Nimes
Visit Nîmes
Dating back to ancient times, Nîmes is a beautiful town in the south of France, one hour from Les Cascades campsite in the Gard. This town with its rich heritage has been designated a Town of Art and History. Are you planning a visit to Nîmes? You can explore its historic centre, museum and amphitheatre.
Discover Nîmes
and its history
Founded over two millennia ago around a sacred water source, Nîmes played an important role in Roman times in the fields of commerce and culture. It was located at a major crossroads on the Via Domitia, the road connecting Rome and Spain.
The city reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Augustus, when its famous buildings were erected, which can still be visited today: the Amphitheatre, the Tour Magne, the Portes Auguste and de France, the castellum divisorium, the mosaics of Achilles and Pentheus, and more. At the end of the medieval era, Nîmes was a prosperous city, particularly in the drapery industry, with the creation of the renowned Nîmes cloth, the precursor to denim.
The city endured the Wars of Religion before reaping the benefits of its textile industry. Finally, majestic gardens were created in the 18th century, now labelled ‘Remarkable Gardens’.
The Arènes
de Nîmes
A must-see during your visit to Nîmes in the Gard, discover the famous Roman amphitheatre built at the end of the 1st century AD.
Throughout history, during the Great Invasions of the 4th and 5th centuries, the arenas served as a shelter. They are emblematic of this unique city in the South of France. Every year, the amphitheatre is the preferred venue for concerts and shows.
Historical re-enactments including circus games are also organised. Near the entrance to the Nîmes amphitheatre, you can admire sculptures representing bull heads.
The Maison Carrée
After a stroll around the amphitheatre, don’t miss the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple built by Augustus in the 1st century and perfectly preserved. It was the centre of public life in ancient times. Recently restored, the site now offers daily screenings of the film ‘Nemausus, the birth of Nîmes’.
The interior of the building is worth exploring to learn more about the history of the city. It has been transformed into a residential house, a church and then a museum. The Maison Carrée is now a listed historic monument.
Museum of Romanity
Opened in 2018, this contemporary-style building is dedicated to precious collections of objects from Roman antiquity. The resolutely modern and innovative appearance of the façade of the Museum of Romanity contrasts with the city’s ancient arenas.
Step inside this unique museum to see beautiful pieces discovered during archaeological excavations that will transport you back to a bygone era.
It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history through interactive multimedia displays. The museum also has a restaurant, terrace and park.
Les Halles de Nîmes
It is impossible to visit the south of France around Nîmes without lingering over the region’s gastronomy! While the city of Nîmes lends itself to superb visits to its arenas, its Maison Carrée and the Musée de la Romanité, its Halles in the city centre are also conducive to wonderful discoveries thanks to its market.
Here you can find delicious regional products such as Picholine olives, typical of the Gard region, or fresh fish, caught that very day. It’s a great opportunity to do some shopping and sample the culinary specialities of Nîmes.
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