2026 Nimes Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Just yesterday after a scenic 12-hour FlixBus journey from Zurich, winding past the Alps and dipping into the golden hues of southern France, 🇫🇷 we finally arrived in Nîmes—the Roman heart of Occitanie (On reflection we would have flown as the bus was a bit worn out and not so great but hind site is a funny thing). Tired but excited, we checked into B&B HOTEL Nîmes Centre Arènes, a no-fuss, budget-friendly spot just a short walk from the historic center. Perfect for a quick recharge and right near the action. 🌙 A solid night's sleep later... Late morning brought with it the warm Mediterranean sun, and with it, our appetite. A short stroll landed us at Farmers Organic, a stylish spot blending modern vibes with local, organic ingredients. I ordered a classic Eggs Benedict for me and the Petit Déjeuner Français for my wife — fresh baguette, jams, a boiled egg, and coffee strong enough to wake up the Roman ruins. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and unpretentious—just like Nîmes itself. 🥐☕ (See the images for a peek at this amazing brunch!) 🏛️ What to Do in Nîmes (aka "The French Rome") Fueled up and ready, we wandered through the Arènes de Nîmes, (see the second to last picture) one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. You can almost hear the gladiators echo in the stone. Just around the corner? The stunning Maison Carrée, and a bit further—the dreamy Jardins de la Fontaine, where locals nap, lovers picnic, and history drips from every corner. 📸 Trip Tip: Nîmes is best explored on foot. Don’t rush it. Grab a cookie from the pastry counter on your way out of Farmers Organic (seriously, the hazelnut chocolate cookie is a game changer), and get lost in the limestone alleys. Budget: 🚌 FlixBus from Zurich – ~€32 🏨 B&B HOTEL Nîmes Centre Arènes – ~€65/night 🍳 Brunch at Farmers Organic – ~€12-31 depending on how hungry you are 😉 One of those slow travel days that don’t look like much on a map—but stay with you long after. (and in my humble opinion much nicer to explore slowly and calmly than the chaos of Marseille or Paris)#farmersorganicnimes #Nimes #FranceTravel #SlowTravel #FlixBusJourney #RomanRuins #FarmToTable #BrunchLovers #TripMoment

Headed to Nimes, France during a weekend. It was truly a hidden gem in the South of France, just a short bus or train from Marseille or Avignon. We visited the large Arènes de Nimes, a well preserved Roman Colosseum (way less destroyed than in Rome, but not as massive in size) It was a fun walk around the place, and it came with a map and audio tour as well. You can even play an escape game around! Ticket entry was pretty cheap too! 10/10 would recommend #southoffrance #nîmes #colosseum

Located between the sea and the Cevennes hills, Nîmes is one of the most attractive towns in Mediterranean France. The city was established by the Romans, on the edge of the Mediterranean plain, some twenty-five miles inland from the sea; and to this day, Nimes has the finest collection of Roman remains in France. Apart from its Roman remains, Nimes is worth visiting for its attractive old town and its gardens, as well as its ideal location for discovering the Cevennes national park to the north or the renowned wetlands of the Camargue to the south – not to mention the large number of historic sites and other sights to be discovered in this part of Mediterranean France.. #newyearadventure

#celebratewithtrip Beautiful and amazon Arena, dated s. I D.C. so almost 2000 years and still splendurous and astonishing. Extremely well preserved and very impressive amphithéâtre. The best example of Roman architecture outside of Italy. So amazing to see a colosseum in France! #francetravel #nimes #friendtrip

#celebratewithtrip In the Heart of Nimes, you can find the Crocodile fountain. The symbol of Nimes, a friendly crocodile in the Market Square, there are many restaurants and shops. A nice place where it is good to relax after having strolled in the alleys. #nimes #francetravel #friendstrip

#Nim We were deciding between going from Nîmes to Arles or Avignon, but laziness won out and we stayed in Nîmes for the whole day. The sun had just risen by midday—the city seemed to blossom. We strolled leisurely, and Nîmes generously shared its best: • The Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge)—the rhythm of the old center. • Maison Carrée—antique, with young people playing chess on the steps. Atmospheric ❤️ • Jardins de la Fontaine—the best of what we saw, cozy, homey, strolling like a local 👍 • Tour Magne—the climb is worth the view: the city is immersed in greenery, with wide avenues, an arena, and a cathedral. • Swans float along the canal, wings folded ♥️ By evening, the streets came alive—noisy, crowded, a vibrant urban rhythm, unlike yesterday after Christmas. It's livable👌, not overloaded with tourist attractions, we really liked it.

Real Alcázar de Sevilla Step into the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use, and it feels like traveling back to the golden age of the Moorish dynasty. The architecture here is a historical palette: the delicacy of Mudéjar, the liveliness of Islamic style, the depth of Gothic, plus a touch of Rococo’s extravagant splendor. Ancient totems on brick walls, arches with geometric carvings—every step feels like walking through a warm, living work of art.✨ 📷 This is also a filming location for Dorne in Game of Thrones. But what truly takes your breath away are the details polished by time—the moment light and shadow fall on the garden, it’s as beautiful as an unintentional favor. ⛲️ The garden is super! great! for photos! Every snap is wallpaper-worthy🌴 📌 Tips 🎫 Tickets: 15.5 euros, it’s recommended to buy at least 3 days in advance! Be sure to enter at your reserved time. 📍 Ticket check location: Plaza del Triunfo 🕙 Visit duration: about 3 hours (recommended entry 2pm–4pm to allow plenty of time for touring and the best light and shadow) ➡️ Suggested route: The guided tour recommends a route, just follow it Hall of Justice → Plaster Courtyard → Hunting Courtyard → Hall of the Captain → Palace of Pedro I → Courtyard of the Maidens → Underground Baths → Fountain Garden → Maze → Gothic Palace 👗 Red/orange dresses perfectly match the palace’s color tones 🎧 Scan the code at the entrance for audio guide, remember to bring headphones!

The "water spirit" worshipped in Nîmes refers to Nemausus, the "spring god/spirit" in local Celtic-Roman beliefs, from which the city's name comes. La Tour Magne (Magnet Tower) is an ancient Roman watchtower in the center of Nîmes, France. It is the only surviving aboveground remnant of the Roman city walls. Located on Mont Cavalier, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Cévennes Mountains. Nîmes's Maison Carrée is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Historical Background: Construction began in the 1st century BC, commissioned by the Roman Emperor Augustus and dedicated to his successors, Gaius and Lucius. It was a temple venerated by the Roman Empire. The "Crocodile and Palm Tree" coin minted in Nîmes is a bronze coin (commonly known as the dupondius) issued in Nîmes during the Roman Empire. It depicts a crocodile chained to a palm tree, symbolizing the conquest and victory over Egypt. This design later became the city emblem of Nîmes, and is still used today. Crocodile - Egypt; Palm tree - The East; Chain - Conquest

#holidayitinerary The Arènes de Nîmes in Nîmes, Occitanie, is an impressive Roman amphitheater that immediately captures your attention with its grand size and historical significance. Walking around the exterior, you notice the well-preserved stone arches and the scale of the structure, which gives a real sense of how important it was in ancient times. Inside, the arena still hosts events, from concerts to traditional shows, allowing visitors to experience its original purpose in a modern context. The views from the top tiers are great for seeing the city and appreciating the architecture from all angles. Informative signs and guided tours provide insight into the history, construction, and use of the amphitheater over centuries. Visiting the Arènes de Nîmes is both exciting and educational, offering a chance to step back in time and connect with the vibrant history of Nîmes.

#holidayitinerary Maison Carrée in Nîmes, Occitanie, is a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple that instantly captures your attention. Its elegant columns, perfectly balanced proportions, and detailed carvings make it one of the finest examples of classical architecture in Europe. Walking around the building, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and the sense of history that has survived nearly two thousand years. The surrounding area adds to the charm, with open spaces and views that allow the temple to stand out against the city backdrop. Maison Carrée is also home to a small museum with exhibits that explain its history and importance, enhancing the visit. Whether you are passionate about Roman history, architecture, or simply enjoy beautiful landmarks, Maison Carrée is a must-see in Nîmes. Its timeless design and cultural significance make it a true highlight of Occitanie.

Often referred to as the “Rome of France,” Nîmes is a city steeped in ancient Roman history, boasting some of the best-preserved ruins outside of Italy. Located in the Occitanie region of southern France, this charming city offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the grandeur of Roman architecture, culture, and influence. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love picturesque European towns, Nîmes is a must-visit destination. One of the most iconic landmarks in Nîmes is the Arena of Nîmes, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD. Originally built to host gladiator battles and public spectacles, this grand structure is still in use today, hosting concerts, festivals, and even bullfights. Standing inside the arena, you can almost hear the echoes of the crowds cheering from centuries past. Another architectural marvel is the Maison Carrée, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman temples. Inspired by the temples of Rome itself, its imposing columns, intricate friezes, and symmetrical design showcase the grandeur of Roman engineering and artistry. Today, it serves as a cultural site where visitors can learn more about Nîmes’ Roman past. A visit to Nîmes wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct located just outside the city. This three-tiered stone bridge, standing tall over the Gardon River, was part of a 50-kilometer water system that supplied Nîmes with fresh water. Walking across the site, you’ll appreciate the brilliance of Roman engineering, which has stood the test of time for nearly 2,000 years. Beyond its Roman heritage, Nîmes offers a delightful mix of old and new, with charming squares, bustling markets, and lively cafés where visitors can enjoy the laid-back southern French lifestyle. The Jardins de la Fontaine, one of Europe’s first public gardens, is a wonderful spot to relax while surrounded by ancient ruins, sculptures, and lush greenery. For those interested in an immersive cultural experience, visiting during the Feria de Nîmes (held in May and September) is highly recommended. This traditional festival combines bullfighting, music, dance, and street performances, bringing the city to life in a way that honors both its Roman and Provençal heritage. With its fascinating history, stunning Roman ruins, and Mediterranean charm, Nîmes is a destination that seamlessly blends the past with the present. Whether you’re exploring its ancient streets, standing in the footsteps of gladiators, or enjoying the local cuisine, this city offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Roman France. #romanforum

A beautiful and historic city with great Architecture and buildings and an amazing Amphitheatre. Plenty of good restaurants, bars and cafés to choose from with great Cuisine. A good place to visit.

#magicalxmastrip if you wanted a Christmas market in Paris and I mean any of them there is no way you should miss trying out on the world famous raclette which is as cheesy as any dish can get! Other than that, there’s always mulled wine, hot chocolates with cream and lots of nougat that you can try. There’s also potato to vanilla and fabulous Bavarian sausages to choose from.

The Arena de Nîmes is one of the famous Roman ruins in the city of Nîmes in southern France. It was built during the Flavian dynasty around 70 AD.

//Nim 𝐍𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬// ° ° ° In the morning we went to a highly rated coffee shop for breakfast. Then we will visit the sights of Nimes. Went to the other two attractions included in the 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘳é𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘕î𝘮𝘦𝘴, It is one of the best preserved ancient Roman temple buildings. There's not much space inside. It is the first museum in Nîmes. Showing the history and development of Nimes in the past. 𝘈𝘳è𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘕î𝘮𝘦𝘴, It was built at almost the same time as the Colosseum in Rome. Although smaller than Rome, Its completeness is no less than that of Rome. I personally like to go to the top of the stairs. Looking out, you can see the scenery of Nimes. Looking inward, the vision is broad. You can see the overall appearance of the Colosseum. Nimes is a small city in southern France. There are no dense crowds here. The distances between scenic spots are relatively close. Surrounded by greenery, The road is wide and clean. It is a place suitable for leisure travel. ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ #mocha_n_love_travel #mocha_n_love_france #mocha_n_love_nimes #FranceTravel #GlobalTravel

//𝐋𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐬// ° ° ° Because France has longer sunshine hours in summer. We finished dinner. The show didn't start until 9:30. The performance took place at the Arena de Nimes. The experience is very good. You can sit in the arena and watch the show. It feels like watching beast fighting competitions in ancient times. We saw the first show on August 6, 2024. There wasn't a lot of publicity for this show. After reading the story, we speculated that it was a love story between a garden sculpture and a human. The performance lasts one and a half hours. Projectors on the sidelines will project colorful lights and shadows onto the ground of the arena. Very beautiful, The story is interspersed with stunts and equestrian performances. Very exciting. I was lucky enough to see this performance. If you go to Nimes in August, Let's see if there's a chance to see this show again. ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ #mocha_n_love_travel #mocha_n_love_france #mocha_n_love_nimes #FranceTravel #GlobalTravel

//Nîmes Fountain Gardens 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐥𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞// ° ° ° After about an hour and a half of driving, We arrived at our next stop in Marseille. A relatively small city. Nimes. We will stay here for 2 days and 1 night. We arrived in the afternoon. My first impression of this city is that it is very quiet. There are few tourists. It's very much like a residential area. We first went to the hotel to drop off our luggage. Walking randomly on the street, I discovered that there was a performance at the Nimes Colosseum in the evening! This is so rare that you can't miss it. Bought the ticket, The content of the performance will be shared later. Afterwards, we went to the visitor center and bought 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴, 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰 13 per piece, Visit three of Nîmes' most famous attractions. We went to the Fountain Gardens today. It is a city park in Nîmes. As soon as you enter the park, you will see a large fountain. The garden is very spacious. There are Roman ruins, Such as the Temple of Diana and the public baths, Going up further you will reach the Magnac Tower. To enter the Magna Tower, you need to use 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴, Climb up the ancient tower to have a panoramic view of the city of Nimes. ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧📍 26 Quai de la Fontaine, 30000 Nîmes, France 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 🕘 07:30-22:00 (Monday to Sunday) ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ #mocha_n_love_travel #mocha_n_love_france #mocha_n_love_nimes #FranceTravel #GlobalTravel

#FriTabi - My second visit to Nimes! I discovered new shops and went to the night market, so I'm very satisfied!

Maison Albar Hotels L’Imperator 15 Rue Gaston Boissier, Nimes, 30900, France 📍 Nestled in the heart of Nimes, this gem offers not just a prime location but also valet parking for a hassle-free arrival. The reception team goes above and beyond, dishing out top-notch recommendations for city adventures. 🚗✨ 🛏️ Step into luxury with impeccably clean, well-appointed rooms that promise a restful night's sleep. With attention to detail and your comfort in mind, they've nailed the perfect home-away-from-home vibe. 💤🏡 🌟 From the moment you check in, the hotel's stellar services and amenities set the stage for an unforgettable stay. Whether you're here for the sights or a plush retreat, Maison Albar Hotels L’Imperator is your go-to in Nimes. 🛎️🥂 # Nimes # NimesHotel # NimesTravel

In Nimes, where traces of ancient Rome remain, there are many places where you can drink wine while looking at ancient buildings. Nimes, a beautiful city #nimes, #southernfrance

1. 📍Porte d'Auguste, Nimes, France Porte d'Auguste is located just a street away from the Nimes Cathedral, but because the cathedral is so eye-catching, many people accidentally overlook it and miss this historically significant gate. Today, only the broken walls and the majestic statue of Augustus remain here. The black and gray stone walls are a testament to history and a work of time. Looking back, there is a stark contrast with the surrounding buildings. Taking photos at the gate and looking out, there is a feeling of traveling back to the Roman era! Every tourist who loves history will not miss it here, and everyone who pays tribute to the Roman era will stop here!

Nîmes is known as the Rome of France, this ancient city, located on the ancient traffic artery, blends the styles of Gaul, ancient Rome and Andalusia, the city is not large, can be measured on foot. There are six existing arenas in the world, one of which is in Nîmes, well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, also let Nîmes get the name of "Roman City". Freedom Square and Nîmes train station are opposite each other, there is a Pradier fountain on the square, and the other end is the Saint Baudel Cathedral, the most eye-catching of the cathedral is the towering bell tower, next to it is the courthouse, a very ancient Greek style building. The World Heritage Site Pont du Gard in the suburbs, is the world's highest Roman aqueduct bridge, with its excellent preservation status and attracts attention, becoming the only ancient three-layer bridge that stands to this day.

I love an art walk on holiday and I found a great one on a stopover in Nimes. Recommended by our Airbnb host we spent a pleasant morning discovering the street art of Nimes. It’s all concentrated in one area with art works being added every year. If you’re lucky you’ll see some art in progress - or be in town for the Festival de Ouf - we’ll worth a visit #artwalk

Nimes is a small city in the south of France. Unlike the bustling Paris, the small city gives people a quiet feeling. It is a good place to get away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle. Nimes has a wealth of ancient Roman historical sites, among which the most famous is the Nimes Arena!! It is the most complete Roman arena in the world🏟Enter the venue and fully feel the strong historical atmosphere and grandeur Tickets available for admission to the arena (with Chinese tour guide) 🎟 Full ticket: 10€, Discount ticket: 8€ Travelers can also purchase the Nîmes Pass 3-day package 💫 to visit the 3 Nimes attractions: Nimes Arena, Quadrifoglio, and Magnet Tower!! 🚉Transportation: Take the French National Railway SNCF to Gare de Nîmes. You can book tickets on the official website of the French National Railway (it is recommended to book in advance for cheaper prices). The station is about a 5-minute walk away. 🌟Features:🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 💛Rating:🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖 #FranceTravel #SouthFrance #FranceTourism #France #FrenchAttractions #Nimes #EuropeTour

#celebratewithtrip Nice place for a dinner at the huge outside area with shade caused by large trees. We were sit outside the restaurant. Very nice setting in a beautiful square. Friendly waiters and very welcoming. The main dishes are tastefull. Good food and wonderful ambiance. Great place to spend time with friends. Desert was good. #nimes #francetravel #friendstravel

France|Hamburger bag Nimes detailed Raiders h Arena is one of the main Roman monuments in Nimru, France . The arena was built in the 1st century AD and was originally used as an arena and has now become a theatre. It is 21 meters high and has 2,400 seats. The 60 arches can be seen from the outside. It was used as a military fortress by the Gothic in the 5th century. The entire site is 131 meters long from east to west and 100 meters from north to south. In fact, we have seen several in the arena in Rome. Of course, the majestic, the Colosseum is still unmatched. This arena is well preserved, but scaffolding is everywhere, to be honest, it affects the photo. We visited the arena with the signs, constantly climbing stairs and watching the arena inside from different angles of the arena. Climb up the stairs to the top, overlooking the entire city of Nimes on the top floor of the arena. hamburger bag exclusive small tips: 1. Buy tickets here, you will see the fares of various attractions, However, if you plan to visit the Arena, the Square Temple and Manetta, it is recommended to purchase the Pass Nmes romaine, which is more cost-effective. 2. Arena tickets include a free Chinese guide. To enjoy the bullfighting or performance, you can go to the full-fam FNAC and the ticket office Billetterie des Arenes or the online ticket (in French only).

The city of Nimes is the capital of the French province of Gard. It covers an area of 162 square kilometers and has a population of 240,000. It is close to the Mediterranean Sea and has a sun shining for more than 300 days per year. Known as the warmest city in France, it is a romantic and modern art capital. In French, Nim is the name of the Nemausus. It runs along the city street, and a unique fountain can be seen everywhere, making the city full of lively atmosphere. Nimes has Roman ruins everywhere, which is similar to Arles, but its history is longer than Arles.

The city of Nimes is the capital of the French province of Gard. It covers an area of 162 square kilometers and has a population of 240,000. It is close to the Mediterranean Sea and has a sun shining for more than 300 days per year. Known as the warmest city in France, it is a romantic and modern art capital. In French, Nim is the name of the Nemausus. It runs along the city street, and a unique fountain can be seen everywhere, making the city full of lively atmosphere. Nimes has Roman ruins everywhere, which is similar to Arles, but its history is longer than Arles.