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Nimes France tourist information
Nimes is a city in the north-east of the Languedoc-Roussillon region (north-west of Arles and north-east of Montpellier).
Important Monuments
It is principally (but not only) the impressive Roman buildings in Nimes that are the big attraction. The two main constructions are:
- the amphitheatre, 2000 years old and the best preserved Roman arena in France, is still used today for bullfighting. It is elliptical in shape and has two stacked rows of arcades in a structure than could hold more than 24,000 spectators.
- the maison carré, an exceptionally fine Roman temple (see also the Eglise de la Madeleine in Paris which was based on this temple) - indeed, the only complete Roman temple in the world
Across from the Maison Carré you will see the modern glass building designed by Norman Foster - the Carré d'Art (square of art). Touted as a 'cube of glass' it seems perhaps less radical now than it did when it was constructed. Interesting to see nonetheless, it houses an important library and there is a cafe on the top level which overlooks the Maison Carré.
Continue along the Boulevard Alphones Daudet a little way, then pass through the modern plaza at Place d'Assas, with its interesting sculptures, and then continue along the Quai de la Fontaine to see the third important ancient monument in Nimes - the Temple of Diane, and the lovely gardens (and also a lovely way to escape from the bustle of Nimes) that run up behind the temple to the Magne Tower.
The Magne Tower is all that remains of the original city fortifications, and it is possible to ascend the tower for far-reaching views across Nimes and the surrounding region.
Neither the Diane Temple or the Magne tower in themselves are particularly exciting but the setting, with the pleasant walk through the carefully planted gardens between them, makes this one of the highlights of a visit to Nimes. (I do wonder why the large open area in front of the Diana Palace has been left as a large area of gravel rather than planted in keeping with the hillside behind though...)
There are also plenty of shady spots to sit and relax or picnic in these gardens.
Other places to visit in Nimes
Ancient history out of the way, you can return to Nimes centre. There is an impressive and vibrant 'old town' (based around the Place aux Herbes and the Place d'Horloge) where fashionable shops and restaurants are set in the narrow ancient streets to create a very attractive environment, opening into cafe lined squares from time to time.
The buildings in the centre are mostly of the 'grand 19th century' style with wrought iron balconies and design features. There are shops for all tastes here, and also a commercial shopping centre if you still have some money left. There are ample places to stop and take a drink or meal in a shady restaurant.
Museums
There are several museums in Nimes, including Museums of Contemporary Art, Fine Arts, Bullfighting, Archaeology and Natural History, and a Museum dedicated to Old Nimes. if the weather looks very poor the day that you visit you can buy a single ticket that entitles you to admission to all of these museums...
Summary
In case it wasn't clear from the above descriptions...Nimes is one of my favourite French cities and you must visit if you are in the region!!
Don't miss also the Pont du Gard just to the north-east of the city and another fine Roman achievement. Which town to visit? Nimes and Arles compared!
Nimes: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Visit Nimes, France |
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Map of Nimes, France |
Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Nimes
See the Visit Nimes section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Nimes car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.
Places to visit - Nimes
- Aigues-Mortes Fortified town
- Arles Provencal town
- Roman Arles World Heritage Site
- Pont du Gard World Heritage Site
- Uzes Important Languedoc town
- Nimes Important city, Roman ruins
- La Grande-Motte Languedoc beach resort
- Beaucaire Town, eastern Languedoc
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos of Nimes, France
This Nimes tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
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