Nîmes on a Budget: Roman Ruins & Cuisine

Discover the wonders of Nîmes without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the enchanting city of Nîmes, France on a limited budget. Wander through the historic streets and marvel at the ancient Roman attractions. Indulge in regional cuisine at local markets, and relax in budget-friendly accommodations.

Day trip plan

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Day

Discovering Nîmes on a Budget

  • Start your day with a croissant and coffee at Café du Midi, a local favorite.
  • Head to the ancient Roman amphitheater, Les Arenes, and take a self-guided tour. Entrance is only €8 and the views are breathtaking.
  • Walk through the Jardin de la Fontaine, a beautiful park complete with Roman ruins, ponds, and a temple. Perfect for a picnic lunch.
  • Visit the Maison Carrée, a well-preserved Roman temple and watch the 3D movie about the history of Nîmes. Admission is only €6.
  • Pick up some souvenirs at the Marché des Halles, an indoor market filled with local produce, cheese, and crafts.
  • End your day with dinner at L'Atelier Gourmand, a cozy bistro serving regional dishes starting at €14.
  • Nîmes may be a small city, but there is no shortage of history, culture, and delicious food to discover. With this itinerary, you can make the most out of your 24 hours in Nîmes without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!

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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