Nîmes - Do & See
- Nearby guides:
- Montpellier
- Marseille
- Provence
- Toulon
- Perpignan
- Rodez
- Grenoble Ski Region
- Grenoble
- Lyon
- Carcassonne
Maison Carrée
Despite its relatively small scale, this is a world-class attraction. It is the best-preserved Roman temple anywhere. Built in 19 B.C. by Roman emperor Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the original patron of the Pantheon in Rome.
Notre Dame And Saint Castor
Cathedral
Massive church building from 1096, with a delicate interior that has some of the best examples of Roman sculpture in France.
Carré D’art
This futuristic glass, steel and concrete palace has the same proportions as Maison Carré. Only a small part of the building is visible, with five of its nine floors under ground. Many good exhibitions are held here.
Pont Du Gard
This Roman aqueduct is striking in itself. Its size is impressive, but its surroundings help to make it one of the most magnificent structures in France. Water travels through it for 31 miles before reaching Nîmes.
Les Arènes
The Nîmes Arena was inspired by the Coliseum in Rome, built under Emperor Augustus, and is the best preserved amphitheatre of the Roman era in the world. It has seating capacity for an amazing 20,000 people over 34 tiers and is used for bull fights, pop concerts and sporting fixtures. There is also audio guided tours where you can relive the Roman gladiator games.
Uzès
If you have your thoughts on a day trip, this is the perfect one. The medieval market town of Uzès is a tresure. Taken a round trip from Nîmes, including the Pont du Gard (just 20km away),and find yourself wander around antique shops and sit in shady squares sipping coffee. Make sure, too, to see the old ducal castle and the Tour Fenestrelle, a local equivalent of Pisa’s Leaning Tower.
