Nîmes
Save30 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
8 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
18th-century garden with Roman ruins and canals
3 tips
- Free entry
- Bring water in summer
- Climb up to the Tour Magne
📷 Photos
- 2
Exceptionally well-preserved Roman temple
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Short 3D film inside
- Beautiful at night when lit
- Face it from the Carré d'Art steps
📷 Photos
- 3
Remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre still used for events
3 tips
- Audio guide is included in the ticket
- Combined ticket with Maison Carrée and Tour Magne
- Check bullfight and concert dates
📷 Photos
- 4
Roman tower on Mont Cavalier with city views
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Narrow stairs, 140 steps
- Reached through the gardens
📷 Photos
- 5
Open esplanade with the Pradier fountain
3 tips
- Good meeting point
- Gardens and benches
- Photograph the fountain statues
📷 Photos
- 6
Roman ruins in the Jardins de la Fontaine
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Free to see
- Atmospheric at sunset
- Part of the garden visit
📷 Photos
- 7
Café square beside the cathedral
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Good for a coffee break
- Nice at golden hour
- Close to the Arènes
📷 Photos
- 8
Remains of a Roman city gate by the south wall
3 tips
- Free to see
- Quiet area
- Good start for the walking tour
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Nîmes tips
Transportation
- Arrive by TGV: High-speed trains connect Nîmes with Paris, Lyon and Montpellier, and the station is a short walk from the centre.
- Walk the centre: The Arena, Maison Carrée and Jardins de la Fontaine are close together, so the historic core is easy on foot.
- Bus to the Pont du Gard: Regional buses link Nîmes with the Pont du Gard, a cheaper option than a tour or taxi.
Security
- Watch bags at busy sights: Keep an eye on belongings around the Arena and during events when crowds build up.
- Mind the summer heat: Heatwaves are common; carry water, seek shade at midday and slow down when sightseeing.
- Plan around the Feria: During the Pentecost Feria streets are packed and lively; keep valuables close and book rooms early.
Saving
- Buy a combined ticket: A combined pass for the Arena, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne is cheaper than separate entries.
- Choose the formule midi: Many bistros offer a set lunch menu that is far cheaper than ordering à la carte at dinner.
- Shop at Les Halles: The covered market is great for picnic supplies like olives, cheese and local bread.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for hot summers: Summers are hot and dry, so bring light clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen for exploring the ruins.
- Bring a windproof layer: The mistral wind can blow cold and hard, especially in winter and spring, so pack a jacket.
- Visit in shoulder seasons: Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking between Roman monuments.
Cultural
- Greet with bonjour: Always say bonjour when entering shops and cafés; it is considered rude to skip the greeting.
- Try brandade de Nîmes: The local creamy salt cod and olive oil dish is a classic, best enjoyed with crusty bread.
- Know the bull traditions: Nîmes has strong Camargue and bullfighting traditions; ferias also include street events and music.
Local Hacks
- Climb the Tour Magne: The Roman tower at the top of the Jardins de la Fontaine gives sweeping views over the city.
- Visit the Musée de la Romanité: The modern museum opposite the Arena has a rooftop terrace with a great view of the amphitheatre.
- Taste Costières de Nîmes: Local wines from the Costières de Nîmes area are good value; ask for them in bars and shops.
1-day itineraries in Nîmes
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
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