Nimes

Nimes makes a popular day trip destination from Avignon, Arles, and Marseille. Typically, day trips combine exploration of Nimes with the Roman town of Uzes, a visit to the Pont du Gard aqueduct, and wine tasting in the Languedoc wine region.

Nimes itself is best explored on a walking tour, which typically cover the city’s Roman ruins and landmarks such as Nîmes Cathedral and Jardins de la Fontaine.

• Nimes is a must for history buffs and travelers interested in Roman history.

• Save time and money by pre-purchasing a Roman Nîmes Pass, which includes admission to the Arènes de Nîmes, Maison Carrée, and Tour Magne.

• Most of Nimes’ attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Nimes is located in the Occitanie region—formerly the Languedoc-Roussillon—of southern France, around 28 miles (45 kilometers) west of Avignon. From Avigon, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive.

The most popular time to visit Nimes is during the summer months of July and August, when it’s recommended to book accommodation and tours well in advance. Other atmospheric times to visit are during the summer Festival of Nimes, when you can enjoy evening concerts in the Arènes de Nîmes, and over the festive season, when Christmas parades and markets are held in the city center. If visiting on a day trip, avoid Sundays and Mondays when many shops and restaurants are closed.

Once an important Roman city, traces of Nimes’ Roman legacy are still dotted around the city. Must-see archaeological sites include the well-preserved Arènes de Nîmes, which dates back to before AD 200 and holds up to 24,000 spectators. There’s also the Maison Carrée temple, which was the inspiration for Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia State Capitol building; the Tour Magne tower, which was part of the original Roman fortifications; and the Temple of Diana. Just outside the city, the Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world.

The southern French city of Nîmes is known for its rich Roman history and architecture. It has many Roman remains, including the Maison Caree, the Amphitheatre, and the Pont du Gard aqueduct. Nîmes is also famous for being the home of denim fabric used to make jeans: denim means “of Nîmes” in French.

Many of the best attractions in Nîmes revolve around its ancient Roman history. Must-see attractions include the Maison Caree, the Amphitheatre, the Pont du Gard aqueduct, and the Temple of Diana. Non-Roman attractions include the 11th-century cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Carré d'Art museum of contemporary art.

Yes, Nîmes is worth visiting, and it’s a popular tourist destination. Travelers interested in ancient history will especially enjoy the city full of well-preserved Roman buildings and other structures. There are also several interesting galleries and museums that will occupy travelers with various interests.

Spring (mid-April to mid-June) is the best time to visit the southern French city of Nîmes as the weather is warm without being oppressively hot, the costs are lower, and there aren’t too many other tourists around. Midsummer (July and August) brings the hottest weather to Nîmes and the crowds.

Yes, although Nîmes is quite a big city these days (with a population of around 150,000), the historic center is compact and walkable. Many ancient Roman sites are within walking distance of each other and the city center; the streets are narrow and attractive, and there are street-side cafes along the way. You can take a guided or self-guided walking tour of Nîmes.

Yes, Nîmes is generally a safe city, and travelers shouldn’t encounter significant problems while staying or touring here, although petty theft is the biggest risk. It’s a reasonably large city with a population of around 150,000, so general urban precautions should be taken when you’re out and about, especially in busy tourist areas.