Nimes

Nimes, a city in southern France, is known for its well-preserved Roman monuments. You can watch concerts in a 2,000-year-old amphitheater, walk around an ancient temple, or take a short trip to see a massive aqueduct. The city also has elegant gardens, lively festivals, and restaurants serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with local ingredients.

Roman Amphitheater

The Arena of Nimes, built around 70 AD, is a testament to Roman engineering and entertainment. This elliptical structure measures 133 meters long and 101 meters wide and once held up to 24,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and animal hunts. Today, you can climb the stone steps, explore the underground passages, and imagine the roar of ancient crowds. The arena still hosts concerts and events, including bullfights during the city's festivals.

Maison Carrée

The Maison Carrée, a Roman temple from the 1st century BC, stands in the center of Nimes. Its Corinthian columns and detailed friezes are prime examples of classical architecture. Inside, you can watch a short film about the history of Nimes and the temple. In 2023, UNESCO added the Maison Carrée to its World Heritage list, recognizing its cultural significance.

Jardins de la Fontaine

Stroll through the Jardins de la Fontaine, an 18th-century public park built around the original spring that drew Roman settlers. You'll see ornate balustrades, statues, and fountains in the terraced gardens. The park also contains the ruins of the Temple of Diana, and you can climb the Tour Magne for a view of Nimes. These gardens offer a calm space away from the city streets and combine Roman and 18th-century landscape design.

Musée de la Romanité

The Musée de la Romanité, opened in 2018, houses many Roman artifacts found in and around Nimes. The museum's modern facade, designed to look like a Roman toga, contrasts with the ancient amphitheater across the street. You can explore interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that explain the city's Roman past, from everyday objects to detailed mosaics and sculptures.

Local Cuisine

Nimes' food scene is influenced by its Mediterranean location and history. Try the city's signature dish, brandade de morue, a creamy puree of salt cod and olive oil, often served with crusty bread. At local markets, you'll find regional products like olive oil, truffles, and Pélardon goat cheese. Many restaurants serve dishes such as gardiane de taureau, a hearty beef stew, or pélardons chauds, warm goat cheese on toast. You can pair your meal with a glass of Costières de Nimes wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards since Roman times.

Festivals

Experience Nimes' lively atmosphere during its festivals. The Feria de Nîmes, held twice a year, fills the streets with flamenco music, dancing, and bullfighting events. During Les Grands Jeux Romains, hundreds of actors recreate gladiatorial combats and chariot races in the ancient arena. These events blend the city's cultural heritage with modern celebrations.

Getting to Nimes

You can reach Nimes by train, with high-speed TGV connections from Paris (about 3 hours) and other major French cities. The city also has a small airport with flights to several European destinations. If you're driving, you'll find Nimes off the A9 motorway, making it an easy stop on a tour of southern France.