Spend a weekend in Nîmes, France!
Discover the charm of ancient France in Nîmes.
03 May 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
A trip to Nîmes, France is a fantastic opportunity to experience the historical, cultural, and natural beauty of one of Europe's oldest cities. Visit the impressive Roman-era amphitheater, stunning landmarks like the Maison Carrée and the Cathedral of Our Lady and explore the lush gardens and charming old town streets of this captivating southern French city. Whether enjoying a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine, browsing the colorful markets or soaking up the Mediterranean sun, Nîmes is an unforgettable travel destination.
Travel plan
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- Hotel: Stay at the Hotel Marquis de La Baume, a stunning 17th-century mansion turned boutique hotel located just a short walk from the city center.
- Start your day with a visit to the Arena of Nîmes, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and imagine yourself as a gladiator or spectator in ancient times.
- Take a stroll through La Maison Carrée, a beautifully preserved Roman temple built in the first century AD, and soak in the history of the city.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at La Table 2 Julien, a charming brasserie with a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of classic French dishes.
- Head to Jardins de la Fontaine, a tranquil park with beautiful fountains, Roman ruins, and stunning views of the city, for an afternoon stroll.
- Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nîmes, an elegant museum with a diverse collection of art from various periods, including an impressive collection of Flemish paintings.
- Start your day with breakfast at L'Atelier Gourmand, a cozy café with delicious coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
- Visit the Marché des Halles de Nîmes, a bustling indoor market with vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, and more. Stock up on snacks and drinks for the day.
- Take a short drive to the nearby Château Mourgues du Grès for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyard. Sip on some of the region's finest wines and learn about the process of winemaking from the experts.
- Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in the picturesque gardens of Château Mourgues du Grès, with views of the vineyard and the nearby hills.
- Return to the city in the afternoon for some shopping on Rue de la Madeleine, a charming street with small boutiques selling unique handmade items, souvenirs, and clothing.
- Finish your day with dinner at La Tête de l'Art, a cozy and quirky local restaurant serving delicious home-cooked food and local wines. Don't miss their famous Veal Shank dish.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Nîmes by plane is to fly to Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI), which is located about 10km outside of the city. Flights to FNI are available from various cities across France, as well as from international destinations, including London and Brussels.
Car
Driving to Nîmes is a good option if you are traveling from other parts of France or Europe. The city is easily accessible via the A9 motorway, which runs from Orange to Perpignan. There are several car rental companies located at Nîmes airport if you need to rent a car during your stay.
Train
If you are coming from within France, taking the train to Nîmes is a convenient option. The city is served by the TGV high-speed train and the Intercités express train. Nîmes train station is located near the city center and provides easy access to local transportation.
Boat
While there are no direct boat services to Nîmes, you can take a river cruise to the nearby city of Avignon and then travel to Nîmes by train or bus. Several river cruise companies operate in the region and offer cruises along the Rhône River.
Bus
Nîmes can also be reached by bus, with several companies offering services from other cities in France as well as from international destinations such as Barcelona and Geneva. The main bus station in Nîmes is located near the train station.