Nimes
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.
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History & Culture in [locality]
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 [locality]
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 Provence
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Motorbike Museum, Entrevaux
This little museum is jam-packed from floor to ceiling with a great collection of vintage and classic motorbikes.
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Gordes Castle, Gordes
This castle houses the town hall of Gordes and a museum containing works by the painter Pol Mara, a Flemish artist who lived in Gordes.
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Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques
Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
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Campredon Centre d'Art, Isle sur la Sorgue
The building itself has been protected as a historic monument since 1979 and is worth the journey just for that, let alone the art works inside.
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Château des Baux, Les Baux de Provence
This is one of the best castles we have ever visited, and not just in France! Situated on a rocky outcrop, this fantastic medieval castle has a strong military background, where it was used in the defence of the realm of Provence.
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Eco Musee, Breil-sur-Roya
Museum charting the history of transport in the area, with lots of old vehicles to look at. Located in an old rail warehouse in Breil.
Dining in [locality]
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 Provence
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
Events in [locality]
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 Provence
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Markets in Provence
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.
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
Things to do in [locality]
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Loop Around the River Ceze
La Roque Sur Ceze is a beautiful hilltop village, northwest of Orange. Its perched vantage point and narrow cobbled streets make it a charming place to start our ride. Classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France) it not only has breathtaking views but also ancient chapels, a chateau, and all the quirky little vaulted alleyways that you could wish for in a Provencal village.
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Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards and towns
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
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Vineyards & Villages Along the River Sorgue
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
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Via Venaissia from Jonquieres
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
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Mont Ventoux to L'Isle Sur la Sorgue
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
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Cycling through the Comtadin Vineyards
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
Hiking in [locality]
Walking Routes in Provence
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St Michel de Frigolet Walk
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
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Vineyard Walks
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
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Les Alpilles, Col de Vallongue-Pas de l'Aigle
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
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La Fontaine de Saint-Gens
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
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Cabrieres tour
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Provence
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Raille Lake Watersports, Apt
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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Air Eau Terre Nature Activity Company, Breil-sur-Roya
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
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.
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Mistral Kite Passion Watersports, nr Salon de Provence
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Families in [locality]
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Le Scat Nightclub
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
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.
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Mistral Nighclub
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
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Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
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Domaine Des Rêveurs Villa, Menerbes
Magnificent stone farmhouse for rent between Ménerbes and Bonnieux, with large swimming pool and tennis court, for family holidays that can accommodate 8 adults and 2 children.
Price: €5,472
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Les Mallans Villa, Lacoste
In Provence, a beautiful and charming farmhouse with heated swimming pool available for holiday lets in Lacoste in the Luberon.
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,136
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Au Cœur Du Village Villa, Lourmarin
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Price: €2,632
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La Pastorale Villa, Viens
This superb house, a completely renovated old sheepfold located in Viens, offers you peace and serenity for a stay in the heart of the Luberon.
Price: €5,464
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Souvenirs Intemporels Villa
A superb opportunity for a holiday in Camargue - Souvenirs Intemporels
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Price: €3,136
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Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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La Divine Villa, Menerbes
Superb holiday property for rent with swimming pool in Ménerbes, Provence.
Price: €7,683
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Provence Country Club - 1 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €1,156
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Le Vallon de Valrugues Hotel & Spa, St Remy
The Vallon de Valrugues is located in the centre of St Remy, a stylish Provencial town filled with chic boutiques and galleries.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Price: €6,897
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Le Mas de Peint Hotel
This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
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Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy
This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
Campsites in [locality]
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,490,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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Villa for Sale
Boasting an exceptional and private waterfront location, within walking distance from the town, this unique propertyis sure to delight you over with its breathtaking panoramic views and its direct proximity to the sea - an extremely rare privilege in Saint-Tropez.
Price: €23,000,000