The city of Nîmes was named the Gallic Rome, according to a legend that the Romans founded the city between seven hills like in Rome. More than 2,000 years later, some remains are still standing and are mixed with the buildings, constituting an astonishing architectural anachronism in the heart of the city. If you don't want to miss the visit of the exceptional Gallo-Roman sites, the Musée de la Romanité is an innovative place that presents some 5,000 exceptional pieces. Not to be missed!
Arenas and the Roman Days of Nîmes
Nîmes is above all known for its superb arenas. This superb vestige of ancient history, dating from the end of the 1st century AD, has become over time the emblem of Nîmes. This monument is one of the best preserved in the world. Its complex and perfect architecture is the work of an army of Roman engineers. On the square, you can admire the statue of the greatest French matador, El Nimeño II. The amphitheater is 133 m long and 101 m wide. Its façade, 21 meters high, is perfectly symmetrical and divided into 60 bays on two levels. Some bas-reliefs and sculptures are still very well preserved. Although gladiatorship disappeared in 404 AD, in the 12th century a castle was built inside the enclosure and a village was already organized around the monument: "the knights of the arena" were born. It is in the XVIIIth century that the clearing and the restoration of the amphitheatre begin with the idea to give again its original and ancient aspect. In 1840, the arenas of Nîmes are classified as Historic Monuments. The EDEIS Romanité foundation, which manages the arena, offers a number of prestigious events: the Pentecost féria is one of the most renowned in the world, open-air concerts during the summer are legion and, in May, the Roman Days of Nîmes transform the city into a Roman garrison. In the arena, more than 200 re-enactors from all over Europe and 400 extras put on a great show on a different theme each year. You can see equestrian exercises, horse races, fighting chariots and gladiators on foot, in short you can relive the legendary ludi (games). In the streets, parades, animations and shows follow one another in the exceptional settings of the archaeological museum, the gardens of the Fountain or the Maison Carrée. You can also take part in a Roman banquet that is organized in the gardens of the Fountain (only on reservation).
Other exceptional Gallo-Roman vestiges
The Maison Carrée is a superb Roman temple built at the beginning of the first century AD and dedicated to the grandson and adopted son of the emperor Augustus. Its "square-long" (old French) shape predestined it for its current name of Maison Carrée. It stood on a platform, which, in its present state, is below the ground that is today raised about two meters and more above the Roman ground. Its state of preservation is exceptional. From the 11th to the 16th century, this capitol was the center of a consular house, then became a dwelling house, a stable, a church... In 1824, this temple was transformed into a place of exhibition of ancient objects. As a modern reflection of the temple, Norman Foster, British architect, undertook in 1993, the construction of the "Carré d'art". Inside the monument, you will discover a complete museography on the history and architecture of the place, as well as on the excavations and restorations that have been carried out.
Finally, of the 80 or so towers that lined the ancient ramparts of the city of Nîmes, the Magne Tower (Grande Tour) is the only one still standing. It dominates the plain, perched on its promontory, the highest point of view of the city, Mount Cavalier. Visible from afar, the octagonal tower is the highest point of the city. It was built on a tower of the rampart of the ancient Gallic oppidum. It was transformed at the time of Augustus. 18 meters high, he raised it to 36 meters. Today it is only 32.50 meters high. As a strategic surveillance point on the Via Domitia, the Alpilles, the Mont Ventoux and the Vistre plain, this tower had a major military role, which continued in the Middle Ages. After climbing the hundred or so steps to the top, you will discover from the terrace a breathtaking panorama that stretches far beyond the city. Take the time to pass through the fountain gardens to climb to the tower. It's a bit of an athletic walk, but well worth it. Technology 2.0 enthusiasts will appreciate the touch table that presents the evolution of urban planning in Nîmes.
The Romanesque Museum, a new jewel in Nîmes
But since June 2018, it's theRoman Museum that you have to rush to go back to the Roman history of the city of Gard. The project has been in the works for several years. And it was finally on June 2, 2018 that the museum opened its doors to the public.
The building itself is already a work of art. Installed in the heart of Nîmes, opposite the famous arenas, its architecture is bold and establishes a dialogue and complementarity with the arenas. The lines of force respond to each other, with on one side the light material of the museum and on the other the massive side of the stones. The work on the façade is very successful, with more than 7,000 silk-screened glass panels laid one by one, like the drapery of a Roman toga. Depending on the time of day, the play of light gives it a lively and dynamic side. On the site, it is even new vestiges that are open to all and free of charge, since an archaeological garden has been laid out around the arenas and the vestiges discovered during the excavations. Designed as a "plant museum" of 3,500 m², it is a very pleasant introduction to the museum visit. The visit, devoted to the incredible archaeological collections of the city, is divided into three periods: the pre-Roman period, the Roman period and the post-Roman period. And, in this space that may seem very rectangular at first, the tangle of airlocks, floors, entresols and mezzanines offers a unique arrangement that pleasantly punctuates the visit and the discovery of these 5,000 exceptional pieces (including a very beautiful collection of coins, the richest collection of Latin inscriptions in France, exceptional mosaics, etc.). It's a fun time for the whole family (there is also a children's trail, as well as three trails dedicated to people with disabilities). With 64 video elements, which is exceptional for a museum, the scenography is very innovative. Augmented reality, 3D restitutions, audiovisual technologies, immersive projections, interactive cartographies, important multimedia devices have been spread all along the path. And if the visit ends with a unique interactive wall of 2,000 images to project yourself a little further into the past, the museum also has a relaxation area with the sublime archaeological garden mentioned earlier, but also the green roof terrace. In addition to the marvelous 360° view of the city and the arena, you can dine with the starred chef Franck Putelat. In short, this brand new musée de la Romanité will undoubtedly be the must-see of the summer.
Useful information
When to visit? Nîmes can be visited all year round. Winters are mild, but in summer the city can quickly become overcrowded, so spring and Indian summer are the ideal periods. But this year, it will be necessary to visit the Romanesque Museum.
How to get there. By plane, you can find flights from Paris from 70 €. A shuttle bus connects you to the city center. By train, thanks to the TGV network, Nîmes is now less than 3 hours from Paris and Toulouse, 1 hour from Lyon and Marseille and 30 minutes from Montpellier. By road, A54 (from Marseille), A7 (from Avignon and Lyon), A9 (from Montpellier).
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