Nimes
Introduction
Nestled in the Occitanie region of Southern France, you will find Nîmes situated in a landscape defined by its proximity to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Cévennes mountain range. As the prefecture of the Gard department, this city offers a gateway between coastal influences and mountainous terrain.
Before you go
Before you arrive, you can request a "Bienvenue" booklet from the Office de Tourisme et des Congrès. This guide is printed in English and contains useful listings for local hotels, campsites, restaurants, and bars. You can also obtain a dedicated travel guide featuring descriptions of the various sights to see throughout Nimes.
For additional assistance during your stay, you can visit the information point located at the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle.
Getting there
You can reach the city by train at Gare de Nîmes, located a short walk from Les Arènes. From this station, you can catch regional trains to Avignon, Arles, and Montpellier, or take high-speed services toward Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Spain.
If you prefer to travel by road, the city is accessible via several major motorways, including the A9 from the Spanish border, the AP-7 in the south, and the A7 and A54 routes connecting Nîmes to neighboring regions. Bus services also connect the city to Arles and the Pont du Gard. For those arriving by plane at Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes Airport, a shuttle bus provides transportation to the city center.
Getting around
You can explore the city's primary sights on foot, as they are all located within a comfortable walking distance of one another.
Where to stay
You can choose between a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred style and budget. For a luxurious experience, you can stay at The Imperator.
Alternatively, several options are located within the Parc Hotelier Ville Active retail park. These include the Grand Hôtel de Nîmes, Mercure, Ibis, Kyriad, Nimotel, Balladins, and Hotel Formule 1. For a more social atmosphere, you can stay at the FUAJ youth hostel, where you will find friendly and informative local staff.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors of Nîmes by trying traditional regional specialties. You can enjoy brandade, a savory mixture of chopped cod with mashed potatoes, milk, garlic, and olive oil, or opt for a hearty Gardiane de taureau, which is a ragout featuring bull meat and vegetables. For an appetizer, you can sample toasted bread served with tapenade, a flavorful puree made from olives, olive oil, and garlic.
Explore the local drink scene by visiting late-night bars along Avenue Victor Hugo or finding your way to Lulu, a popular gay bar located in the nearby area.
What to see and do
Explore the extensive Roman heritage of the city by visiting the well-preserved Maison Carrée, a temple and UNESCO World Heritage site that features an interior theater showing films about the city's history. You can also explore the famous Amphitheatre, a well-preserved arena, and the Magne Tower located at the highest point in Nîmes. The Jardin de la Fontaine offers a scenic stroll through waterways and fountains featuring statues and the ruins of the Temple of Diane.
Other sites to visit include:
- The Nîmes Cathedral, which showcases a mix of Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles.
- Historical gates such as the Porte d'Auguste and Porte de France.
- Cultural institutions including the Musée du vieux Nîmes, the Musée archéologique featuring mosaics and sculptures, and the Musée des Beaux-arts.
Three days in Nimes
Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Nîmes to experience the historic atmosphere of this region in Southern France. You can explore the local area and take in the sights near the Arènes.
Day two, you can travel toward the nearby regions of Gard or the Camargue. If you prefer a different route, you can head toward the neighboring cities of Avignon, Arles, or Montpellier.
Day three, you can explore the landscapes of the Cévennes or enjoy the surroundings of the Mediterranean Sea before your departure from the area.