Discover the Nîmes Gastronomy Fair
Nîmes, the French Rome, has more to offer than its exceptional ancient monuments. This Gallo-Roman city is also a key gastronomic destination in the South of France, regularly hosting exceptional culinary events. From innovative Mediterranean festivals to age-old traditions, the city offers gourmets a range of culinary experiences that celebrate both the authenticity of the Languedoc region and its openness to world cuisine.
Fest’in Med, the flagship festival of Mediterranean cuisine
The Fest’in Med festival is one of Nîmes’ top gastronomic events. Held every year at the end of September, this unique culinary event celebrates the richness and diversity of cuisines from around the Mediterranean. For its second edition in 2025, the event was held from 26 to 28 September, transforming the historic centre of Nîmes into a veritable theatre of flavours.
The Fest’in Med concept is based on a remarkable collaborative approach: ten Nîmes chefs, from different backgrounds and cultures, offer their own gastronomic vision of the Mediterranean in their respective establishments. These restaurateurs draw their inspiration from emblematic food products from around the Mediterranean, with a flagship product in the spotlight each year. In 2025, rice was the star of the show, in all its forms.
The event is not limited to the tables of partner restaurants. It extends into the city with a book fair dedicated to Mediterranean cuisine at the Hôtel Boudon (21 rue des Greffes, 30000 Nîmes, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 280 reviews), Mediterranean jazz concerts and culminates in a convivial banquet on Sunday lunchtime in the foyer Albaric. This holistic approach makes Fest’in Med much more than just a gastronomic fair: it’s a genuine cultural celebration.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Nîmes on foot and on your own
Your presence at a gastronomic event in Nîmes is the perfect opportunity to explore this thousand-year-old city and its architectural treasures. Our audio tour of Nîmes guides you through 26 exceptional places of interest, from the famous Roman Arena to the Tour Magne, via the Jardins de la Fontaine and the Maison Carrée. Between two wine tastings, let yourself be carried away by this cultural stroll that reveals the secrets of French Rome.
See also the Nîmes guide :
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Nîmes
- Top 6 things to do in Nîmes
- The 9 most beautiful villages to discover around Nîmes
OXITANIA and other gastronomic events in Nîmes
Nîmes also boasts other major gastronomic events, such as the OXITANIA trade fair, dedicated to Occitan wines and gastronomy. Held at the Parc Expo de Nîmes (avenue du Languedoc, 30900 Nîmes, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 1,200 reviews), this event showcases the wine and food producers of the Occitanie region.
Its proximity to Alès also means that Nîmes residents can take advantage of the famous MIAM fair, one of the biggest gastronomy and local produce fairs in the Gard. Held every year in November, the event attracts over 250 exhibitors and is a must for fans of regional specialities.
Les Halles de Nîmes, the temple of local gastronomy
In the heart of the city, Les Halles de Nîmes (4 rue Guizot, 30000 Nîmes, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 890 reviews) is the city’s permanent gastronomic showcase. This covered market, with its many stalls, offers visitors an authentic immersion in the flavours of the Languedoc region. The stallholders are passionate about selling their regional produce, from Cévennes goat’s cheese to brandade de morue, not forgetting the region’s famous olives.
When to visit Nîmes’ gastronomic events
Nîmes’ gastronomic calendar is spread out throughout the year, with highlights depending on the season. The Fest’in Med festival takes place at the end of September, an ideal time to take advantage of the last fine days and the end-of-summer produce. This is also a great time to explore the city in comfort, thanks to our audio-guided tour of Nîmes, which reveals the treasures of ancient Nemausus.
Autumn also marks the harvest period, particularly celebrated at the Feria des Vendanges in September, when gastronomy and bullfighting traditions combine in a unique festive atmosphere. The Arènes de Nîmes (Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 15,200 reviews) then becomes the setting for exceptional shows and tastings.
Gastronomic specialities to discover
Nîmes’ gastronomic events systematically feature local specialities, reflecting a rich and varied terroir. Cod brandade, the city’s culinary emblem, takes pride of place on the tables of the various shows. Made from desalted cod, olive oil and garlic, it is a testament to the Mediterranean influence on local cuisine.
Picholine, the small green olives typical of the Gard region, are a popular accompaniment, as are Pélardon, the AOC goat’s cheese from the nearby Cévennes. Costières de Nîmes wines, the only Nîmes appellation, are the perfect complement to these traditional dishes at the city’s various gastronomic events.
Mediterranean influence in the salons of Nîmes
Nîmes’ privileged geographical position, at the gateway to the Camargue and close to the Mediterranean, is strongly reflected in the orientation of its gastronomic events. The Fest’in Med festival is a perfect illustration of this cultural openness, offering a culinary journey to the different shores of the Mediterranean, from Spain to Morocco, via Italy and Greece.
This Mediterranean diversity is expressed through the use of common ingredients: olive oil, Provençal herbs, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers. The chefs taking part in the various Nîmes gastronomic shows excel in the art of marrying these ancestral flavours with contemporary culinary techniques.
Visit Nîmes during your gastronomic break
A gastronomic holiday in Nîmes would not be complete without discovering the city’s exceptional heritage. Between two tastings, our Navaway itinerary invites you to explore the remains of ancient Nemausus. Start with the legendary Arena, the best-preserved amphitheatre in the world, where gladiatorial combat took place almost 2000 years ago.
Continue on to the Maison Carrée (Place de la Maison Carrée, 30000 Nîmes, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 8,700 reviews), a perfectly preserved Roman temple that bears witness to the city’s past grandeur. The Jardins de la Fontaine, listed as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, offer a cool interlude ideal for digesting the tasty dishes enjoyed at gastronomic events.
This combined approach allows you to fully grasp the soul of Nîmes: a city where the Mediterranean art of living is nurtured by an exceptional historical heritage. Food lovers will find not only authentic flavours, but also a grandiose architectural setting that enhances every culinary experience.
Practical information for gastronomic events
To make the most of Nîmes’ gastronomic events, a few practical tips are in order. Most of the events are concentrated in the historic centre, which is easily accessible on foot from the city’s main car parks. The Porte Auguste car park (12 boulevard Etienne Saintenac, 30000 Nîmes) is a strategic parking point for getting to the various event venues.
Prices vary according to the event: Fest’in Med offers concerts from 17 euros and a Sunday banquet for 35 euros excluding drinks. These prices are still affordable, given the quality of the services and the originality of the concept. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for the most popular events such as the Mediterranean banquet.
The ideal time to visit Nîmes’ gastronomic fairs is from September to November, when the weather is still mild and the produce is in season. This period also coincides with the grape harvest, adding an oenological dimension that is particularly popular with visitors.
In conclusion, Nîmes has established itself as a leading gastronomic destination, where culinary exhibitions reveal all the richness of an authentic Mediterranean terroir. Whether through the innovation of the Fest’in Med festival or the tradition of local markets, the town offers gourmets a complete experience, enhanced by an exceptional heritage setting. Don’t hesitate to extend your culinary discovery with an in-depth exploration of the ancient city on our audio tour, for a total immersion in the art of living in Nîmes.
FAQ
When are the main gastronomic fairs in Nîmes?
The Fest’in Med festival takes place at the end of September (26-28 September for the 2025 edition), while other gastronomic events are held throughout the year. The MIAM trade fair in Alès, accessible from Nîmes, takes place in November.
How much do gastronomic events in Nîmes cost?
Prices vary according to the event. For Fest’in Med, expect to pay 17 euros for the concerts and 35 euros for the Sunday banquet, excluding drinks. There are also plenty of free tastings on offer in partner restaurants.
Can we visit Nîmes at the same time as the gastronomic events?
Absolutely! Gastronomic events are the perfect opportunity to discover Nîmes’ heritage. Our audio tour allows you to explore 26 places of interest between tastings, making the most of your cultural and culinary stay.
Where can I park to get to the gastronomic shows in Nîmes?
The Porte Auguste car park is ideal for getting to the historic centre, where most events take place. Other underground car parks are available in the city centre, with a system of charging zones (red and green) for surface parking.
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