5-Day Nîmes Adventure: Culture, Wine, & Relaxation

Discover the historic elegance of Nîmes, France.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Nîmes in France offers the perfect blend of culture, history and amazement. Visit the grand Roman amphitheater Arena of Nîmes, the well-preserved Maison Carrée temple, and the impressive La Tour Magne tower for an insightful glimpse into Roman heritage. Take a leisurely stroll around the Gardens of the Fountain or grab a bite at one of the charming restaurants in the city's old town.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival & Historic Exploration

  • Check into Hôtel des Tuileries, a charming hotel with a lovely garden.
  • Begin exploring the city's rich history with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater.
  • Take a stroll through the historic city center, admiring the Gothic-style Cathedral and the Maison Carrée temple.
  • Visit the Musée de la Romanité for an in-depth look at Nîmes' Roman past.
  • Enjoy a traditional French dinner at La Table de 2, featuring local favorites like escargots and bouillabaisse.
Day 2

Market Day & Views

  • Start the day at the lively Les Halles marketplace, browsing fresh produce and handmade crafts.
  • Take a hike up Mont Cavalier for stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
  • Indulge in a rich, chocolatey dessert at Gâteau Foulon.
  • Head to the Jardins de la Fontaine for a peaceful walk through gardens, fountains, and Roman ruins.
  • Catch a performance or exhibition at the Théâtre de Nîmes, a strikingly modern building blending old and new.
Day 3

Wine & Cheese Tour

  • Join a guided tour to nearby vineyards, sampling fine wines and local cheeses.
  • Visit the Pont du Gard, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning views.
  • Stop by the Musée du Bonbon Haribo for a sweet treat and childlike wonder.
  • Enjoy dinner at L'Instant T, a cozy and contemporary bistro serving up classic French dishes.
  • Take a post-dinner stroll through the city center, admiring the glowing monuments and architecture.
Day 4

Relaxation & Market Fare

  • Take a leisurely morning walk through the charming, winding streets of the old town.
  • Browse local handicrafts and products at the Marché de Noël, open year-round.
  • Enjoy a slow-paced lunch at La Boca, sampling fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Spend the afternoon chilling out at the serene Lac de la Cavayère, a peaceful lake surrounded by nature.
  • Indulge in a sweet snack at Les Glaces Planète, known for incredible ice cream and sorbet.
Day 5

Gardens & Souvenirs

  • Stop by the stunning and unique Jardins Secrets, a hidden oasis of botanical beauty.
  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts for impressive art and sculpture from across the region.
  • Pick up souvenirs and gifts at the colorful and bustling Marché des Arènes.
  • Discover local culinary secrets at the small but vibrant Musée du Vieux Nîmes.
  • End the trip on a high note with cocktails and tapas at Le Comptoir, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

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.

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