Other great places

Nimes

Nimes

Krzysztof Golik via WikiCommons

Known as the most Roman city outside of Italy, Nîmes has one of the best preserved arenas and Roman temples in the world. It's also the birthplace of denim ('de Nîmes'), so you could think of coming to Nîmes as a pilgrimage for your jeans! The city is full of activity and has events and festivals throughout the year, including an annual international music festival held in the Roman arena and local craft and produce markets.

Highlights

  • Visit the Roman sites - Arena , Maison Carée and Tour Magne (where you get fantastic views of the city)

  • Go to the Festival of Nîmes - annual international music festival held in June/July and featuring rock and pop legends as well as other contemporary music

  • Visit a Thursday evening craft and produce market (July / August), or pop to Nîmes covered market ( Les Halles ) and sample some local goodies

  • Take a short trip to the Pont du Gard - a World Heritage Roman aqueduct bringing water to Nîmes (or rent a kayak and paddle under it)

  • Take to train to the medieval walled town of Aigues-Mortes and explore the nearby Camargue - a precious biosphere of salt marshes that's home to flamingos, coypu, wild horses and Camargue cowboys who rear cattle with their own appellation controlée. (You could alternatively hire an electric car - I got one from Sixt )

Station stroll ideas

If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train, why not go for a wander?

Tourist info provide a set of maps with the key sights marked here and an interactive map on their website here .

I've also made a downloadable PDF and accompanying google map which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights.

Guided tours

Tourist info provide guided tours in French which you can book here .

Luggage

If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using Bounce to find a place that will take your bags.


If you'd like to find out more about the place before you go, I've made a video below.

Nimes at a glance

Map

Tourist infomation

Here's a link to tourist information: Tourist info website

Plan your own trip

Why not plan your own trip one hop at a time with Trip-Hop:

plan trip

great hops from here

RailEurope Booking.com