Nîmes and its treasures

Nîmes: The most beautiful monuments and outings in the surrounding area

Nîmes , often nicknamed the "French Rome" , is a city of exceptional historical and heritage wealth, where Roman antiquity harmoniously rubs shoulders with modern life. But beyond its ramparts, its surroundings are also full of unspoiled treasures, offering a multitude of activities for all tastes: history, nature, culture, and even vibrant local traditions. Whether you are a resident of the Gard or a passing visitor, here is a comprehensive guide to the most beautiful monuments and must-see outings in Nîmes and its surroundings.

The must-sees of Nîmes: Immerse yourself in the heart of Roman Antiquity

Even before venturing into the surrounding area, Nîmes itself reveals a remarkably preserved ancient heritage.

The Arena of Nîmes : An undisputed symbol of the city, this Roman amphitheater , one of the best-preserved in the world, is an architectural masterpiece. It bears witness to the grandeur of the Roman Empire and continues to host numerous events, from bullfights to concerts, including the spectacular Great Roman Games. A visit is essential to imagine life and entertainment in the Gallo-Roman era.
The Maison Carrée : This Roman temple , dedicated to the heirs of Augustus, is of remarkable beauty and finesse. Its exceptional state of preservation makes it one of the most intact Roman temples in the world. It is a jewel of classical architecture, to be admired from all angles to appreciate its sculptural details.
The Museum of Romanity in Nîmes: Directly across from the Arena, this modern museum, with its bold architecture, is a perfect complement to a visit to the ancient monuments. It houses an impressive collection of Gallo-Roman objects discovered during archaeological excavations. Thanks to innovative digital devices, it offers a fascinating immersion into the daily life of the inhabitants of Nîmes during the Roman era.
The Jardins de la Fontaine and the Tour Magne : These gardens, created in the 18th century on the site of an ancient Roman sanctuary, are a haven of peace. Stroll among the statues and ponds, then climb up to the Tour Magne , a tower that remains of the Roman fortifications, to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Nîmes and its surroundings.

Ancient wonders at the gates of Nîmes

A short distance from the city, other ancient and medieval treasures await you, witnesses to a glorious past.

The Pont du Gard : Just twenty kilometers from Nîmes, this majestic Roman aqueduct is a work of art and engineering, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only can you admire it, but you can also swim in the Gardon River below or explore the hiking trails and museum on site. It's an impressive dive into Roman history.
Uzès, Medieval Duchy: A few kilometers from the Pont du Gard, Uzès is a charming medieval town with a very pleasant atmosphere. Its duchy and cobbled streets invite you to stroll. Don't miss the Fenestrelle Tower , a unique bell tower, and above all, its magnificent Provençal market which brings the town to life on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It's the ideal place to discover local flavors, colors, and crafts.
The Roman Theatre of Orange: Although located a little further away (about 50 km from Connaux), the Roman Theatre of Orange is a monument of capital importance and well worth the detour. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, famous for its impressive stage wall. This magical place still hosts shows today, including the prestigious Chorégies d'Orange.

Natural treasures, adventures and local traditions

For lovers of nature, thrills and local traditions, the surroundings of Nîmes offer an exceptional playground.

The Gorges du Gardon: Here, nature reigns supreme. The Gardon, winding through impressive cliffs, is a paradise for canoeing , kayaking , paddleboarding , and swimming . Numerous trails also allow you to enjoy the beauty of the site on foot. Equipment rental shops are easily accessible in Collias or Remoulins .
The Camargue, Wild and Fascinating Land: Just a short drive away, this unique region immerses you in landscapes of marshes, ponds, and vast beaches. Observe pink flamingos , white horses , and bulls roaming free . Explore the salt marshes of Aigues-Mortes or enjoy the sandy stretches of Espiguette beach. It's a complete change of scenery guaranteed.
Village Festivals and Bullfighting Traditions: The Camargue and Gard are steeped in a vibrant bullfighting culture, visible during the many village festivals that enliven the region from spring to autumn. This is an opportunity to discover the famous encierros (bull runs in barricaded streets) and bandidos and abrivados , moments of high adrenaline and conviviality. These festivals are an authentic immersion in the local soul, with their fanfares, shared meals and entertainment for all ages. Don't hesitate to inquire about the dates of the votive festivals in the surrounding villages to live this unique experience.
The Cévennes, a National Park to Explore: North of Nîmes, the Cévennes National Park reveals breathtaking mountain landscapes. It's the ideal place for hiking, discovering characterful villages, and exploring caves and natural cirques. A rich flora and fauna awaits you, offering a complete escape into nature.

Villages of character and hidden heritage

Beyond the major sites, charming villages invite you to stroll and discover historical gems.

Sommières, Medieval Town on the Vidourle: This picturesque village is crossed by the Vidourle River and dominated by its medieval castle. Its narrow streets, vaulted passages, and Roman bridge give it an undeniable charm. Sommières is also renowned for its market and summer events.
Les Baux-de-Provence and the Carrières de Lumières: Although slightly further away, these destinations are absolutely worth the detour. Les Baux-de-Provence , perched on a rocky outcrop, offers incredible panoramic views and a beautiful historic village to explore. Just below, the Carrières de Lumières offers immersive art exhibitions projected onto immense rock faces, an unforgettable sensory and visual experience.

For lovers of good wine

The Nîmes region is also a renowned wine-growing region. Many wineries offer tastings and tours of their cellars, particularly in the Costières de Nîmes or Coteaux du Languedoc . It's the perfect opportunity to discover local flavors and the expertise of the region's winemakers.

In short, Nîmes and its surrounding areas are a veritable treasure trove for travelers, offering a perfect combination of exceptional ancient sites, breathtaking natural beauty, authentic local traditions, and charming villages. Whether you're drawn to Roman history, the natural beauty of the landscapes, or the charm of Provençal life, you'll find a multitude of activities to enrich your stay. So, don't hesitate to venture out and discover all the treasures this magnificent region has to offer!

Some good addresses and activities

To complement your stay, here are some suggestions for restaurants and activities to suit all tastes. It's always recommended to check opening hours and make reservations, especially during peak season.

Restaurants in Nîmes
The Impé (at the Hotel Imperator)	A chic brasserie offering a contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine with garden views. The hotel also houses Duende, a two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant.
Table 2 (at the Museum of Romanity)	Modern restaurant offering contemporary cuisine in a unique setting, overlooking the Arena.
Restaurants in Uzès
The Barry	For signature cuisine.
The Daughter of the Vines	Offers authentic cuisine based on fresh, seasonal produce, with a pleasant terrace.
The Spirit of the Samaritan	A restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
Restaurants in Orange
At the Little Patio	A highly rated French cuisine restaurant.
The Amarena	Facebook Page — An excellent Italian restaurant.
The Parvis	A beautiful address in the heart of Orange, offering local cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Nature activities and thrills
Hot Air Balloon Flight	Fly over the landscapes of Gard and Provence for breathtaking views of the Pont du Gard, Uzès, and the surrounding area. Hot Air Balloon Flight in Provence
4×4 Safari in the Camargue	Explore the flora and fauna of the Camargue in an original way. Camargue Autrement
Horseback riding in the Camargue	An iconic activity to discover the landscapes and equestrian traditions of the region. Ranch de la Boucharade
Treetop Adventure Course	There are several parks in the surrounding area. Air de Nature (Saint Quentin la Poterie)
Sports activities	Canyoning, Via Ferrata, Caving, Climbing — Specialized providers offer these activities for adventure lovers. Pierre & Eau
Culture and additional discoveries
The Bamboo Grove in the Cévennes (Générargues)	About fifty kilometers from Nîmes, this exotic garden is a unique natural spectacle, home to more than 1,000 varieties of bamboo and plants. The Bamboo Garden in the Cévennes
The archaeological site of Ambrussum (Villetelle)	Another interesting Roman site to explore, with remains of a Roman road and bridge. Ambrussum Site