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Top 10 Things to do in Nimes

Nimes was nicknamed the most Roman city outside Italy,聽the city聽is wealthy with history going back to the Roman Empire when the city was a regional capital, and home to 50,000鈥�60,000 people. There are quite a lot of聽legendary聽monuments such as the Arena of聽N卯mes听补苍诲 the Maison Carr茅e.

Nimes is worth visiting because of its beautiful old town and its gardens; it is also a perfect location for tour the Cevennes national park north of Nimes or the famous wetlands of the Camargue to the south.

There are numerous large historic sites and other sights to be discovered in this part of Mediterranean France. 聽Nimes is centrally situated along the main 麻豆APP – Lyon – Barcelona route, and also on the Mediterranean coastal route between Italy and Spain; it is also close to the border with Provence.

This city allows the tourist to make discoveries in the naturally beautiful landscapes south of France.

1. The Maison Carr茅e

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This is perhaps the best example left of a Roman temple, with a near-perfect facade. 26 m long, 15 m wide and 17 m high and built of local sandstone by Roman architects, the temple is a good example of Vitruvian architecture.

It is built in a classic Tuscan style, with a high podium that has a single inner chamber at one end and a deep porch and steps at the other.

You will be able t notice the stylistic differences in the mouldings, showing that even though the whole design was planned, each team had differences in how they executed their work, and patterns vary from one block to the next.

2. Experience Les Ar猫nes

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N卯mes鈥� twin-tiered amphitheatre is the best preserved in France.

It was built around 100 BC and the arena once seated 24,000 spectators and staged gladiator contests and public executions.

It’s still an impressive venue for concerts and events. There is an audio guide providing context as you explore the arena, seating areas, stairwells and corridors which was known to Romans as vomitoria.

Tourists can also view replicas of gladiator armor and original bullfighter costumes available in the museum.

It is fascinating how the architects ensured the amphitheatre鈥檚 oval design allowed everyone an unrestricted view. In ancient times, the amphitheatre had a sunshade that protected spectators from harsh weather.

3. Cross the bridge at Pont due Gard

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Visiting this bridge, one cannot fail to be awed by the towering Pont du Gard channel.

It is a remarkable accomplishment of Roman engineering and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Romans built the Pont-du-Gard bridge around 19 BC to carry water from a river in Uz猫s to N卯mes. One is able to swim in the river directly below it.

4. Mus茅e de la Romanit茅 (museum)

Opened in mid-2018, this revolutionary steel-and-glass structure faces Les Ar猫nes right in the heart of the city.

This modern museum is host to ancient archaeological exhibitions from the Nimes region. There are well over 5000 artefacts including mosaics and ceramics that have been preserved.

The museum was designed by French architect Elizabeth de Portzamparc and its undulating facade has fast become one of Nimes’ iconic landmarks.

5. Shop at Les Halles

This covered market has over 100 stalls and is the best place for supplies.

One can easily get local specialities including picholines 鈥� a local green olive and brandade (salt cod). There are also a couple of great eateries.

It is a vibrant, well-ordered market with an absolute abundance of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

6. Take a walk in the La Fontaine Garden

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This park dates back to the 17^th century. The Roman remains in this elegant garden include the 30 m-high Tour Magne, raised around 15 BC. The largest of a chain of towers conveying imperial power that once marked the city鈥檚 7 km-long Roman fortifications.

At the top of its 140 steps, an orientation table allows for a panoramic view over N卯mes.

The garden also home to the Source de la Fontaine; once the site of a spring, temple and baths and the collapsed Temple de Diane, located in the northwest corner.

7. Stroll along the Esplanade de Charles de Gaulle

Located close to Nimestrain station, one can walk straight along the pleasant tree-lined Avenue Feuch猫res, to the charming main square of Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle.

Dating back to the 16th century, it was initially a space for artillery practice and only became a central location for social life in the city in the 18th century.

At the center of this enthralling spot is the noticeably comprehensive Fontaine Pradier. It was built in 1851 and its central figure is supposed to be a symbol of the city of N卯mes, while the four statues surrounding here are said to represent the four main rivers of the region.

8. Place Gabriel P茅ri

On the edge of the charming old town lies the striking Place Gabriel P茅ri.

It is dominated by the stunning 19th-century neo-gothic Eglise Saint Baudile, the largest church in N卯mes, capable of holding up to 3,000 people.

To the left of this splendid structure, visitors will find the fascinating Porte d鈥橝uguste the remains of one of the main gates of the ancient Roman wall, evidence of when N卯mes was a protected imperial city.

There are two semi-circular towers that once flanked this extraordinary monument.

9. Dine and Wine at Place d’Assas

This square was redesigned in 1989 聽by the artist Martial Raysse. It is known for its interesting water feature.

It is quite a peaceful spot lined with pavement caf茅s and restaurants and chic bars with comfortable outdoor terraces.

In this huge square, there are Olive and cypress trees, a fountain and statues of the city’s founders鈥�.

10. The Denim connection Museum

Did you know that Nimes famous export was denim?

The fabric that is now a fashion statement globally was initially meant to provide protective clothing to workers.

Fun Fact:聽 the name denim was shortened from 鈥渟erge de Nimes鈥� the fabric itself, and the name jeans came from the blue dye that was used to color the trousers 鈥淕enoa鈥�.