Often referred to as the French Rome, Nimes draws visitors to its remarkably preserved Roman monuments, such as the Arena of Nimes (Arenes de Nimes) and the Maison Carrée. Beyond its impressive ruins, top things to do in Nimes include exploring the scenic Jardins de la Fontaine, visiting the Musée de la Romanité, wandering through the charming old town, and savoring local cuisine at bustling cafés. Whether you're into history, food, or outdoor beauty, Nimes is a pretty southern French city with something exciting for all.
If you want to avoid crowds and the summer heat, it’s best to visit Nimes in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. May, June, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures without the summer rush. Alternatively, consider timing your trip to coincide with one of Nimes' annual festivals, such as the Festival de Nimes, a music festival (typically June–July) with performances in the Roman amphitheater.
One of the best ways to get around Nimes is to walk. If traveling by train to Nimes Station, you can reach the city center in around 13 minutes on foot and the Arena of Nimes in around eight minutes. Alternatively, a bike rental shop (VeloTango Gare SNCF) is next to the train station for a quicker journey between key city sights.
If you want to sit outside, people watch, and sample excellent regional wine, Gard O Vin is a great pick. Popular with locals, this intimate wine bar offers fantastic local wines along with substantial and delicious cheese and meat platters. After enjoying the local wine, continue your bar-hopping at Le Petit Eugene, an intimate bistro known for its equally good wines and small plates, with decent vegetarian options, too.
