A Roman Adventure: Family Fun in Nîmes!
Experience Roman wonders in Nîmes, where family fun meets ancient history.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Nîmes, France offers a vibrant and family-friendly vacation destination with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and various attractions. Families can explore the iconic arena, Maison Carrée, and Pont du Gard, all of which provide fascinating insights into the Roman heritage of the city. Additionally, Nîmes boasts beautiful parks such as Jardins de la Fontaine, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks, making it an ideal destination for a family trip.
Travel plan
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- Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Le Café de la Paix, offering a hearty spread of croissants, pain au chocolat, and piping hot coffee.
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring Arena of Nîmes, a Roman amphitheater that will transport you back in time. Don't forget to take a selfie with the resident gladiators!
- Take a leisurely stroll through Jardins de la Fontaine, a picturesque park with beautiful fountains and winding paths. Enjoy a picnic surrounded by tranquility.
- Quench your thirst at the quirky Café Olive, sip on their famous cocktail "Le Verre Aviateur," mixed amidst aviation paraphernalia.
- Dive into history at the Maison Carrée, a well-preserved Roman temple. Explore the museum inside to discover fascinating artifacts and stories of past civilizations.
- End your day with a delectable dinner at Le Lisita, where the friendly staff will spoil you with mouthwatering Provençal dishes. Don't miss their signature ratatouille!
- Start your day with a visit to the captivating Musée de la Romanité, where you can indulge in ancient art, artifacts, and immersive exhibits.
- Grab a delightful cup of coffee and a freshly baked croissant from Aux Délices de l'Antiquité, a charming little bakery nestled in the heart of Nîmes.
- Explore the vibrant boutiques and shops along Rue de l'Aspic, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs and fashion finds.
- Visit the enchanting La Tour Magne, an ancient Roman tower perched atop a hill. Climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of Nîmes and its surroundings.
- Taste the flavors of Provence at Les Halles de Nîmes, a bustling indoor market. Sample local delicacies such as tapenade, lavender-infused cheeses, and exquisite wines.
- Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Lou Mistralou, a cozy bistro that whisks you away to the French countryside with its rustic decor and mouthwatering Provençal cuisine.
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.
