Skip to main content

This content featured in Towns & Villages

Nimes

Fabulous collection of Roman remains and a delightful city too

Location
Nimes
Imprint
Updated

Even though Nîmes lies just outside the PACA-region, the town is so linked to Provence, in style, in history and in atmosphere, that we think it deserves a place on this website.

Nîmes has a very long and rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire when the city was home to between 50-60,000 people. There are several famous Roman monuments, such as the Nîmes Arena and the Maison Carrée and it's because of this, that Nîmes is often referred to as the French Rome.

Jump to

  1. History & Culture in Nimes
  2. Sights & Attractions in Nimes
  3. Dining in Nimes
  4. Events in Nimes
  5. Things to do in Nimes
  6. Cycling in Nimes
  7. Hiking in Nimes
  8. Watersports in Nimes
  9. Nightlife in Nimes
  10. Villas in Nimes
  11. Holidays Rentals in Nimes
  12. Hotels in Nimes
  13. How to get to Nimes

History & Culture in Nimes

First inhabited in the Bronze Age there are monolithic reminders dotted across the region. It's however better known from its place in Roman history when it became a Roman colony in 50BC.

Veterans of the Roman legions who had served Julius Caesar in his Nile campaigns, at the end of fifteen years of soldiering, were given plots of land to cultivate on the plain of Nîmes. However it was under the rule of the Emperor Augustus that it really flourished, and it became the capital of the Narbonne Province.

The town fell into decline in the 4th century with the barbarian invasions, and after the fall of the Roman Empire in the West the town was controlled by the Franks but also faced invasions from the Moors in Spain.

Sights & Attractions in Nimes

A visit to the Roman amphitheatre is a must in Nîmes, apart from the fact that you can see if from various points throughout the city, it's a truly wonderful piece of Roman heritage that is still in use today. The Musée Archéologique houses pre-Roman, Roman and Gallic artefacts and displays.

If you have transport (or have hired a bike) then a trip to the iconic Pont du Gard will be worth the effort, situated 20km N/E of the town, and this aqueduct dates from c.19 BC. Again a magnificent example of Roman architecture and an imposing structure on this beautiful stretch of river.

Also outside of the city is the wonderful Gorges du Gardon. A beautiful place for hiking, cycling and relaxing with a picnic. To get a better idea of what to do there have a read of our sight review, 'A day out in Nîmes'.

Sights in Nimes

See all Sights in Nimes

Dining in Nimes

Thanks to its huge popularity, Nîmes has all manner of different styles of restaurants cafés offering everything from gourmet dining to snack stops and places for a quick bite to eat.

Restaurants in Nimes

See all Restaurants in Nimes

Events in Nimes

Being an historical town there are plenty of events and Roman themed evenings to enjoy. The Roman Games, the Illuminations at Pont du Gard and of course the annual festival de Nîmes.

Events in Nimes

See all Events in Nimes

Things to do in Nimes

Things To Do in Nimes

See all Things To Do in Nimes

Cycling in Nimes

Cycling Routes in Provence

See all Cycling Routes in Provence

Hiking in Nimes

Walking Routes in Provence

See all Walking Routes in Provence

Watersports in Nimes

Watersports in Provence

See all Watersports in Provence

Nightlife in Nimes

Villas in Nimes

Villas in Nimes

See all Villas in Nimes

Holidays Rentals in Nimes

Holiday Rentals in Nimes

See all Holiday Rentals in Nimes

Hotels in Nimes

Hotels in Nimes

See all Hotels in Nimes

How to get to Nimes

Transfers for Provence

See all Transfers for Provence

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.

See allLatest News & Reviews
Splashworld Provence, Monteux
24 Hours in Avignon in 2018
Unique Provence wedding venues for 2019
Top 6 luxury hotels in Avignon for 2019

Upcoming Events

Provence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.

See allUpcoming Events
Chestnut Festival, Collobrieres
Liszt Festival, Uchaux
Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence
a jazz pianist
truffle markets in provence
Foire de la Saint Siffrein, Carpentras