Nîmes within easy reach of Provence Occitane, without a car

Nîmes, located at the crossroads between Provence and Occitania, is a must-visit city, accessible without a car. Coming from Provence Occitane, you can reach Nîmes easily thanks to a well-developed public transport network, whether by train or bus. Once you arrive in the heart of the city, you’ll immediately be immersed in history and culture, with iconic monuments such as the arena, the Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne. These treasures of ancient architecture continue to shine, offering you a glimpse into the thousand-year-old history of this city nicknamed the “French Rome”.

Nîmes, the "French Rome

Nîmes is a fascinating city with an exceptional ancient heritage.

The Maison Carrée: a masterpiece of Antiquity

Nicknamed the “French Rome”, Nîmes fascinates visitors with its perfectly preserved Roman buildings, true witnesses to its rich past. Among these monuments, the Maison Carrée stands out for its majesty. This 1st-century AD Roman temple, erected in honour of Gaius and Lucius Caesar, never ceases to amaze visitors with its perfectly harmonious proportions. It is the only ancient temple in the world to have been so well preserved. This architectural miracle can be largely explained by its continuous use over the centuries: as a consular house, a stable, a church and even a prefecture during the French Revolution. Today, the Maison Carrée houses exhibitions and cultural events, while continuing to stand guard over the town’s main square.

The miracle of the Nîmes arena

Just a stone’s throw from the Maison Carrée, stand the majestic arenas of Nîmes, a true symbol of the city. Built at the end of the 1st century, these arenas are the best preserved in the Roman world. With a capacity of 24,000, they were once the venue for gladiatorial combat and wild animal hunts. Today, the arena is alive with bullfights, historical re-enactments and music festivals, featuring some of the world’s greatest artists. When you attend an event at this venue steeped in history, you’ll feel all the power and grandeur of Roman civilisation, still present within the walls of theamphitheatre.

Enjoy the unique panorama from the Tour Magne

To complete your exploration of ancient Nîmes, be sure to climb the Tour Magne, the highest tower in the city’s ancient Roman walls. Visible from afar, this imposing tower once signalled the presence of the city and the Source imperial sanctuary. In Roman times, the tower had three levels, and today it stands 32 metres high, overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. From its summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Nîmes, its ochre roofs and historic buildings, as well as the surrounding countryside.

Nîmes, crossroads of the arts

A city where art flourishes everywhere

Nîmes doesn’t just glorify its past, it’s also resolutely looking to the future. Take a stroll through the streets of the town and you’ll discover a rich architectural heritage, combining ancient monuments with contemporary buildings. Just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre, the Richelieu and Gambetta districts plunge you into a unique artistic atmosphere , nicknamed the “Little Berlin”. These districts are famous for their graffiti and murals, created during “L’Expo de Ouf!”, an annual festival devoted to urban cultures. These bold, colourful works bear witness to the cultural dynamism of Nîmes, where street art has pride of place.

Nîmes museums: a journey through time

Nîmes is home to a series of captivating museums that will help you explore the city’s history in greater depth. The Musée de la Romanité, close to the arena, offers an immersive experience that plunges you into the daily life of ancient Nîmes, thanks to an exceptional collection of Roman artefacts and interactive exhibitions. The Musée du Vieux Nîmes, meanwhile, tells the story of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day, through everyday objects and local works of art.

Don’t forget to visit the Carré d’Art Jean Bousquet, a contemporary building that contrasts with the Maison Carrée just opposite. This museum boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, with works from the 1960s to the present day, by some of the city’s most renowned artists. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, with its works from the Italian Renaissance and the 19th century, will delight lovers of classical art. Finally, the Musée des Cultures Taurines will immerse you in the festive culture of the ferias, a key aspect of Nîmes’ identity.

Nîmes vibrates to the rhythm of live entertainment

A city of culture and festivities, Nîmes offers an eclectic programme of theatre, music and dance throughout the year.

A vibrant cultural scene

Nîmes lives to the rhythm of the performing arts. Just an hour from Provence Occitane, it has one of the most dynamic cultural scenes in the whole of Occitanie. Whether you’re a lover of theatre, music or dance, you’ll always find a show to suit your taste in one of the city’s many cultural venues. The Théâtre de Nîmes, the Théâtre Christian Liger, theOdéon and the Télémac Théâtre offer an eclectic programme of local and national productions. These venues host contemporary plays, concerts, dance shows and much more, for a rich and varied cultural experience.

Festivals and events: a city always celebrating

Nîmes is also famous for its annual festivals and events, which attract visitors from all over the world. In summer, for example, the Férias de Nîmes transform the city into a gigantic street festival, with bullfights, concerts, parades and entertainment for all. The Great Roman Games, meanwhile, offer spectacular historical re-enactments in the arenas, plunging you into the heart of ancient times. Every year, these events bring Nîmes to life, where festivities and culture go hand in hand.

Travelling between history and modernity at the gateway to Occitan Provence

Nîmes, at the gateway to Occitan Provence, is a destination where history and modernity meet in harmony. Accessible without a car, this city with its rich ancient heritage and dynamic cultural scene is sure to appeal to all visitors, whether they’re passionate about history, art or live entertainment. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, Nîmes has plenty to offer, just an hour from Provence Occitane. Make the most of this getaway to immerse yourself in history, explore the city’s hidden treasures and vibrate to the rhythm of its festivals and cultural events.