Spend a weekend in Nîmes, France!

Discover the charm of ancient France in Nîmes.

03 May 2023

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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Day 1

Discovering Nîmes

  • 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.
Day 2

Food, Wine, and Shopping

  • 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.

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.

More travel plans

5 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun in Nîmes

Experience the charm of Nîmes, France on a budget-friendly trip to this picturesque city. Discover ancient Roman ruins, including the iconic Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée, both for less than 10 euros. Enjoy the local cuisine in the quaint cafes and street markets, without breaking the bank.

Nîmes: A 2-Day Adventure on a Budget

Exploring Nîmes on a limited budget can still be an enriching and exciting experience. Tourists can visit Arena of Nîmes, Maison Carrée, and the Jardins de la Fontaine to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the city's history. With affordable accommodations and a range of local restaurants, Nîmes is a great destination for travelers who want to explore southern France without breaking the bank.

Nîmes in 4 Days: A Roman Adventure

Explore the ancient ruins of the city such as, the Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée for free. Hop on the local bus to visit the charming nearby villages, such as Uzes and La Roque-sur-Cèze, for some delightful local cuisine and scenic views. Stay in hostels or camping sites for budget accommodation and meet other travelers.

Nîmes on a Budget: 4 Days of Family Fun!

Nîmes, France is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with plenty of attractions to entertain everyone. Explore the magnificent Roman amphitheater, known as the Arena of Nîmes, where children can learn about ancient history while enjoying live events and shows. The Jardins de la Fontaine, a beautiful park featuring Roman ruins and a serene water garden, offers a peaceful retreat for the whole family to enjoy.