Bonjour! Welcome to Nîmes, a beautiful city often called the Rome of France. If you love ancient history, charming southern towns, and a laid-back atmosphere, Nimes should be on your Provence radar. Here, you’ll find a blend of impressive Roman heritage, elegant streets, and a warm Mediterranean feel that makes exploring a real pleasure. Nîmes is compact, easy to explore, and full of memorable sights, making it perfect for a day trip or a cultural stop on a Provence itinerary. Let’s discover the best things to do in Nimes, France.
This website uses affiliate links thanks to which we may earn a commission for purchases you made at no additional cost to you. If you like the content, consider using those links to support us. Thank you!
Nimes, France FAQ
Nimes is located in the Occitanie region in the Gard department in southern France. The city sits between Montpellier and Avignon, close to Provence and the Camargue wetlands, making it an excellent base or stop on any trip through southern France.
Of course! Nimes is definitely worth visiting. In our opinion, it’s one of the most underrated cities in southern France. While many travelers focus on nearby Arles and Avignon, Nîmes offers equally impressive Roman monuments, often with fewer crowds and a more authentic, local atmosphere.
Nimes is best known for its Roman heritage. The city is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Roman monuments, including the impressive Nimes Amphitheatre, the elegant Maison Carrée temple, and the peculiar Tour Magne watchtower.
You can visit the main attractions in Nimes in just one day, as the town is compact and most highlights are easily reached on foot. However, if you want to visit all historic sites and museums, or simply soak up Nîmes’ charm without rushing, we recommend staying 2-3 days. But if you’re short on time, a day trip is absolutely worthwhile.
Short history of Nimes
Nimes has a rich history that stretches back over 2500 years. Originally, a Celtic settlement centered here around a sacred spring around 500 BC. In 121 BC, Nîmes fell under Roman control, and thanks to its strategic position on the Via Domitia (the major trade route linking Spain and Italy) the city quickly prospered.
During the 1st century BC, Emperor Augustus made Nimes a regional capital, and the city flourished. This era left the town with an extraordinary architectural legacy: the impressive Amphitheater, the elegant temple, one of the longest walls in the Roman world, and a vast aqueduct system stretching over 50 kilometers.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Nimes went through various periods under different rulers. During the Middle Ages, the Roman amphitheater was even transformed into a fortress and later became a small village with houses built inside it. From the 16th to the 19th century, Nîmes flourished again thanks to the textile industry, which brought wealth and growth to the city. Today, Nîmes is a vibrant destination that has beautifully preserved its Roman heritage while seamlessly embracing modern life.
Things to do in Nimes, France
Nimes old town
There’s no better way to discover Nimes Old Town than by slowly wandering through its charming streets, soaking up the atmosphere, and exploring every corner. With so many impressive landmarks and picturesque spots packed into a compact area, strolling through the historic centre is definitely one of the best things to do in Nimes.
In Nîmes Old Town, you’ll find points of interest like: Maison Carrée, Amphitheatre,
Place aux Herbes, Place de l’Horloge with clock tower, Jardin de La Fontaine, Tour Magne, Place du Marché with the Crocodile Fountain, Cathedral, Place du Chapitre, Fountain Pradier, Church of Sainte Perpétue, Porte d’Auguste, Museum Romanité, and Les Halles market. Here you’ll also walk around lively streets like Rue des Marchands, Rue de l’Aspic, Rue de la Madeleine, and Boulevard Gambetta. We’ll take a closer look at some of these places shortly.
In addition to the main landmarks, Nimes Old Town is filled with art galleries, cozy cafés, restaurants, and little shops. These are perfect places to pause, unwind, and enjoy the local vibe. Thanks to its compact size, you can easily explore Nimes on foot.
Nimes Tourist Office is located on Boulevard des Arènes, right across the Amphitheatre. It’s a great place to pick up maps and get helpful sightseeing tips.
Fun fact. Keep an eye out for crocodile symbols around the city. The crocodile chained to a palm tree is the emblem of Nîmes, commemorating the Roman victory over Egypt.
Amphitheatre of Nimes
The star attraction of Nimes is its magnificent Amphitheater, known as Les Arènes de Nîmes. It was built around 100 AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world! It measures 133 meters long and 101 meters wide, and in its heyday it could seat 23,000 spectators! Nimes Arena is often compared to the Colosseum in Rome, and the resemblance is quite easy to see.
Today, you can explore the entire Nimes Arena, including the seating areas and the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals once waited before entering the arena floor. Also, the amphitheatre still hosts concerts, cultural events, and the Feria bullfighting festival (unfortunately). You can also climb to the top tier for incredible panoramic views over the city, which is easily one of the best things to do in Nimes. We also really enjoyed reading the informative placards explaining gladiators’ lives and combat styles.
In front of the Amphitheatre of Nimes, you’ll also find a statue dedicated to bullfighters. Even if you don’t go inside, the amphitheater is an impressive sight from the outside and a must-see if you only have one day in Nîmes.
Entrance to the Nimes Arena costs €11 for a normal ticket, €9 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 7 (January 2026). But if you plan to visit more historic sites, consider purchasing the Nimes City Pass to save some money – more on that later. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the nimes-tourisme.com website.
Travel tip. While exploring the area, don’t miss the elegant Fountain Pradier, dedicated to Nemausus, the god of the sacred spring, and the striking Church of Saint Perpétue and Félicité, both located just steps from the arena.
Maison Carrée
One of the best things to do in Nimes is to visit the Maison Carrée, an architectural marvel standing proudly in the heart of the old town. This temple was built at the very beginning of our era and is considered one of the most complete and best-preserved Roman temples in the world. And it rivals Rome’s Pantheon in terms of preservation and beauty!
Designed in the elegant Corinthian style, the Maison Carrée façade features magnificent columns and detailed carvings that showcase classical Roman architecture at its finest. The building survived through the centuries partly because of its continuous use – it served as a church, city hall, and even an art gallery. In 2023, Maison Carrée was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
While the exterior is stunning and perfect for photos, the interior is more simple and modest. Inside you’ll find a small exhibition about the temple’s history and its role in Roman Nîmes.
Entrance to the Maison Carrée costs €6.5 for a normal ticket, €5.5 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 7 (January 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the nimes-tourisme.com website.
Jardins de la Fontaine
For a peaceful stroll, head to beautiful Jardins de la Fontaine. Created in the 18th century, they are among the first public gardens in Europe designed not for royalty but for ordinary citizens. The gardens were built around the sacred spring that first drew the Celts and later the Romans to this location. Today, the layout features an elegant network of canals, waterways, terraces, and Baroque-style statues, all beautifully integrated into the landscape.
While wandering through the gardens, you’ll also come across the ruins of the Temple of Diana. Despite its name, it wasn’t actually dedicated to the goddess Diana, and its true purpose remains a mystery, and many historians believe it may have served as a library. At the top of the Jardins de la Fontaine, you’ll find Tour Magne, the third major Roman landmark in the city.
Entrance to the Jardins de la Fontaine is free during opening hours, which makes it one of the best things to do in Nimes.
Tour Magne
At the highest point of Nîmes, crowning Mont Cavalier and rising above the Jardins de la Fontaine, you’ll find the impressive Tour Magne. This octagonal tower was built by Emperor Augustus around 15 BC as part of the Roman walls that once surrounded the city. Originally, the tower was even taller with an additional level that has since been lost. Tour Magne served as both a lookout point over the Via Domitia and a powerful symbol of Roman strength. Today, it’s the only surviving tower of Nimes’ ancient ramparts.
Climbing to the top of Tour Magne is one of the most memorable things to do in Nimes and absolutely worth the effort. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the city and far beyond. An orientation table at the top helps identify key landmarks, while inside the tower you’ll also find a small exhibition with historical details.
Entrance to the Tour Magne costs €4 for a normal ticket, €3.5 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 7 (January 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the nimes-tourisme.com website.
Other Roman Ruins in Nimes
Beyond its headline monuments, Nimes is dotted with several lesser-known Roman ruins that further highlight the city’s ancient past. As you explore the city, you’ll come across remnants of the Roman walls, including the Porte d’Auguste, an impressive gate that once marked the entrance to the city along the Via Domitia.
Another interesting site is the Castellum Divisorium, a circular Roman water distribution tank, dating from the 1st century AD. It marked the endpoint of the 50-kilometer-long aqueduct that brought water from Uzes to Nîmes via the famous Pont du Gard. In addition, keep an eye out for fragments of columns, foundations, and other archaeological remains subtly embedded into modern streets and buildings throughout the city.
Exploring these smaller Roman sites adds extra depth to your visit and is one of the more underrated things to do in Nîmes, especially if you enjoy history beyond the main landmarks.
Museums in Nimes
Nîmes is also home to several interesting museums. If visiting museums is part of your travel style, you’ll find plenty of rewarding options here. For a deeper understanding of Roman history, head to Musée de la Romanité (eng. Museum of Roman Culture), located opposite the Amphitheater. It’s housed in the striking modern building with a distinctive undulating facade. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace either, which offers nice views over the Arena and the city.
Another interesting stop is the Musée des Beaux-Arts (eng. Museum of Fine Arts), where you can admire fine art collections alongside an impressive Roman mosaic. For something more local, visit the Musée du Vieux Nîmes (eng. Museum of Old Nîmes) housed in a former bishop’s palace and focused on the city’s history, traditions, and textile heritage. If you’re curious about bullfighting traditions, head to Musée des Cultures Taurines (eng. Museum of Bullfighting Cultures).
Exploring these museums is a great way to enrich your visit and adds depth to any Nimes itinerary.
Surrounding area in Nimes
Although there are plenty of things to do in Nimes, the town also makes a fantastic base for exploring nearby gems. Whether you’re after history, nature, or a glass of fine wine, there are many places to visit near Nimes that make every day an adventure.
In Nimes, you’re perfectly located to explore the Camargue – France’s largest wetland area and one of Europe’s most unique natural regions, known for its white horses, black bulls, and adorable pink flamingos.
Just a short drive or train ride away, you’ll find lively cities like Avignon, Arles, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, or Marseille. And if you’re craving classic Provençal charm, don’t miss villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Iconic Pont du Gard is at your fingertips too!
Nimes City Pass
If you plan to visit several historic sites and museums, you should consider buying the Nimes City Pass. It offers great value and can save you some money. It’s especially convenient if you want to see most of Nimes attractions without worrying about individual ticket prices.
The pass includes entry to top sights such as the Arènes de Nîmes, Maison Carrée, Tour Magne, Musée de la Romanité, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Vieux Nîmes, Musée des Cultures Taurines, and Carré d’Art Jean Bousquet. It also covers attractions outside the city, including the Pont du Gard and the Abbatiale in Saint-Gilles. It also gives you the option to join a Nimes guided tour or hop on a tourist train.
Nîmes City Pass is available for 2, 4, or 7 days, with prices depending on the duration (€35 / €39 / €49 as of January 2026). You can buy passes at any monument, at the Nimes Tourist Office or online. For details and current information, and online passes visit the nimescitypass.com website.
Explore local attractions
How to get to Nimes, France
Nimes is located about 35km from Arles, 45km from Avignon or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 55km from Montpellier, 100km from Aix-en-Provence, and 115km from Marseille. The most convenient way to get to Nimes is by car, train, or bus.
Airports near Nimes
The closest airport to Nimes is located in the city itself (10km from the historic center), but this is a small regional airport with limited connections, mainly serving Ryanair flights to/from the UK and a few other European cities. The next closest airports are located in Montpellier (55km away) and Marseille (105km away).
From each airport, you can get to the city by public transportation. You can check connections that might interest you on rome2rio.com website. At each airport, you can also rent a car for a faster and more comfortable journey.
Parking in Nimes
In Nimes we recommend leaving a car in one of the city’s paid parking lots, like this Parking Maison Carree, located in the old town right next to Maison Carrée. If you plan to stay longer in Nimes, we recommend booking a hotel or apartment with a designated parking space.
To Nimes by train
You can easily get to Nimes by train, especially from other big cities. For example, a trip from Montpellier or from Avignon will take 35 minutes, 30 minutes from Arles, and 1.5 hours from Marseille. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit sncf-connect.com or rome2rio.com website.
To Nimes by bus
You can also fairly quickly get to Nimes by bus. For example, the trip from Arles will take around 1 hour, 45 minutes from Montpellier, and 1h 45 minutes from Avignon. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com or Flixbus website.
Camping Nimes
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Aire de Campingcar or Camping Bellevue en Camargue might interest you. They are located close to Nimes.
To Nimes with guided tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details of your visit to Nimes.
If you’re staying in Avignon, we recommend taking part in this popular Nimes, Uzes & Pont du Gard Small Group Half-Day Tour. If you’re a foodie, this delicious Nimes Food Tour will be perfect for you!
For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options, visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Things to do in Nimes, France – Summing up
Now you know what Nîmes is all about. It’s a beautiful city in southern France filled with history, beauty, and relaxed atmosphere. From the spectacular Roman Arena where gladiators once battled to elegant Maison Carrée to atmospheric streets, peaceful gardens, and stunning viewpoints, Nimes offers something for every traveler. Whether you visit for a few hours or a couple of days, Nîmes leaves a lasting impression.
We hope our guide to the best things to do in Nimes helps you make the most of your visit and inspires you to explore even more beautiful corners of Provence. Enjoy your trip & bon voyage!
Our opinion about Nimes
For us, a visit to Nimes was a day trip from nearby La Grande-Motte where we lived for a few weeks. We visited in mid April, and during that time the town was pleasantly calm and free from tourist crowds. Exploring everything we wanted in Nimes took us about 6 hours.
Nimes impressed us with its remarkable Roman monuments, charming streets, beautiful gardens, and its relaxed southern French vibe. Having visited many Roman sites across Europe, we think Nîmes truly stands out.
What we didn’t like? Nothing particular comes to mind. It was a nice day from start to finish, and we think Nimes is a memorable stop on any Provence itinerary. Don’t skip it – this French Rome deserves way more attention than it gets!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Nimes?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Nimes:
