Nîmes

The arena is the city’s principal landmark and one of the Roman Empire’s best-preserved amphitheatres.

The amphitheatre was built towards the end of the first century and accommodated large crowds for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Its elliptical design, tiers of arches and circulation system demonstrate the efficiency of Roman architecture.

Today the arena still hosts concerts, festivals and local traditions, while remaining open for historical visits.

Combine the arena with Musée de la Romanité opposite and a walk through Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle.

Maison Carrée is an exceptionally well-preserved Roman temple and Nîmes’ UNESCO-listed monument.

The temple was erected early in the first century and was linked to the imperial cult in the Roman colony of Nemausus.

Its high podium, Corinthian columns and harmonious façade made the building a model for later Neoclassical architecture.

Its long use as a church, residence and public building helped preserve the monument.

The modern Carré d’Art stands on the square opposite, creating a clear dialogue between antiquity and the present.

The museum provides the most comprehensive introduction to Nîmes, from Gallic settlement to Roman city and beyond.

The collections include mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, coins and everyday objects from the Nîmes area.

Modern interpretation and digital installations make the museum rewarding for adults and families alike.

The undulating glass façade forms a contemporary contrast with the stone architecture of the arena opposite.

The roof terrace offers views across the arena and historic centre.

The great park brings together the city’s oldest sacred site, monumental gardens and the viewpoint from Tour Magne.

Jardins de la Fontaine was laid out in the eighteenth century around the ancient spring that gave the city its name, Nemausus.

The park contains remains of the Roman complex known as Temple de Diane, surrounded by stairways, canals and balustrades.

Tour Magne stands on the hill, the most visible surviving section of the Roman city wall.

The walk up through the gardens offers shade, history and one of the finest views over Nîmes and the landscapes of the Gard.

The shield-shaped old town lies between the arena, Maison Carrée and Jardins de la Fontaine.

Pedestrian streets pass Place aux Herbes, the cathedral, small squares, shops and historic façades.

Les Halles is the natural place for local produce, olives, cheese, brandade and specialities from the Gard.

The city’s textile history survives in the story of serge de Nîmes, the name that later became denim.

Allow time to wander without a fixed route; the old town is compact and filled with pavement cafés and small details.

Carré d’Art combines a contemporary art museum and media library in a building designed by Norman Foster.

The light glass-and-steel structure stands directly opposite Maison Carrée on the former Roman forum.

The museum presents changing exhibitions and a collection of international art from the 1960s onwards.

The building was deliberately kept low to respect the scale of the ancient temple.

A visit combines naturally with Maison Carrée and a café break on the square.

ROUGE is located in Margaret – Hôtel Chouleur and works with produce from the Gard and Languedoc.

The restaurant occupies a historic townhouse on Rue Fresque, midway between the old town and Maison Carrée.

The menu draws on local vegetables, fish, herbs and regional produce, with flavours from further afield.

This is a choice for a longer evening in which food, service and wine become a central part of the trip.

Check the current chef, menu and opening times before booking.

SKAB serves modern gastronomy using ingredients and producers from the Gard in central Nîmes.

The kitchen is led by Damien Sanchez and combines accomplished technique with a clear local identity.

The restaurant is on Rue de la République, a short walk from the arena and Musée de la Romanité.

The intimate dining room and patio provide a calm setting for tasting menus and longer dinners.

Booking is recommended, particularly at weekends and during festivals.

Jérôme Nutile offers modern, ambitious cooking in peaceful surroundings south of the centre.

The restaurant is based at Mas de Boudan and creates precise menus using local produce and accomplished technique.

Jérôme Nutile is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and has developed a distinctive personal style.

The restaurant suits guests travelling by car or those planning a dedicated gastronomic evening away from the busiest part of the old town.

Check current menus, dress code and booking information on the official website.

La Table du 2 is located in Musée de la Romanité and combines a modern brasserie with views of the arena.

The menu was developed with Franck Putelat and reinterprets French classics in a more contemporary style.

The terrace is one of the city’s most distinctive dining settings, facing directly towards the Roman amphitheatre.

The restaurant works well before or after a museum visit and is easily reached from the station.

Check booking requirements and opening times during major events at the arena.

Vincent Croizard serves creative menus in a discreet townhouse near Carré d’Art.

The kitchen works freely with seasonal ingredients, local producers and unexpected combinations.

The restaurant has an intimate atmosphere and a wine list with a strong emphasis on Languedoc and Roussillon.

Its location on Rue des Chassaintes works well after Maison Carrée, Carré d’Art or Jardins de la Fontaine.

Ring the bell on arrival and book in advance.

GAMEL is located on the peaceful Place des Esclafidous and combines seasonal French food with an informal setting.

The small dining room and terrace offer a more local experience than the broad squares around the arena.

The kitchen uses fresh ingredients and combines classic French dishes with more contemporary ideas.

The location is ideal for dinner after a walk through Écusson and the cathedral quarter.

Booking is recommended because the restaurant has limited seating.

Pont du Gard is the monumental section of the aqueduct that carried water from the Uzès area to Roman Nîmes.

The three-tier bridge crosses the Gardon and is one of France’s most impressive Roman structures.

The site includes a museum, trails, viewpoints, swimming areas and seasonal activities.

A car offers the easiest logistics, although organised tours and some public transport options may be available.

Allow at least half a day, and longer to combine history with the surrounding landscape.

Uzès makes an elegant day trip, with narrow streets, Place aux Herbes, a market and the historic ducal palace.

The town lies north of Nîmes and is a natural gateway to Pont du Gard and Gorges du Gardon.

Place aux Herbes is the centre of café life and the market, surrounded by stone houses and arcades.

Continue to Duché d’Uzès, the cathedral quarter and viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.

Car or bus is most practical; Uzès and Pont du Gard combine well in a single day.

Arles combines another major Roman legacy with Van Gogh, the Rhône and a Provençal city atmosphere.

The arena, ancient theatre and other Roman monuments are clustered in the historic centre.

Fondation Vincent van Gogh, museums and traces of the artist’s stay give the city a strong artistic identity.

The train is often the easiest option from Nîmes and makes the day trip possible without a car.

Arles is also a natural gateway to the Camargue.

The Camargue offers a complete contrast to Nîmes, with salt marshes, lagoons, birdlife, horses and small coastal towns.

The regional nature park stretches between the branches of the Rhône and the Mediterranean and is known for its distinctive cultural landscape.

Aigues-Mortes, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and birdwatching areas can be combined in several different day routes.

A car offers by far the greatest freedom because distances between wetlands, beaches and towns are considerable.

Allow for heat, wind, mosquitoes and seasonal variations when planning.