Nîmes is a captivating southern French city renowned for its extraordinary Roman heritage, home to one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. With a population of around 137,000, it blends ancient history with vibrant Mediterranean culture. From its iconic amphitheatre to its elegant fountain gardens, Nîmes offers a remarkable journey through two millennia of history.

Best time to visit Nîmes

aprilmayjuneseptember

Spring and early autumn offer pleasant Mediterranean weather ideal for exploring outdoor Roman sites and gardens, while avoiding the intense summer heat of July and August.

What to see in Nîmes

01monument

Maison Carrée

One of the best-preserved Roman temples in the former Roman Empire, constructed around 2 CE under Emperor Augustus. The interior houses a modern theatre showing an informative film about the city's early history. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Paid entryAbout 45 minculturehistory

AddressPl. de la Maison Carrée, 30000 Nîmes, France

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Thursday10 am–6 pm
Friday10 am–6 pm
Saturday10 am–6 pm
Sunday10 am–4:30 pm
Monday10 am–6 pm
Tuesday10 am–6 pm
Wednesday10 am–6 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

02monument

Les Arènes de Nîmes

A remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre built around 100 AD, originally seating 24,000 spectators. Still actively used today, it hosts bullfighting festivals in September and seats 10,000 people.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

AddressBd des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes, France

4.6/5 on Google

Official website Open in Google Maps

03garden

Jardin de la Fontaine

Created in 1745, these beautiful gardens became the first public park in France and one of the first in Europe. Decorated with waterways, fountains, and statues, they also contain the ruins of the Temple of Diana and lead up to the Magne Tower.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

Address26 Quai de la Fontaine, 30000 Nîmes, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Thursday7:30 am–6:30 pm
Friday7:30 am–6:30 pm
Saturday7:30 am–6:30 pm
Sunday7:30 am–6:30 pm
Monday7:30 am–6:30 pm
Tuesday7:30 am–6:30 pm
Wednesday7:30 am–6:30 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

04monument

Tour Magne

An ancient Roman tower located at the northern end of the Jardin de la Fontaine, sitting at the highest point in Nîmes and offering panoramic views over the city.

Paid entryAbout 30 minculturehistory

AddressLes Jardins de la Fontaine, Place Guillaume Apollinaire, 30000 Nîmes, France

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Thursday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm
Friday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm
Saturday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm
Sunday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm
Monday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm
Tuesday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm
Wednesday9:30 am–1 pm, 2–6 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

05temple

Temple de Diane

Ruins of a Roman temple located within the Jardin de la Fontaine. Free to visit and an evocative reminder of Nîmes' deep Roman roots.

FreeAbout 20 minculturehistory

AddressQuai Georges Clemenceau, 30000 Nîmes, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Thursday7 am–7 pm
Friday7 am–7 pm
Saturday7 am–7 pm
Sunday7 am–7 pm
Monday7 am–7 pm
Tuesday7 am–7 pm
Wednesday7 am–7 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

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06church

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes

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07monument

Porte d'Auguste

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08monument

Castellum Divisorium

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09museum

Musée Archéologique de Nîmes

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10museum

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nîmes

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11museum

Musée du Vieux Nîmes

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Where to eat in Nîmes

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01French

L'Ancien Théâtre

A well-regarded gastronomic restaurant serving fine, local, fresh food at an affordable price. A full menu including starter, main, cheese and dessert costs around €32.

Price $$

Address4 Rue Racine, 30900 Nîmes, France

4.7/5 on Google

Official website Open in Google Maps

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02French

Restaurant Skab

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03French

Restaurant Vincent Croizard

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04French

Le Bistrot de Tatie Agnès

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05Italian

Mezzo Di Pasta

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06French

Restaurant U Caffè-Les Olivades

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07French

The Grill Courtpaille

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08Italian

i Fratelli

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Where to go near Nîmes

Pont du Gard

Bus 45minCar 30min

An impressive Roman aqueduct located 25 km from Nîmes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once carried water destined for the city. A must-see for Roman history enthusiasts.

Avignon →

Train 30minCar 45min

A historic city famous for its medieval Papal Palace and the iconic Pont d'Avignon bridge, easily reachable by regional train from Nîmes.

Arles

Train 25minBus 1hCar 30min

A charming Provençal city with its own Roman amphitheatre and strong connections to Vincent van Gogh, accessible by regional train or bus from Nîmes.

Marseille →

Train 1hCar 1h30

France's second-largest city and a vibrant Mediterranean port, offering rich culture, seafood cuisine, and stunning coastal scenery.

Montpellier →

Train 30minCar 45min

A dynamic university city with a lively historic centre, excellent museums, and easy access to Mediterranean beaches.

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