Nîmes, France: A Personal Travel Guide to Roman History, Sunny Plazas & Hidden Gems

There are towns in France that instantly sweep you back in time — and then there is Nîmes, which somehow lets you live in two eras at once. One minute you’re sipping a café crème in a charming little square, and the next you’re standing inside a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater that looks like the gladiators might return from lunch at any moment.

I’ve visited Nîmes on a few Provence-and-Occitanie road trips, and every time I’m reminded how much this city flies under the radar. Everyone knows about Arles and Avignon… but Nîmes? It feels like a place you discover rather than visit — and that’s exactly why I love it.

If you’re planning a trip to the south of France and wondering what to do in Nîmes, here’s your personal guide — from Roman monuments to lush gardens to my favorite things to eat.

Top Things to Do in Nîmes, France

1 – Visit the Arena of Nîmes (Les Arènes)

Let’s just start with the show-stopper. The Arena of Nîmes is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Not “in France” — in the world. It’s astonishing to walk around imagining 24,000 spectators cheering from the same stone seats you’re now strolling past.

You can climb all the way to the upper levels (yes, your legs will feel it, but the views are worth it!), and the audio guide does a wonderful job bringing the stories to life. When the sunlight hits the limestone in the late afternoon, the whole structure glows — it’s absolutely magical.

2 – Admire the Maison Carrée (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The Maison Carrée is so perfectly preserved that it looks like it was rebuilt — but it’s original. Standing on its steps and looking out over what was once the Roman forum is one of those “wow, history is real” moments.

Opposite the temple, the modern Carré d’Art creates a striking contrast and makes a great photo spot. Climb to the rooftop at le Ciel de Nîmes brasserie for the best views of the city.

3 – Climb the Tour Magne

For more panoramic views of Nîmes, climb to the top of the Tour Magne, the ancient Roman tower overlooking the city. It’s a steep walk through Les Jardins de la Fontaine, but the rooftop view is worth every step.

Les Jardins de la Fontaine: The Most Beautiful Park in Nîmes

If you’re wondering where to slow down a bit on your Nîmes itinerary, this is it. Les Jardins de la Fontaine are serene, sprawling, elegant — and built around Roman ruins. Locals walk here daily, and I can’t blame them.

You’ll find waterways, fountains, long promenades, and quiet corners perfect for a picnic or a morning stroll. It’s easily one of the prettiest gardens in southern France.

Discover Modern Nîmes: Museums, Art & Architecture

4 – Musée de la Romanité

This contemporary museum across from the Arena is a must if you want the full Roman story of the region. I had planned to do the “quick tour” and leave, but I was so entranced by the interactive displays and the beautifully done exhibits that I completely lost track of time and spent an hour or two. This is the most relevant Roman history museum I have seen. The rooftop terrace offers fantastic views over the Arena.

5 – Carré d’Art Museum

Designed by Norman Foster, the Carré d’Art houses contemporary art and a library. Even if you don’t step inside, the architecture alone is worth seeing.

Wander Nîmes’ Old Town: Plazas, Boutiques & Crocodiles

One of the best things to do in Nîmes is simply to wander. The old town is full of charming medieval streets, sunny terraces, and lots of great shopping.

My favorite stops:

• Place du Marché – fountains, cafés, people-watching
• Place de l’Horloge – perfect for a morning café crème
• Local boutiques – Provençal linens, soaps, handmade crafts

And yes — you’ll see crocodile symbols everywhere! It’s the emblem of Nîmes, linked to its Roman victory in Egypt. Only in France can a crocodile be chic.

What to Eat in Nîmes: Local Specialties

You can’t talk about Nîmes without talking about food. Be sure to make your way to Les Halles to discover a smorgasbord of local specialties all in one place. Make sure you try:

• Brandade de morue (salt cod and olive oil — better than it sounds!)
• Croquettes de brandade (fried golden bites of joy)
• Fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes (soft, orange-blossom brioche)
• Olives and olive oil from the region
• Costières de Nîmes wines (surprisingly good whites and spicy reds)

Find a sunny terrace and order something “typique” — you can’t go wrong.

Best Day Trips from Nîmes, France

One of the perks of visiting Nîmes is how central it is in Occitanie. Some of the best day trips near Nîmes include:

• Pont du Gard – majestic Roman aqueduct
• Uzès – charming village with a great market
• Arles – Roman sites + Van Gogh history
• Avignon – Papal Palace & Rhône views
• The Camargue – flamingos, horses & salt flats

You could easily spend a week here and never run out of things to do.

Why You Should Add Nîmes to Your France Itinerary

Nîmes is often overshadowed by Avignon, Arles, and Montpellier — and that’s exactly why I think it feels like a hidden gem. It’s lively but not hectic, historic but not dusty, and sun-soaked without being overrun by tourists.

When I think of Nîmes, I picture:

• warm stone buildings
• shady squares with trickling fountains
• cafés set out under plane trees
• the Arena glowing at sunset

If you’re planning a southern France itinerary, visiting Nîmes is one of the best decisions you can make.