Nîmes: what to do, what to see...

Nîmes is an ancient yet contemporary city just 30 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea that boasts 2000 years of history. Roman heritage is exemplified by the best preserved Gallo-Roman amphitheatre on Earth, the ideal spot to stop and enjoy the view with a glass of Costières de Nîmes, as well as by the brand new Musée de la Romanité. Sample local specialities, like Brandade or Petit Pâté Nîmois, at the restaurants, cafés and local markets.

WHAT TO SEE

• The Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best preserved monuments of the Roman world
• The Maison Carrée, a perfectly-preserved temple from Antiquity
• The 18th Century Jardins de la Fontaine set around a Roman sanctuary
• The Musée de la Romanité archaeological museum
• The Gambetta district's street art on many of its façades

WHAT TO DO

• Local food and wine shopping in “Les Halles”
• A concert at the Roman Amphitheatre “Les Arènes de Nîmes”
• City views from the Norman Foster designed contemporary art museum, Carré d’Art-Jean Bousquet
• Les Jardins de la Fontaine, from the bottom to the top of Tour Magne
• Sitting in a café of one of Nimes numerous squares

WHAT TO TASTE

• “Brandade”, smooth purée made with salt cod poached in milk
• A glass of Costières de Nîmes red, white or rosé in a pavement café
• “Petit pâté nîmois” pastries with veal and pork stuffing
• Pelardon cheese made from unpasteurised whole goat's milk
• Picholine olives with a glass of Costières de Nîmes

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• Croquants Villarets biscuits dipped in coffee
• A “palm tree and crocodile” magnet designed by Philippe Stark
• Typical Provençal fabric by “Les Indiennes de Nîmes”
• Original PDO Nîmes blended olive oil
• Coffee beans roasted by Caffé Nadal

Getting to Nîmes