The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary to Nîmes
Discover the ancient Roman city of Nîmes.
03 May 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Nîmes is a charming city located in the south of France. It is famous for its ancient Roman monuments, such as the stunning Arena, Maison Carrée and the Temple of Diana. Apart from these, visitors can enjoy the beautiful neighborhoods, local markets, delicious food, and world-renowned wine.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Hotel: Hotel Imperator a lavish 4-star hotel in the heart of Nîmes
- Start the day with a stroll through Jardin de la Fontaine a beautiful public garden with Roman ruins
- Visit the iconic Roman Arena a landmark of Nîmes where you can imagine gladiator fights
- Take a guided tour of the Maison Carrée a stunning Roman temple from 19 AD
- Have lunch at the lively Les Halles de Nîmes a local food market with a variety of cuisine options
- Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming streets of the old town
- Finish the day by watching the sun set at the picturesque La Tour Magne an ancient tower with panoramic views of Nîmes
- After breakfast, take a 30-minute drive to Pont du Gard a fascinating Roman aqueduct bridge over the Gardon River
- Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site and taking in the stunning views
- Have lunch at Le Carré d'Art a contemporary art museum with a restaurant overlooking the city
- Return to Nîmes and visit the Musée de la Romanité a museum showcasing the city's Roman history and artifacts
- Have dinner at L'Enclos des Saveurs a cozy French restaurant serving delicious local cuisine
- End the day with a nightcap at the chic rooftop bar, SKY BAR, at the Hotel Imperator
- Start the day with a scenic drive to the nearby Château de Beaucastel a winery known for their delicious red wine
- Take a guided tour of the estate and learn about the wine making process
- Enjoy a tasting of the winery's signature Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine
- Have lunch at La Table d'Uzès a charming restaurant in the countryside serving fresh, seasonal produce
- Visit the picturesque village of Uzès famous for its traditional Provencal market and quaint streets
- Return to Nîmes for a farewell dinner at Le Bouchon du Fer à Cheval a cozy restaurant serving hearty French cuisine
- End of itinerary.
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.