Top 6 things to do in Nîmes

When you think of the city of Nîmes in your mind’s eye, you tend to think of powerful, sturdy Roman monuments that have left their mark on history. Indeed, the city is renowned for housing some of the most beautiful buildings in France, which are still very well preserved today. In other words, visiting Nîmes is a bit like visiting an open-air museum. With its postcard-perfect setting, its ancient monuments are the region’s pride and joy, attracting large numbers of visitors every year. If you’re planning a stopover here, here are a few ideas for fun things to do. There’s plenty to keep you entertained during your stay, and plenty to enrich your general knowledge!

What to do in Nîmes

1. The Nîmes Arena

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: But what is an arena? For those who studied Latin and therefore ancient history at school, it should be easy to find out. An arena is in fact THE theatre where gladiatorial combat, chariot races pulled by horses or bulls, circus and sports performances took place… In short, everything that entertained people and royalty at the time. The city of Nîmes is home to the best-preserved amphitheatre in the entire Roman Empire. And don’t worry, if you’re afraid of going inside for fear of it collapsing, the building is a testament to its solid architecture. It is proof that the Roman engineers and builders of the time were already doing a remarkable job. In fact, if any of our readers are architects, you’ll be amazed to see such perfect symmetry! Every year, you can attend concerts and other shows in the stands. But that’s not all… You can also take a stroll through the interior galleries and walk around the track. An interesting activity!

2. Les Jardins de la Fontaine

Category: €/Cultural

Description: If you’re strolling through the heart of the city, you won’t want to miss the Jardins de la Fontaine, covering over 15 hectares. A real green lung for the city, the site is actually made up of two very distinct parts: a classic 18th-century garden, and a more Mediterranean-style garden. It’s possible to stroll through both areas, and each has its own distinctive features and different visuals: so much so that you’ll have the vague impression of entering places that are foreign, but similar at the same time. The historic site was created in 1745, by order of the King of France, none other than Louis VX. Certified by the Ministry of Culture, the site is described as “a haven of peace”. A visit here will give you the chance to find out more about the history of the gardens, but also to explore some of the most beautiful landscaped areas in the region: such as the splendid rock garden where rocks and Mediterranean plants intermingle; or come and admire the aquatic plants that populate the “montgolfier” pond.

3. The Maison Carrée

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: A visit to the Maison Carrée in Nîmes is one of the not-to-be-missed sites dedicated to imperial worship, and is the best-preserved Roman temple in the world. Built in the 1st century, it was built for Augustus in honour of his two grandsons: Lucius Caesar and Caius Julius Caesar. Time has passed since then, and today it serves as a consular house, a church and a museum of ancient art. Measuring almost 26 metres long, 15 metres wide and 17 metres high, the monument was restored between 2006 and 2010, but has retained its decor and impressive architecture. The most captivating thing to admire? The frieze that can be seen in the temple is described by experts as “one of the most accomplished examples of symbolic decoration linked to imperial worship dating from the early years of our era”. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Maison Carré is well worth a visit. You’ll find out all about the history of the city, as well as a few juicy anecdotes about Antiquity…

4. Stroll around the town and visit the Clock Tower

Category: €/Gastronomic/Cultural

Description: Visiting Nîmes also means strolling through the pedestrian streets and having a good time. Don’t you think? After all, you’re on holiday, of course, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a duty to visit and enrich your general culture. Sometimes it’s also good to explore the town, meet new people, eat a local speciality… A moment of sharing with the family is always good. Along the way, you’re bound to come across the famous clock tower that turns a lot of heads. Beware of stiff necks! Standing 31 metres high in the centre of the town, it has been keeping time for 500 years. It was in 1410 that the town’s inhabitants obtained the king’s permission to have this huge bell tower installed. As well as telling the time, its main purpose was to warn the population in times of war. Today, the town’s inhabitants love to linger in front of it, taking pretty pictures and sipping a drink on the terrace right next to it.

5. The Nîmes Feria

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The Feria de Nîmes is a popular festival that dates back nearly 70 years. It celebrates bullfighting. But what exactly is bullfighting? Navaway to the rescue! Bullfighting is in fact directly linked to bullfighting, the way in which bulls are confronted in impressive performances. The Feria de Nîmes features parades of brass bands, shows, floats, good food, encerrios (the release of bulls into the town)… For several days, the whole town comes alive and the locals get out of their homes to enjoy a convivial, festive moment. The event is usually held twice a year: in 2024, for example, it will take place from 16 to 20 May, then from 13 to 15 May. During this carnival parade, as well as the bullfights organised in the arenas, discover another aspect of Nîmes.

6. The Romanesque Museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: What better way to finish than to tell you about the Musée de la Romanité? Open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Tuesdays, it’s one of the biggest architectural projects in France. Nîmes is home to many of the country’s most emblematic monuments! The initiative came from the city’s mayor himself, Jean-Paul Fournier. And why? The museum houses some very rare mosaics found during excavations on the Allées Jaurès. There are also other priceless finds. In all, you’ll explore corridors and rooms filled with over 5,000 works, each as unique as the next. Considered an archaeological museum covering almost 9,200m², it takes you on a journey through time, through the centuries and the different eras. Ready for an adventure?