Planning a trip to Nîmes, France? You’re going to want to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the amazing things to do in Nîmes!
I spent a weekend in Nîmes last summer on a solo trip to France and had a blast.
Nîmes is often referred to as the Rome of France. If you’re a fan of visiting Roman ruins, you’re going to love visiting the Arena of Nîmes as well as the stunning Maison Carrée temple.
Give yourself time to visit some of the great museums in Nîmes, and maybe even take a day trip out to see the incredible Pont du Gard.
Ready to discover all of the best things to do in Nîmes? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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Quick Picks: Top Nimes Tours
- Nimes, Uzes & Pont du Gard Half Day Tour (Small group tour from Avignon!)
- Private Nimes Tour (The best of Nimes’ history and culture, customized for you!)
- Nimes Food Tour (Sample local favorite foods — and come hungry!)
1. Arena of Nîmes
The number one thing to do in Nîmes is to visit the incredible Arènes de Nîmes. It’s an iconic symbol of Nîmes’ rich history and its importance during the Roman empire, sitting right in the city center!
This amphitheater, dating back to the 1st century AD, is one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world, hinting at the city’s role in Gaul during Roman times.
Marvel at the grand arena which was designed to hold 24,000 spectators. With its two levels of arches, it’s like the little sister of the famous Coliseum in Rome.
It’s easy to imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators fought bravely within the arena. And if you download the audioguide on your phone, you can hear stories that bring history to life.
Be sure to spend a few moments walking around the amphitheater. It’s easy to get great photos of the arena. I especially like this one with the statue of the bullfighter.
Tip: Planning to visit several Roman sites during your stay? Save some money with the Pass Romanité. This pass gives you access to the main three Roman sites in Nimes and the Museum Romanité.
2. Maison Carrée
Another must-see attraction in Nimes is the stunning Maison Carrée, an almost perfectly preserved Roman temple dating back to the reign of Emperor Augustus. You don’t often find temples in this prime condition!
This classical temple, a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture, was dedicated to the grandsons of Augustus. And it was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site!
The facade with its towering Corinthian columns and intricate carvings will captivate you. The Maison Carrée’s rich history of transformation, from a church to a private residence to an archive, reveals the adaptability of Roman structures through the ages.
3. Tour Magne
The Tour Magne, once part of Nîmes’ extensive fortifications, is a Roman watchtower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Originally built as a pre-Roman structure, it was later incorporated into the 6 km-long Augustan fortifications.
The Tour Magne sits at the top of the hill at the northernmost end of Les Jardins de La Fontaine, so it’s a bit of a walk to get here.
Climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic views of Nemausus, as Nîmes was known in the Roman period, and picture yourself defending the city in Roman times.
Tip: If you want to climb the tower, I recommend getting there when the tower opens. That way you can spend more time at the top. (There’s not a lot of room up there, so as more people come up, then folks have to start heading down.)
4. Temple of Diana
Within the idyllic Jardins de la Fontaine lies the mysterious Temple of Diana, a Roman structure whose original purpose remains a topic of debate among historians.
Although called a temple, it may have been a library. What remains of the temple are evocative ruins with Roman mosaics and arches that inspire curiosity about its past.
The remnants speak of an age where Roman religious rituals or intellectual pursuits might have flourished within its walls.
5. Les Jardins de la Fontaine
We’ve been talking about these gardens already, as they house the Tour Magne and the Temple de Diane. While they’re not as fancy as the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, the Jardins de la Fontaine are worth a visit!
Follow the Quai de la Fontaine, where the calm waters of the canal flow under the shady canopy and lead you towards the gardens.
In the gardens, listen to the soothing sounds of water and the dancing waters sparkling in the sunshine. The Jardins de la Fontaine, one of the first public gardens in Europe, invites you to take a relaxing stroll.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Serene Fountains: At every turn, discover the calm presence of water. From the grand central fountain to smaller, playful jets, you’re surrounded by the calming sound of flowing water.
- Stunning Statues: Keep your eyes peeled for impressive statues adorning the park. These stone guardians add a touch of historical elegance to your stroll.
- Lush Greenery: All around you, the park bursts with life. The variety of trees and plants creates a green oasis in the heart of Nîmes.
- Marble Vases: Dotting the esplanade, elegant marble vases bring a classical feel to your walk. Take a moment to appreciate their craftsmanship.
6. Musée de la Romanité
Directly across from the iconic Arena of Nîmes, the Musée de la Romanité greets you with an impressive contemporary facade that houses a collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts.
Inside, you’re treated to interactive exhibitions, taking you back in time to understand the city’s Roman history through ancient artifacts, including well-preserved mosaics.
My favorite exhibit in this museum was the collection of miniature versions of Roman monuments. You’ll find the Nîmes monuments as well as tiny copies of the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome.
7. Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts of Nîmes, not far from the Roman Amphitheater, is where you’ll find a wide array of European art.
The first thing you’ll see as you enter is the stunning mosaic in the atrium. Spend a few moments here to appreciate the artistry and details from all sides.
As you wander through the galleries, watch for works by Rubens and Paul Delaroche. This museum delights with its collection of Flemish paintings, classical statues, and thoughtful exhibitions.
Be sure to pay attention to the building itself – the elegant grand staircase and architectural details are lovely!
8. Carré d’Art
If your artistic tastes lean towards the contemporary, the Carré d’Art is where you should be headed next.
This modern art museum and library, designed by architect Norman Foster, stands in stark contrast to the ancient buildings dotted throughout Nîmes. It’s rather odd (and thought-provoking) to see this modern steel-and-glass structure standing so close to the ancient Maison Carrée!
You’ll find thought-provoking temporary and permanent exhibitions across various mediums, from paintings to multimedia installations. This museum is a hub for art enthusiasts and a testament to the city’s investment in artistic expression.
Tip: It’s free to visit the library, located on the bottom floor of the Carré d’Art. I had a couple of hours between checkout time from my hotel and when I needed to catch my train, so I made use of the library’s internet (and enjoyed the air-conditioning!).
9. Les Halles Market
Indulge in a food lover’s paradise as you explore Nîmes, where the vibrant flavors of Southern France tempt your taste buds. Savor the city’s specialties, from succulent fish dishes to flaky pastries and the famous Picholine olives.
As you step into Les Halles, Nîmes’ bustling market, let your senses be your guide. Here you’ll find an array of stalls showcasing the finest local produce. Make sure to taste:
- Picholine olives, a Nîmois staple, perfect for a savory snack.
- Oysters, enjoyed with a spritz of lemon for that fresh ocean flavor.
- Brandade, a local dish made with salt cod and olive oil.
Les Halles de Nimes is not as famous as the gourmet Les Halles de Lyon, but I enjoy shopping at local markets wherever I go in France.
Les Halles de Nîmes is open daily from 7AM-1PM (7AM-1:30PM on Sundays). You’ll want to arrive early to enjoy the best selection. That’s true for any farmers’ market, as the good stuff goes fast!
10. Pont du Gard Day Trip
The Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, is a World Heritage site that you simply can’t miss. It’s also one of the most incredible landmarks in France.
It only takes about 30 minutes to travel from Nîmes to see the Pont du Gard. Its colossal arches and historical significance will take your breath away, so it’s definitely worth taking a day trip!
Standing before the Pont du Gard, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered a marvel of ancient engineering. Cross the bridge to the other side of the river to truly get a feel for the size of this viaduct bridge.
(Did you know that it was the tallest aqueduct built by the Romans? This is one of the many fun facts about France!)
Spend some time in the excellent museum to learn about the history and engineering that have allowed this viaduct bridge to last since the 1st century AD.
11. Attend the Féria de Nîmes
A fun way to experience a city and its culture is to immerse yourself in unique local festivities and celebrations.
The most important local celebration in Nîmes is the Feria de Nîmes, held bi-annually. This five-day extravaganza fills the streets with music, flamenco dancing, and traditional costumes.
The highlight is bullfighting at the ancient Roman amphitheater, an adrenaline-pumping spectacle that draws crowds from all over. Mark your calendar for the Pentecost Feria in May and the Harvest Feria in September.
During my visit last May, the whole city was brimming with excitement for the Féria! Restaurants and venues were dressed up with lights and decorations celebrating this event.
Nimes Travel Tips and FAQ
You should not miss the ancient Roman amphitheater, Arenes de Nîmes, which continues to amaze visitors with its preservation and grandeur. The Maison Carrée, a well-preserved Roman temple, is another must-see that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Consider a day trip to Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that is a masterpiece of engineering. Alternatively, the charming medieval town of Uzès is just a short drive away, with its beautiful ducal castle and vibrant market days.
The top tourist attractions in Nimes are definitely the Roman Arena and the Maison Carrée temple. Don’t miss Carré d’Art, a modern art museum offering a stark architectural contrast with a dynamic collection of contemporary pieces.
To truly appreciate Nîmes’ history and beautiful places, ideally, you’ll want more time. While one day in Nimes allows for a glimpse at the city’s highlights, spending at least 2 days in Nimes will enable you to explore in-depth – -and even have time to take a day trip to see the Pont du Gard!
While the arena is one of the top attractions in Arles, the arena in Nimes is better preserved and more impressive. The arena tour experience in Nimes is also superior, as there is an audioguide which gives you a deeper understanding of life in Roman times.
Final thoughts:
If you love Roman architecture, you will love visiting Nimes with its well-preserved Roman buildings. And you’ll also enjoy the many great museums and parks that this city has to offer!
Want to check out more Roman history in France? You’ll want to visit the Roman attractions in Arles, or even visit the Lugdunum Museum in Lyon.
If you love all things French (like I do) here are some posts to inspire your next trip to France:
Planning a trip to Nimes, France? Save this for later!
Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is the founder of Waves and Cobblestones. She has taken 35 cruises ranging from a multi-generational Caribbean cruise to solo Alaska cruises to fabulous Mediterranean cruises.
She lived in Ireland for 4 months and has taken over a dozen multi-city vacations in Europe (France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, and more!). Lisa helps people plan amazing vacations to Europe and popular cruise destinations.
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