Short breaks and weekends in Nime : a trip back in time
Visit the roman sites of the city
By booking a holiday rental in Nimes, you will have the chance to explore the many historical sites of this magical city. Spend time visiting the roman sites in the heart of Nimes such as the Tour de la Magne from which you can appreciate the wonderful views over the whole town as well as the surrounding landscapes. Nimes is in particular famous for its well-kept arena which is today used as an open-air concert venue as well as the renowned bullfights. The Castellum Aquae was the point of arrival of the aqueduct of Nîmes and is well worth a visit.
Explore the parks and gardens of Nimes
While on holiday in Nimes, you will also be able to enjoy exploring the natural heritage of this surprising city and discover its many hidden secrets. Visit the Jardins de la Fontaine, a magical place in the centre of Nimes, home to the roman baths, where you can spend hours strolling among the canals, statues and lush greenery. Covering over 80 hectares, the Domaine d’Escattes, a previously agricultural area, now owned by the city of Nimes is a great place to discover the natural heritage of the Languedoc Roussillon. Plan a day out with a picnic and some good walking shoes and head off to discover the oratoire, stone towers and the flora and fauna. Closer to the city centre, you will find the Bois des Espeisses, a large wooden area with play area for children.
Things to do and see in Nimes
Take the town train, a great way to comfortably visit this city, known as the « French Rome » and discover the main tourist attractions. Ideal for families, you will learn many interesting facts about Nimes while relaxing and saving your energy for fun events, festivals or shows. Visit the Taillerie de Nîmes which houses a stone cutting workshop along with a museum where all ages will marvel at the stunning semi-precious stones in their natural state and in their final glory. Don’t miss the Beaux-Arts museum where you can admire French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish works of art from dating through the 16th to the 19th century. When you’re feeling a little peckish, visit the famous Halles, a huge covered market where friendly stall holders will let you taste their many local produce ranging from locally grown olives to fish from the Med freshly delivered that morning. Once you enter, you’ll find it hard to leave and luckily there are food bars where you can pull up a bar stool and tuck into some tasty local delights. Visit the Perrier museum and discover all the secrets of the world-famous fizzy water which originates from springs only 13km from Nimes.
The city of festivals and music
The Roman ampitheatre, which dates back over 2000 years, is still used as a concert venue where international musicians come regularly to perform to around 24,000 spectators. Every year in May, during the Feria de Nimes, bullfighting enthusiasts flock to this venue to witness this once in a lifetime experience. Many bars stay open late offering live music, concerts or live DJs meaning this city is fun and lively at any hour of the day or night. In April each year the Romans reconquer the town centre putting on wonderful staged gladiator battles in the arena followed by a spectacular street parade.
