Nîmes

Nîmes was treated with great generosity by the Emperor Augustus, a man of culture and a patron of the arts. Two thousand years later, Nîmes still retains ample evidence of its days of Roman splendour.

Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Nîmes - French Monuments

Evidence of the Roman occupation is everywhere in the famous Nîmes architecture: the 1st and 2nd century amphitheatre, which once held 24,000 spectators, the Gallo-Roman temple, the Augustus Gate - where the Roman road, the ‘Via Domitia', once entered the town - the graceful 1st century Maison Carré, the Temple of Diana, and the Magne Tower - the highest tower of the walled town during the Roman era.

The Maison Carrée (Square House)

It’s not a house, and it’s not square! But it is a magnificent little Roman temple, one of the most famous and best-preserved temples of the Roman world. This beautifully proportioned temple was erected in 5 AD in honour of Caïus Caesar and Lucius Caesar, grandson and adopted son of Augustus. The Maison Carrée was part of the forum, administrative and economic centre of the town. Originally a Roman temple, the building has since served as a court and as an office for the consuls of Nîmes. It became a home, a stable then a church. Today it houses an exhibition tracing its history.

The Tour Magne (Magne Tower)

At the summit of Mont Cavalier, the Tour Magne overlooks the town of Nîmes and its surroundings. Built in 16-15 BC, the octagonal stone tower is larger at its base than at its summit, with a long access ramp and interior staircase. Standing 107 feet high, it was one of the defensive towers within the ramparts which encircled the town. From the top of the building there are stunning panoramic views of Nîmes and surrounding countryside. In good weather, it’s possible to make out the Cévennes, Alpilles and the Pic Saint Loup towards Montpellier.

Nîmes Amphitheatre

The Nîmes amphitheatre is perhaps the most striking image of a Roman society that loved spectacular performances. Built from stone and designed mainly for the battles of gladiators, it is not the largest of the Empire but is remarkably well preserved. Inside, there are 24,000 seats, spread over 34 tiers, accessed by internal staircases and galleries. In 1863 the first bullfights took place in the amphitheatre, and this tradition has continued ever since. As well as bulls and matadors, it plays host to rock concerts, jazz concerts, circuses, shows… even a Nativity. 

Jardins de la Fontaine (Fountain Gardens)

Around the sacred spring of the god Nemausus, where the town first began, a French-style garden was built. Its classical beauty was enriched as changes were made, usually in the style of Mediterranean gardens. The garden was constructed in 1745. This extraordinary garden is a real product of the Enlightenment ideal of town planning – it was intended to be a central part of a spacious city, designed with the communal good in mind.

A suggestion for your holiday in Nîmes

Nîmes, 2000 years of history: a real change of scene, staying in a charming hotel, with a visit to the Pont du Gard, free entry to the monuments and museums in Nîmes, and a Roman dinner.

Festivals and events

The Spanish word 'feria' conjures up the image of a wild fiesta. Languedoc-Roussillon adopted this Spanish tradition many years ago, making it part of the regional culture, so that today, the festive spirit takes over towns such as Nîmes for a whole week at a time. This happens once or twice a year - at Whitsun and during the wine-harvest. The ferias are dedicated to the horse and the bull, but there’s also plenty of music, dancing and wine at these pagan celebrations.

Things to see in Nîmes: - Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor - the 18th century French ‘Fountain Gardens’ - Le Carré Museum of contemporary art - museums of Archaeology, Natural History, Fine Arts and Old Nîmes - Mont Duplan planetarium.

Gastronomy

Nîmes is a paradise for gourmets. The cuisine of Nîmes brings together salt-cod and olive oil to produce the famous ‘brandade’, which is made by pounding the salt-cod in a mortar. It is flavoured with olive oil and herbs from the garrigue and then served with boiled potatoes or made into croquettes. It is particularly favoured on Easter Sunday and Good Friday.

INFORMATION - Tourist Office - Tel: + 33 (0)4 66 58 38 00 Website

Hotels in Nîmes

Campings in Nîmes