Top sightseeing in Nîmes

Top sightseeing in Nîmes

Monuments and buildings

Arenes de Nîmes
Built around AD70 this is the most preserved and stunning Roman Amphitheater in the world! A true marvel of ancient engineering perfection. It is the pride of the Nîmes inhabitants. Several time per year the arena is holding a lot events, music concert, Roman games etc… it has been a popular tourist spot for decades; the heritage site speaks volumes of how majestic Rome must have been and stands tall as an architectural wonder. This complex is undoubtedly one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and acts as a doorway to past. You could easily visit the whole monument with an interactive audio guide (made in 8 languages) that will take you on a ride through time and space. Not to miss!!!

Address: Boulevard des Arènes, Nîmes
More information can be found here:

Arènes de Nîmes (The Arena of Nimes).


Official website: http://www.arenes-nimes.com/en/home


Maison Carrée
Built around 12 BC this is an outstandingly preserved Roman Temple and a splendid work of Roman architecture, and religion. Only one of the kind! What makes the temple a must visit, apart from its great popularity and images floating all over the internet and in books, is how this temple says a lot about Roman Culture, religion and heritage. The remarkable Maison Carrée, stands 26 metres long by 15 metres wide and 15 metres high.

Address: Place de la Maison Carrée, Nîmes
More information can be found here:

La Maison Carrée , Nîmes


Official website: http://www.maisoncarree.eu/en/


Pont du Gard
Located few kilometers away from Nîmes, this gigantic Roman aqueduct will leave you speechless. The bridge measures an astounding 48.77m in height, has been constructed in three levels. There is much debate on when the bridge was originally constructed, few archeologists argue over periods of construction being in between 20BC but few have estimated it to be in between 40AD to 60AD. The mighty bridge crosses the fast flowing river Gardon, located near Nimes in the south of France. It is also possible to have a walk around the Pont du Gard, there is several easy tracks to follow in the forest and some of them will even lead you to breath taking view over the building.

More information can be found here:

The Pont du Gard


Official website: http://www.pontdugard.fr/en


Jardins de la Fontaine
Located at the top of the boulevard Jean Jaures, Le Jardin de la Fontaine is an outstanding public garden that were created in 1745, it is also one of the oldest city park in Europe. Bridges, water, Roman temple, Roman tower, canals, statues and botanical garden are the main highlights. Designed by JP Mareschal the military engineer of King Louis XV in the 18th century, le Jardin de la Fontaine was build up next to an ancient spring discovered by the Gauls. The remains of Roman baths dated from the Emperor Augustus (around 27 BCE) were then discovered on the site. A magnificent walk into this very romantic garden will lead you to the Tour Magne, a stunning roman watchtower situated at the top of the hill.
Address: Quai de la Fontaine, Nîmes
More information can be found here:
http://the-southoffrance.com/le-jardin-de-la-fontaine


La Tour Magne
Dated from 15 BC The Tour Magne was a part of the former fortified ramparts that were literally surrounding the city of Nîmes. In the begging, when Nîmes was just created, the Tour Magne was much smaller than now and it was constructed on this hill, as a part of the ramparts, because it is the highest point of the city. You can buy a ticket to get on top of this 92ft high monuments to get a breathtaking view over the city and until the Mediterranean see when the sky is clear.
Address: Quai de la Fontaine, Nîmes
More information can be found here:
http://the-southoffrance.com/la-tour-magne


Temple de Diane
Located in the city of Nîmes, at the top of the boulevard Jean Jaurès, in the Garden “Le Jardin de la Fontaine”, the enigmatic and romantic ruins of the Temple of Diane are something you must see. To access this monument you will have to go to the West side of the garden, just nearby the West gate. Dated from the very early Roman era, the exact purpose of this temple and the exact date when it was build up remain quite unknown.
Address: Quai de la Fontaine, Nîmes
More information can be found here:
http://the-southoffrance.com/459-2


Porte d’August
Named after the Emperor Augustus, this one of remaining Roman gateways from the old fortified ramparts of the city. This one is much bigger than the “Porte de France”, it displays several ruins and a beautiful bronze statue of the Emperor Augustus.

Address: Porte Auguste, Rue nationale, Nîmes


Historical Center

Castellum Divisorium
A roman round open tank of about 6 meters across. It was the arrival point of the water coming from the Pont Du Gard. This tank were dispatching the water into the different urban areas of Nîmes

Address: 16 Rue de la Lampeze, Nîmes


Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Et-Saint-Castor
A Roman style Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to the local saint Castor of Apt.

Address: 9 Rue Saint-Castor, Nîmes


Chapelle des Jésuites
Now turned into an exhibition site, this is the former chapel of the Jesuit school built up in 1663


Fort Vauban
Designed by the king Louis 15th architect Jacques Papot, this fort was built up in 1700. It became a prison in the 18th century until 1991 to finally become a University in 1995.

Address: 10 Rue du Fort, Nîmes


Eglise Sainte Baudile
Built up in 1897 this neo-gotic style Church is the church of Saint Baudile, patron of Nîmes

Address: Place Gabriel Péri, Nîmes


Porte de France
One of remaining Roman gateways from the old fortified ramparts of the city.

Address: Rue Porte de France, Nîmes


Museums

Carré d’Art
A Modern Art Museum designed by Norman Foster with several modern art galleries, a library and a restaurant located on the top where you can get a nice lunch with a view over the roofs of the city.
Address: 16 Place de la Maison Carrée, Nîmes
Official website: http://www.carreartmusee.com/en/


Musée de la romanitée (under construction, should be ready in 2017)
Located next to the arena, this under construction museum will be dedicated to the Roman History. It will be biggest and most prestigious museum of this kind in the entire region. Its architecture will be matching and dialoguing with the Arena playing with a contrast between materials and shapes. It should be open in 2017.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Built up in 1907, this is a fine Arts museum

Address: Place des Arenes, Nîmes


Musée Archeologique
Closed until 2018, this museum have one of the larger classical antiquities and gallo roman object collection in Europe. It seems that the team is working on the Musée de la romanitée project. However the Natural History section locate in the same building still open.
Address: 13 Boulevard Amiral Courbet, Nîmes


Musée du Vieux Nimes
Located Place aux Herbes, behind the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Et-Saint-Castor, this museum is located in the former bishop palace that were build up in the 17th century. It deals with the History of Nîmes from the Middle ages until the 20th century. You will see several collections about the industry of textile in the 18th and 19th century, interesting information about the origin and the history of the Denim Jean’s fabric and much more.
Address: Place aux Herbes, Nîmes
Website: http://www.nimes.fr/index.php?id=2168


Musée des Cultures Taurines
A museum dedicated to bullfighting. It includes an outstanding collection of torero costumes, painting, stuffed bull heads and much more. This is a must for any fan of Corrida or anybody who wish to understand about this local tradition coming from Spain.
Address: 6 Rue Alexandre Ducros, Nîmes


Markets

Les Halles (open every day until 1pm)
A real institution in Nîmes, this well-organized yet vibrant market is where you want to go if you love discovering local specialties and want to get a real variety some fresh ingredients. There you will find baked goods, fresh fish, spices, vegetables, meat and plenty of local food such as olives, tapenade, sun dried tomatoes, the delicious local bouchées de Nîmes and much more!
Address: 5 Rue des Halles, Nîmes
Official website: http://www.leshallesdenimes.com/


Brocante Jean Jaurès (every Monday from 8am to 12pm)
Located on the Boulevard Jean Jaurès this is a big size flea market where you can find any stuff you want, vinyl, clocks, furniture, stamps, antiquities…
Address: Boulevard Jean Jaurès, Nîmes


Marché Jean Jaurès (every Friday from 7am to 1pm)
This market is certified with the label “Qualité Sud de France”, which means all the products are strictly seasonal products. There you will not find strawberries in winter or apricot in spring season. You will find a lot of local products often made by small local companies and artisans. Quality over quantity for this local and fun market.
Address: Boulevard Jean Jaurès, Nîmes


Squares

Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
Build up in the 16th century this big square is located on the top of the Avenue Feucheres and also nearby the Arena. The square is spreading over 3 hectares and it display in the center a gorgeous marble fountain made of allegoric sculptures representing the city of Nîmes. This square was entirely refurbish in 2012. Its lighting looks totally stunning at night. This is a great spot for walking around and having a break in the middle of the city.

Address: Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle


Place de l’Horloge
Surrounded by cafes, this elegant square display an old clock tower built up in 1752.
Address: Place de l’Horloge, Nîmes


Place d’Assas
Located at the beginning of the Boulevard Vicor Hugo the square display a modern style fountain with 2 big heads facing each other which represent the God Nemausus and the source Nemausa. The place d’Assas was remodelled by Martial Raysse 1986. You will also find some cafes and restaurant on Victor Hugo side of the square.
Address: Place d’Assas, Nîmes
More information can be found here: http://www.ot-nimes.fr/patrimoine/lart-de-vivre/les-places-et-lieux-de-vie/place-dassas/


Place du marché
In this very gorgeous square located between the boulevard Victor Hugo and the rue de l’Aspic, you will see a bronze crocodile sitting on a fountain (designed by Martial Raysse) and right in the middle of the square a massive and tall palm tree. You will also notice the Nimes coat of arms nailed on paved ground… It looks and sounds like the South, surrounded by colorful houses, restaurants and cafes displaying their peaceful terrace this is where you want to take the time to seat and enjoy a cup of coffee. However don’t really waste your time ordering food in the surrounding restaurant, they are just average. Notice the Place du Marche is outstandingly crowded and fun during the Feria de Pentecote and the Feria des Vendanges, you will then find a multitude of bodegas in the small surrounding streets.
Address: Place du Marché, Nîmes


Square Antonin
Named after the emperor Antonin, from whom the family was from Nîmes, this small square is located at the top of the Quaies de la fontaine. It display in the center a statue of the Emperor Antonin. On the East side of the pedestal we can read the following in Latin Language “SENATVS POPVLVSQVE NEMAVSENSIS” which mean “The senate and the people of Nîmes”. On the West side of the pedestal we can read the following dedication that partially take imperial titulature “IMP•CAES•T•AELIO•HADRIANO•ANTONINO•AVG•PIO, P•P, NEM•ORIVNDO, or IMPERATOR•CAESAR•TITVS•ÆLIVS•HADRIANVS•ANTONINVS•AUGVSTVS•PIVS, PONTIFEX•MAXIMVS, NEMAVSVS•ORIVNDO”.

Address: Square Antonin, Nîmes


Park, garden, walks and sport

Le jardin de la fontaine
Located at the top of the boulevard Jean Jaures, Le Jardin de la Fontaine is an outstanding public garden that were created in 1745, it is also one of the oldest city park in Europe. Bridges, water, Roman temple, Roman tower, canals, statues and botanical garden are the main highlights. Designed by JP Mareschal the military engineer of King Louis XV in the 18th century, le Jardin de la Fontaine was build up next to an ancient spring discovered by the Gauls. The remains of Roman baths dated from the Emperor Augustus (around 27 BCE) were then discovered on the site. A magnificent walk into this very romantic garden will lead you to the Tour Magne, a stunning roman watchtower situated at the top of the hill.
Address: Quai de la Fontaine, Nîmes
More information can be found here: http://the-southoffrance.com/le-jardin-de-la-fontaine


Le Mont Duplan
A popular garden and park located on one of the hills of the City. Nothing fancy or very touristic there, just a lot of green space to have a walk and breath some fresh air. There you will also find some petanque court, some playground for children and a planetarium.
Address: Avenue Peladan, Nîmes


Bois de Espeisses
The biggest natural outdoor trail for those who love running and burning calories! All green, with small forest and different levels of difficulties.


Accommodation

If you are planning to go to Nîmes, you can easily book your hotel on Tripadvisor by clicking to the link bellow
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It is easy to use, you can compare the different accommodations and you will get the best deals.

 

Ben – The South of France

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