As the headquarters of the Romans 2,000 years ago, Nîmes has preserved some superb historic monuments. The Nîmes arena, home to ferias, concerts and other historic shows, is the highlight of your visit to this magnificent city center. Here, the streets have retained their charm of yesteryear. White stone facades immerse visitors in the pleasant atmosphere of yesteryear. Stone often replaces concrete in this historic town center. It's one of the things that makes a visit to Nîmes so enjoyable. With these 15 must-see things to do in Nîmes, let your steps take you on an exciting tour. Between history and the typical art of living in the South of France, follow the guide!
1. The Nîmes arenas, preserved Roman remains
You can't help but be impressed by the Nîmes arena, the best-preserved building of its type in the world. During the Roman occupation, gladiatorial and animal fights were regularly held here. Throughout the amphitheatre, large panels detail the different types of gladiators and their specialties. Today, the amphitheater is used for other types of entertainment: bullfighting, concerts, the Nîmes Festival, etc.
Tip by Petit Futé with the Pass Nîmes la Romaine, you can visit the amphitheatre, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne for less.
2. The Charles de Gaulle esplanade, the vibrant heart of Nîmes
Located right next to the arena, the esplanade Charles de Gaulle is Nîmes' meeting place. Here you are in the heart of Nîmes, from where all the streets leading to the city center start. The vast esplanade is the perfect place to stroll and relax by its superb fountain-statue. We invite you to walk up the esplanade to the train station, which is well worth a short visit. With its stone arches, it's easily one of the most beautiful train stations in France.
At Christmas time, the esplanade takes on a whole new look. Decked out in its finest decorations, it hosts a funfair for children, as well as a Ferris wheel next to the arena.
3. The Maison Carrée, an exceptional heritage finally recognized
The Maison Car rée is often imagined as the will of Julius Caesar. However, it was Emperor Augustus who built it in the first place. Its original purpose was to become a temple dedicated to the glory of his descendants. Inspired by the Temple of Apollo in Rome, it has retained all its noble character. The Maison Carrée was once surrounded by a larger estate. Destroyed by time, it has now been replaced by stores surrounding the Maison Carrée. What remains, however, is magnificent... from the outside. Unfortunately, there's nothing antique left inside, which today houses a mini-museum explaining the history of the site. Since September 2023, the Maison Carrée has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so.
Would you like to find out more? We recommend that you book this private guided walking tour of Nîmes, where you'll discover the history of Roman bridges and buildings, including the Maison Carrée, the superb amphitheatre and the Temple of Diana.
4. Le Carré d'Art, Nîmes' modern art space
Stay a little longer at Place de la Maison Carrée, to visit Carré d'Art, a superb museum of contemporary art. It is the perfect embodiment of the cultural outreach sought by the mayor of Nîmes over 20 years ago. Following in the footsteps of the Centre Georges Pompidou, Carré d'Art brings together a museum, a library and a media library. It houses almost 500 works, representing a broad spectrum of contemporary art since the 1960s. Each year, the museum also exhibits internationally renowned temporary collections on the second floor. On the first level, the permanent collection focuses on artistic movements originating in the South of France and Europe, with particular emphasis on movements such as Nouveau Réalisme and Figuration libre.
5. The Gardens of the Fountain, the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana
If Nîmes is one of Occitanie's 21 must-see treasures, it's partly for the beauty of historic sites such as the Jardins de la Fontaine. Created in the XVIIIᵉ century, they don't date back to Roman times, but Roman sites were nevertheless found there during construction. The garden was thus created from Nîmes' original spring, already venerated before the Romans arrived. Since then, the site has been magnificently restored and perfectly maintained, providing a haven of peace in the heart of the city for a bucolic stroll. Your walk takes you past theancient temple of Diana, at the entrance to the gardens, and the Tour Magne. To admire the panoramic view from the latter, however, you'll need to make a short ascent to the top of the Jardin de la Fontaine. The path, well laid out and planted with trees, makes for a very pleasant stroll.
Family tip : a children's playground is located in the heart of the gardens.
6. The Nîmes Festival, a party in the arena
Numerous shows and events are regularly held in the Arènes de Nîmes. Many artists perform there, but the must-see event of the year is undoubtedly the Nîmes Festival, one of the top 17 music festivals in France. Since 1997, it has welcomed a wide variety of artists, from the French scene to metal bands and newcomers. Its little plus? Theacoustics in the arena are extraordinary (Johnny fans still remember them!), making this must-see festival absolutely unique.
To remember : find out all about the Nîmes 2024 festival, to help you prepare for your stay.
7. The Musée de la Romanité, history unveiled
This vast contemporary project was born of excavations that uncovered rare mosaics on the Allées Jean Jaurès. The Musée de la Romanité, whose avant-garde corrugated glass design has long been the subject of debate, now stands proudly beside the Nîmes arena. Artefacts from the past and modern installations sit side by side, plunging visitors into the heart of the region's history. The result is simply sublime! If there's only one museum you should visit on your visit to Nîmes, this is definitely the one not to be missed.
Avoid long queues by booking your Musée de la Romanité de Nîme ticket here.
8. Stroll around the Place de l'Horloge
For 150 years, it has stood in the heart of the city, not far from the Maison Carrée. We call it the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), located on the square of the same name. In days gone by, it set the pace for the daily life of the people of Nîmes. Since 2003, the square has been restored to its former glory, with new paving and magnificent lighting effects. The tower really comes to life during the Christmas illuminations. During the festive season, the city's main monuments, including the Maison Carrée and the Tour de l'Horloge, are decked out in lights and incredible scenography. Each year, the show changes, offering tales and other historical representations. A must-see on a trip to Nîmes in winter!
9. Shop at Les Halles de Nîmes
Located just a few dozen meters from the Maison Carrée (there it is again!), the Halles de Nîmes is a must-see for Nîmes residents and visitors alike. Local producers gather every morning in this covered market, offering a fine representation of the delights of the south. Olives, gardianne de taureau, pélardons and brandades are on offer in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Les Halles, surrounded by boutiques in the surrounding streets, is located on the first floor of the La Coupole shopping center. A must for shopping enthusiasts!
10. A moment in nature at Bois des Espeisses
No, we didn't misspell it! The word "espeisses" comes from the Occitan word "espés", meaning a dense, well-stocked grove. The Bois des Espeisses, a small paradise for families, walkers and sports enthusiasts located around 5 minutes by car from Nîmes Ouest, can therefore be described as a wood where the coppice is particularly dense. And with good reason: on foot or by bike, the area offers walking paths surrounded by small trees. It's a relaxing place, particularly popular with families. A lovely playground is located at the entrance. Joggers appreciate the tranquility of this undisturbed running area just outside Nîmes. There's also a fitness trail and dedicated facilities.
Travelling to Nîmes with your dog? They're welcome at Bois des Espeisses!
11. The Porte d'Auguste, the ancient entrance to Nîmes
From the Charles de Gaulle esplanade, you can admire the superb period Palais de Justice and the magnificent Église Sainte-Perpétue. From here, you continue away from the bullring, eventually coming across two stunning arches. This is the Porte d'Auguste, the ancient entrance to the city of Nîmes. An explanatory panel tells you more about these vestiges of the Roman past. Augustus, Emperor of Rome, gave Nîmes one of the largest city walls in Roman Gaul.
Also known as the Porte d'Arles, it consisted of two central arches for vehicles, flanked by two smaller arches for pedestrians. Originally, two towers, no longer in existence, surrounded this beautiful entrance.
12. Castellum Aquae, ancient water system
Nîmes residents themselves are often unaware of this 2,000-year-old vestige... The Castellum Aquae, terminus of the Nîmes aqueduct, was built in the 1ᵉʳ century A.D. At the time, this structure was crucial to the city's water supply. A circular basin cut into the rock served as a distribution point to Nîmes' fountains and districts via lead pipes. Who would have thought that plumbing was so ancient? Yet this engineering contributed to the city's prestige and comfort, marking its Roman art of living. Though modest compared to other Roman sites such as the Pont du Gard, the Castellum remains a captivating discovery.
13. The Musée du Vieux Nîmes, a fascinating dive into history
We've already told you about the monumental Musée de la Romanité and the Carré d'Art, but there are other museums worth a visit in Nîmes. The Musée du Vieux Nîmes, for example, housed in a former episcopal palace, offers a fascinating insight into the history of Nîmes. Not only is the famous denim fabric in the spotlight, but also the city's industrial and economic development. Superb period objects, once belonging to wealthy families, allow visitors to contemplate antiques as beautiful as they are astonishing. It's a great visit, and one that's child-friendly too. At the entrance, puzzles depicting historical monuments or period scenes in Nîmes are offered. Children also receive a booklet containing games and a clue hunt.
14. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Nîmes feria
How can we talk about Nîmes without mentioning its famous feria, a true regional symbol ? Twice a year, at Pentecost and during the third weekend in September. During the feria de Nîmes, the city comes alive, and a festive atmosphere like no other takes over the entire city center. Flamenco dance shows and concerts, local food stalls, fashionable clothing, music, craft markets: there's no shortage of fun and festivities! Just as for the Bayonne festivities mentioned in these 15 must-sees in Bayonne, red and white is the order of the day!
15. The Pont du Gard, a must-see monument in Gard
We're cheating a little, because the Pont du Gard is not in Nîmes, but about half an hour away. It is, however, the remnant of theRoman aqueduct that brought water to Nîmes 2,000 years ago. The site, magnificently well preserved, is simply superb! It's possible to climb onto the bridge, from which you can enjoy a superb view, while living the incredible experience of walking in the footsteps of our ancestors... In summer, don't forget your swimsuit, as you can swim in the Gardon river, which runs beneath the Pont du Gard. Canoe trips are another way of seeing the monument from a different angle. At the entrance to the site, a museum and a children's play area complete this not-to-be-missed visit during your stay in Nîmes.
Click here to book your ticket for the Pont du Gard, including access to the site and museum, temporary exhibitions and Ludo, the play area.
Where to stay in Nîmes?
Whether you're looking for the ideal place to telework during the Olympic Games or for a relaxing break, Nîmes has plenty of good places to stay. If, on the other hand, you're visiting the city during the feria, we'd advise you not to stay in the city center, as the music goes on late into the night.
- The cheapest
Located right next to the Bullring, theHôtel de l'Amphithéâtre offers a surprisingly high level of service for a price of around €50. Spacious and comfortable, the rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned style, offering a pleasant cocoon for relaxation. Click here to to book this magnificent address.
- The best location
Located right next to the Maison Carrée, the Royal Hôtel offers top-quality services, yet is close to many points of interest. If you're traveling with children, the proximity of the Jardins de la Fontaine offers an interesting solution for letting them play and move around between two days of sightseeing. Book your stay here.
- The most complete
Hôtel Vatel is a veritable institution in Nîmes. An audacious blend of upscale hotel, spa and hotel school, it offers a haven of peace and quiet for your Nîmes getaway. Off-center from the city center, it requires the use of a car to reach the historic center in 5 minutes. Book this beautiful establishment located near the Ville Active shopping area in Nîmes right here .
What's free to visit in Nîmes?
The Jardins de la Fontaine are free to visit all year round. Apart from the Tour Magne, which requires a small entrance fee, the rest of the park is accessible free of charge. If you have to pay to enter the Nîmes arena, you won't have to pay a cent to see it from the Charles de Gaulle esplanade. The same goes for the Maison Carrée. Between the two, you can also admire many relics of the past free of charge, such as the Castellum Divisorium and the Porte d'Auguste. For a walk in the open air, the Bois des Espeisses is freely accessible to all. You can also visit many religious buildings, such as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor located on the Place aux Herbes, near the Musée du Vieux Nîmes.
Don't forget if you visit Nîmes on the first Sunday of the month, the city's museums open their doors free of charge, including the Planetarium and the magnificent Musée de la Romanité.
What to do in Nîmes for two?
We keep coming back to this, but the Jardins de la Fontaine are a must for lovers. They're even more magical in spring, when the natural stone arches are adorned with magnificent multicolored flowers. Hand in hand, you climb towards the Tour Magne for a bucolic stroll. We recommend a stay at Hôtel Vatel, with its romantic setting and spa area ideal for romantic getaways.
The whole of old Nîmes is a charming place for romantic strolls. Arm yourself with a Pass to visit the main places of interest, and you're off to discover a city full of charm, accompanied by the person who makes your heart beat faster.
The city of Nîmes can be visited in one day, but we advise you to plan at least two if you also want to discover the Pont du Gard. Better still, don't hesitate to plan a whole week, so you can discover the 23 must-sees in the Gard. From the ramparts and salt marshes of Aigues-Mortes to the treasures of the Camargue, it's a complete change of scenery! For an even longer stay, you can also discover the 15 must-sees around Montpellier. Between city, sea and mountains, the region abounds in natural and historical treasures, promising unforgettable vacations.
Book ahead below for the hottest things to do during your stay in Nîmes:
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