Fabulous collection of Roman remains and a delightful city too
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.
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.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Provence is no exception.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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.
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'.
Not only is this modern building home to the museum of contemporary art, but it also houses Nimes central library.
Objects from local and regional sources, with the exception of a fund of Greek ceramics, Etruscan, Italiot, derived from bequests from private collections and a deposit of the State (Campana).
See the universe projected onto the roof of a large room filled with 65 comfortable seats, and wonder at the scale of it all.
A very well preserved Roman temple in the heart of Nimes.
The Nimes Roman Arena is an amphitheatre that dates back to the end of the first century AD. It is an impressive sight, with two levels of 60 superposed arches.
This Roman monument may not have the grandure and scale of some of the other Roman buildings in Nimes, but is interesting and worth a visit nonetheless.
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.
A relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, and a popular spot with the locals. There is a terrace for al fresco dining in the summer, and a fire for cosying up to in the winter.
Offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and a menu inspired by the region, Restaurant Vatel is an ideal choice for couples, families and friends.
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
With a variety of courses adapted to every age (from a minimum of 2 years) to enjoy a moment of adventure with family and friends.
The Gardon Gorge is a nature reserve that runs between Nimes and Uzes for 20km. The Gardon river has been forging its way through the limestone rocks to create a deep canyon that is home to a wide array of wildlife and vegetation.
The Ceze is a calm river and accessible for all. Along the trip you’ll find enough spots and beaches where you’ll be able to get out of your boat to eat, sunbathe or swim.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
Beautiful 250m2 modern villa just a stone’s throw away from the center of Maussane-les-Alpilles.
Superb bastide in the heart of its private valley for your holidays in the Alpilles. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of this 19th century property!
Located a few minutes from the village centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you will be able to take full advantage of the restaurants and shops of the village whilst having a haven of peace to relax in.
An exceptional location for your next holidays with a view on the Alpilles: Domaine Bellevue
A superb opportunity for a holiday in Camargue - Souvenirs Intemporels
Not far from the village Laudun l’Ardoise and 25km from Uzès, first Dukedom of France and town of art and history, you can discover this unique holiday house, with a swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
Tucked away in the old district of Nimes lies 18th century former coach house, decorated with style and elegance.
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
This quirky hotel has something of a Gaudi-esque influence, with uniquely designed rooms and common areas.
A warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and personal service make the Saint Laurent a charming place to stay and relax.
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
A peaceful villa with unobstructed views of the countryside
Situated in the heart of the Baie of Saint-Tropez, this charming property boasts meticulous design and refined amenities.
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 & ReviewsProvence 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.
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