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Things to do in Nimes

Our most recommended things to do in Nimes

Pont du Gard, Uzès & Nîmes: Half-Day Tour with Entry Fees

1. Pont du Gard, Uzès & Nîmes: Half-Day Tour with Entry Fees

Visit of the charming medieval town of Uzès, founded during the Roman era and the site of an aqueduct that was built to supply the city of Nîmes. The Pont du Gard is the most well-known stretch of the aqueduct left standing. On this 5-hour program, you’ll see the traces of Roman civilization in Uzès as well as substantial monuments from the Middle Ages. Visit the famous 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard, a section of the Roman aqueduct that provided water to Nîmes. The highly photographed bridge was listed by UNESCO in 1985 as a World Heritage Site. You’ll discover the treasures of Nîmes, including the Coliseum that is considered to be second only to the Coliseum in Rome. Its Roman amphitheater is still in use and today has a seating capacity of 10,000.

Nimes Historical Center 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

2. Nimes Historical Center 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

Discover the city of Nimes on a privately guided and customizable tour. See the city’s beautifully preserved architecture from the Roman era, and admire sites such as the Amphitheater that was built in the 1st century BC.  See the Arena of Nîmes, remodeled in the 19th century to serve as a bullring. Admire the construction and its excellent state of preservation that has allowed groups such as Rammstein and Metallica to perform memorable concerts in the arena.  Visit the Jardin de La Fontaine, the 17th-century park in the city center, and admire the ruined Roman Tour Magne and the Temple de Diane. Discover the Maison Carrée, the Roman temple that's so miraculously intact it looks as though it was built yesterday, and explore the exterior architecture of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nîmes.  Your private tour will take you wherever you wish to go, all in the company of your own personal guide who will help you uncover one of Europe’s most magnificent Roman cities.

From Avignon : Full Day Roman Sites and Historical Places

3. From Avignon : Full Day Roman Sites and Historical Places

Discover the city of Nîmes : visit the Arenes with an audio-guide. Quick glance at the Maison Carrée, best preserved temple of the ancient Roman empire. Continue to Pont du Gard, one of the largest and best preserved aqueduct of the Roman period. (The museum is not included). Free time in the charming medieval town of Uzès : the Place aux Herbes square and the Fenestrelle tower. In Orange, discover one of the best preserved theater in the Roman empire. Photo stop at the Triumphal Arch.

From Marseille: Roman Towns of Provence Shore Excursion

4. From Marseille: Roman Towns of Provence Shore Excursion

This guided excursion takes you from your cruise port in Marseilles to Arles to enjoy a guided walk along Cours de la République with rich architecture and charming cafés. See the Roman arena and the Romanesque architecture as you make your way to the Old Town of Arles. Explore the area and go into charming boutiques and craft shops to pick up a unique souvenir. Afterwards head out to Nîmes, tour independently  to get your own lunch at one of the Brunswick House Cafes and then enjoy a historic Roman settlement  with excellent examples of Roman architecture like the Maison Carree and the Nimes arena. Afterwards head back to the car and go to Uzes were you’ll enjoy an excellent examples of Roman architecture. Le Pont du gard is a spectacular Romain Aqueduct in excellent condition. You'll have some free time to take pictures. Your private tour ends. You’ll arrive back to Marseille by the late afternoon.  

Nîmes: Harry Potter Outdoor Escape Game

5. Nîmes: Harry Potter Outdoor Escape Game

Investigate in the bewitched universe of Harry Potter in Nîmes! The Hogwarts Express has been condemned and is now located in the city known as the French Rome with its unmissable arenas... It's up to YOU Muggles to thwart this evil spell by finding the access to the platform! Go from house to house indicated on your smartphone to try to gather 4 code words within the time limit to find the location of the platform. On the program: solving riddles, meeting wizards who will give you a good or not so good surprise or even bonus pots. The Hogwarts Express will leave in 120 minutes. Tick tock tock... This game is accessible to all and multigenerational. You have the possibility to play in team, for that only one person of each team will have to enter the identifier and the unique code on his device. Then you can start the game simultaneously. You will be able to compare your points and the time obtained at the end of the game. Please note: this activity is an outdoor escape game where the plot is not directly related to the city (although it is held in attractive places in the city center). It is a game on a given theme and not a guided tour of the city.

Nîmes : Outdoor Escape Game Robbery At The Casa

6. Nîmes : Outdoor Escape Game Robbery At The Casa

Integrate the famous robbery gang It's time to have fun with friends in the city center and commit the biggest crime ever in the city! Don't waste a minute and meet your dream team in the city center without further delay. Your mission? Help the famous red-suited team to commit their crime! How? By deciphering the codes of the safes thanks to the clues hidden in the 4 corners of the city. Can you do it before the timer runs out and the mustard gets on your nose? The Professor expects a lot from you, so don't disappoint him! Arm yourselves with your good humor, your malice and your courage, because today you will be the greatest gangster in the world.

Nîmes: Bachelorette Party Scavenger Hunt Mobile Game

7. Nîmes: Bachelorette Party Scavenger Hunt Mobile Game

Challenge yourself through surprising missions! Compete in the arenas of French Rome through unusual challenges in honor of the bride-to-be! Get as many points as possible during missions on the theme of marriage and its traditions around the world. It's time to have fun together to create memories that the groom won't soon forget. Arm yourselves with your good mood and your enthusiasm to make this day unforgettable The program of this game is based on complicity and good humor: solve MCQs, take photos and videos in improbable poses and even demonstrate your lyrical talents by singing...

Nîmes : Mission Anniversary Outdoor Game

8. Nîmes : Mission Anniversary Outdoor Game

Looking for an original idea for a birthday party? Compete as a team in the arenas of French Rome through a digital and urban treasure hunt full of unusual challenges dedicated to the chosen one of the day! It's time to have fun together to create a day of unforgettable memories with the birthday boy or girl! Arm yourselves with your good mood, your enthusiasm and your courage to carry out our wackiest missions and challenges! Because after all... There's no way this day is going to end the way it started! So give this fabulous gift to the person who blows out the candles and especially on behalf of the whole team: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Nîmes: Bachelor Party Scavenger Hunt Mobile Game

9. Nîmes: Bachelor Party Scavenger Hunt Mobile Game

Having a bachelor party in Nîmes and being married to the local queen is a great idea! Compete in the arenas of French Rome through unusual challenges in honor of the groom-to-be! Get as many points as possible during missions on the theme of marriage and its traditions around the world. It's time to have fun together to create memories that the groom won't soon forget. Arm yourselves with your good mood and your enthusiasm to make this day unforgettable The program of this game is based on complicity and good humor: solve MCQs, take photos and videos in improbable poses and even demonstrate your lyrical talents by singing...

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Insider tips: Planning a trip to Nîmes

Thomas Dowson is the founder of Archaeology Travel, a website for those seeking adventures in archaeology and history. As a professional archaeologist Thomas enjoys visiting archaeological and historical sites around the world. And sharing these experiences so that others can explore the world’s pasts more deeply. On his blog, you can find more information and all the details for planning a trip to Nîmes.

What should I do on my first trip to Nîmes?

Although Nîmes is well known for its Roman ruins, over the centuries it has developed into a city with a very rich and diverse cultural heritage. That said, top of my list of must see attractions, and there are many, is the Roman amphitheatre. Known locally as Arènes de Nîmes. As amphitheatres go, this is one of the best surviving of them all. It may not be as big as the Colosseum in Rome, but it is certainly as well preserved. An audio guide is included with your entry ticket, and leads you through tunnels to hidden places you probably would not find on your own.

What are some hidden gems to see in Nîmes?

Although not hidden as much as overlooked, the Tour Magne is well worth a visit. These are the ruins of a Roman tower built on the highest point in Nîmes. You will be hard pressed to miss it! Because it is a bit further out from the city centre, however, fewer visitors take the time to walk to the tower. For those that do, and climb the twisty but safe staircase to the top, there are wonderful views of the city before you. Walk via the gardens and you will see many ruins from the Roman era, some of which have been incorporated into more recent features.

How much time should I spend in Nîmes?

Of course you could stay more, or less, but three days is a good amount of time to see all the major attractions and more in Nîmes. It would take the better part of two days to explore the Roman attractions and the new Musée de la Romanité. There are a number of other museums and art galleries, the fine arts museum and the Carré d'Art with its impressive collection of contemporary art. With more than three days, Nîmes can be a suitable base for those with a car to explore further afield in this part of southern France.

What food is Nîmes known for?

There are two dishes that are well known to Nîmes, having been created by local chefs in the 19th century. They are Brandade de Morue (salted cod, poached in milk and served as a puree with olive oil and local truffles) and Nîmes Petit Pâté (a pastry stuffed with veal or pork and eaten hot). For anyone visiting in spring, you will not be able to escape the strawberries. Fraise de Nîmes, known throughout France as amongst the earliest in the year, have had protected geographic origins status since 2013.

What is the best way to get around Nîmes? 

Once in Nîmes, getting around the city is easy on foot. All the major attractions, museums and art galleries are within walking distance of each other. And although there are many hotels on the outskirts of the city, there are just as many, to suit all budgets in the city centre. Some of the other attractions nearby, such as Pont du Gard, require a car or public transport.

What are the best months to visit Nîmes?

During the summer months, June to August, Nîmes can get quite hot. Despite the heat it is also very busy. Even in August Nîmes is a popular tourist destination. There are far fewer tourists in spring and autumn. And this is when the temperatures during the day are much more comfortable, while the evenings are warm enough to enjoy a meal al fresco.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

Nîmes has a wonderful collection of restaurants, offering cuisine from all around the world. The best place to look for restaurants and bars is in the city centre, particularly in the area between the amphitheatre and the Maison Carrée (the exquisitely preserved Roman temple). But don't stick to the main street - venture into the side streets and you will find many more restaurants to choose from.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping? 

Nîmes has a vibrant shopping scene, with a good range of luxury shops. If you are looking to buy local produce, for example the region is well known for olives and olive oil as well as fine wine, you should head to Les Halles. The covered food market in the city centre on Rue des Halles. Here you can not only buy fresh food to eat on the spot or take away, you can also buy local produce to take home as gifts.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Nîmes?

There are many good hotels in the city centre and on the outskirts, to suit all budgets. Those on the outskirts of the city will require a car or taxi to get into the centre. When I visit Nîmes I prefer to stay in the city centre. There are a number of good hotels just south of the amphitheatre. These are then within walking distance of all there is to see and do, as well as being close to the restaurant and bars for evening entertainment.

What are the best annual events in Nîmes? 

As the Roman amphitheatre is so well preserved, it is still used for a number of festivals and events throughout the year. For example, the Festival of Nîmes has been taking place since 1997, on dates throughout the summer - attracting international talent including Elton John, Radiohead and Metallica. The ancient arena also hosts the Great Roman Games - a reenactment spectacle for the whole family.

Other Sightseeing Options in Nimes

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What people are saying about Nimes

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 75 reviews

We had the most knowledgeable and accommodating guide on this tour! All the places we went to came alive with history, current developments and great views —all thanks to our superb guide and his commitment to making our tour a trip to remember in the years to come. We wish we had booked more tours with him in our parts of France as well, but we are grateful for our experience all the same.

It turned out that it was the two of us and our guide, Frederick. He was extremely knowledgeable and gracious about sharing it. As we had just gone to the Pont du Gard the day before, he didn’t mind skipping that so we could spend more time in the other two places.

Nice discovery of the surroundings of Avignon. An aperitif preview that makes you want to explore the place more deeply. Very friendly guide giving throughout the excursion a clear description of the places. Very nice experience. I highly recommend it

I had my apprehension with joining this tour cos of mixed reviews - but if you’re with Lorenzo, you’re in good hands! Really informative, enjoyable, and ended at the Forum so could then take own time going around the area.

Our guide Flora was extremely capable and knowledgeable as she showed us the Pont de Gard, the superb small city of Uzes, and Nimes. Everything was great, and my wife and I strongly recommend this half-day tour.