Nîmes oil is known for its strong, intense flavors, which can include hints of bitterness.
Les Halles
#Fashion
- Shopping enthusiasts and gourmets alike appreciate the city's largest market, Les Halles, which is located in the heart of the city.
- There are shopping pavilions there that sell the most popular regional products. Popular cheeses and meat delicacies, as well as always available seasonal vegetables and fruits, should be noted at the market.
- Fresh pastries, seafood, and popular sweets are available at other stands. Locals make up the majority of the market's visitors.
- Every day, the market is open, and on the eve of major holidays, you can find some unique items.
La Tabletterie
#Fashion
- La Tabletterie is a historically significant store that has been appropriately decorated.
- It has been selling chocolate and confections for decades.
- All of the sweets are made by hand using unique recipes.
- Visitors can sample a variety of sweet products before making a purchase.
- Tourists who are on a budget will appreciate the prices for classic chocolate bars, while those who are wealthy will be able to select the most beautiful fancy chocolate.
La Galerie
#Fashion
- The La Galerie - Cap Costières shopping center in Nimes is the city's largest.
- Its size isn't particularly impressive, but within its confines you'll find shops catering to every conceivable interest.
- Fashion boutiques, perfume and jewelry stores, as well as pavilions selling children's items and souvenirs, are among them.
- The price range is wide, and the majority of the stores in the mall cater to local residents.
Parc Panda Rope Town
#Fun
- Parc Panda Rope Town invites visitors to enjoy themselves by climbing the ropes and attempting various levels of routes.
- Everyone, regardless of age or skill level, will enjoy themselves here. Aquatropic Water Park is a great place for a family outing.
- Indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, wonderful sunbathing areas, cafes, and picnic areas are all available.
- The swimming complex is known for its tranquil atmosphere, which makes the time fly by.
- Piscine Nemausa is another well-kept and spotless swimming pool.
TimeXperience
#Fun
- TimeXperience is one of the most popular clubs, with several unique plots to choose from, such as unraveling the mystery of the "melody of death" discovered by a composer in the early twentieth century, escaping from prison, or sniffing out a double spy.
- X Scape Nîmes has a variety of scenarios to choose from, including rooms with post-apocalyptic and historical themes.
- Those who decide to play Palindrome Escape Game will be treated to even more exciting adventures.
- A historical room based on the 1944 WWII Invasion of Normandy, as well as a mystical escape room, are available at this center.
Le Semaphore
#Fun
- Nimes invites its visitors to visit its numerous nightclubs and bars after dark.
- The city center is home to the most popular nighttime entertainment venues.
- Tourists will find a variety of restaurants and cinemas in close proximity to popular nightclubs, the most recent of which are the Forum and Cinema Le Semaphore.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Nimes: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- The Gardon Gorge is a 20-kilometer long nature reserve that runs between Nimes and Uzes.
- The Gardon River has carved a deep canyon out of the limestone rocks, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation.
- There are several hiking trails that wind their way through the gorge and the surrounding plateaux.
- The cave of Saint Baume is visited on a popular walk; a torch is recommended!
- There are rock climbing routes and a Via Ferrata, as well as canoeing down the river.
- Mountain biking is also permitted (albeit on more difficult routes), and you can cool off with a swim in one of the river's bathing areas.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Nimes Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Throughout the year, the town hosts lively festivals, such as the Féria de Pentecôte (Pentecost Festival), which features bullfights, parades, concerts, street food, and equestrian shows over several days.
- Les Grands Jeux Romains recreates ancient Roman circus games at the Arènes, usually in April or May.
- The Musique au Cloitre (Music at the Cloister) event takes place on two evenings in August and features classical music concerts at the elegant 18th-century Cloitre des Jésuites, an exceptional venue for musical performances.
- In July and August, a special event called Les Jeudis de Nîmes takes place every Thursday evening.
- The annual Festival de Nîmes brings a series of music concerts to the Arènes in June and July, featuring well-known pop musicians and rock stars.
- At the end of November, the travelling Chicago Blues Festival makes an appearance in Nîmes.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Nimes Holiday
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Places similar to Nimes to visit
Places similar to Nimes to visit