What to do in Nîmes for 1 or 2 days?

One day in Nîmes: Build your walk around the Arena, the historic centre and Maison Carrée, then continue to the Jardins de la Fontaine. Add the Tour Magne if you want another monument visit. Keep Pont du Gard and other regional stops for a separate outing rather than fitting them all into the city day.

To visit Nîmes in the South of France, is to discover a very pleasant city to stroll on foot, and where it is good all the year.

The Maison Carrée, Nîmes’s ancient Roman temple, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. The designation applies to the monument, rather than the entire city.

Roman monuments such as the arena of Nîmes or the Carrée house through the gardens of the fountainand the historic center, I invite you to visit all the places of interest in Nîmes!

In our guide, you will discover the top 10 things to do in Nîmes and also in the surrounding area. Also find our accommodation tips, routes to visit the city in 1 or 2 days and tips and tricks to make the most of your stay.

Visit Nîmes: the must-sees

1. The Arena of Nîmes

It is the emblematic place of interest of the city and one of the first things to see in Nîmes: the arena of Nîmes.

Built in the late 1st century AD, this amphitheater is one of the most famous Roman monuments in Franceand is also one of the largest and best preserved Roman Gaul. More than 20 000 spectators, spread out on the different stands according to their social rank, were welcomed inside during gladiator and animal fights.

From the outside, with a facade 21 meters high, 133 meters long and 100 meters wide, the arenas are also particularly impressive and have a true symmetry. This is a perfect example of the know-how of Roman engineers who had reached a very high level of perfection. The arenas of Nîmes are also often compared to the Coliseum of Rome, Italy, in a smaller version all the same!

Today, the arena tour takes place in 2 parts:

• A multimedia space, “Gladiator’s Quarters”, is devoted to gladiators presenting their weapons and costumes. You will also be able to watch virtual demonstrations of fights to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and the special atmosphere of the time.
• Another part of the arena, “Couleurs des corridas”, presents the taurine tradition. You will learn more about the ancestral practice of bullfighting and bullfighting. You will also see the outfits of matadors and bullfighters. Whether you are for or against, it is a very good way to cultivate and enrich oneself, by discovering more about this very controversial subject.

Event preparations can affect the Arena’s layout and tourist access. Check the operator’s calendar for your date; do not assume the central floor will be clear during a visit.

The visit of the bullring being the main tourist activity of Nîmes, I recommend you to reserve your places in advance right here. This cut-line ticket is super convenient to avoid a long wait in full sun (full in the sun as they say in the South)!

Access information and schedules can be found on the official website.

Tips for things to do in Nîmes:
Before going to visit the arena, go through the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, located next door. It is a beautiful place to walk and you can admire the Pradier fountain enthroned in its center.

On the practical side, the esplanade has an underground car park, very useful for parking and then visit the center on foot. You will also find the tourist office of Nîmes to get a map of the city.

2. The Square House

Another Roman monument to see absolutely in Nîmes: the house Carrée.

A remarkably well-preserved Roman temple, the Carrée house is dedicated to the adopted grandchildren of Emperor Augustus, Caius and Lucius Caesar. At the time the temple was at the center of public life and dominated the forum of the ancient city. The historical monument is very beautiful and elegant thanks to its harmonious proportions. Once again, it highlights the talent of Roman engineers.

The building owes its excellent state of conservation to the fact that it has always been used but also to a big restoration project that ended in 2010.

The operator now describes audioguides and interactive content for the Maison Carrée visit. Check the current visitor information for opening times and the visit format.

Tips for things to do in Nîmes:

If you plan to enter the Arena, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne, compare a combined ticket with separate admissions. The combined-ticket listing is an option to check; confirm the current price, included monuments and validity before booking rather than relying on the former €13 offer.

3. The Gardens of La Fontaine

After your visit of the Maison Carrée, I suggest you continue your stay in Nîmes with a walk in the most famous gardens of the city: the gardens of La Fontaine.

To join them, I advise you to go through the Quays of the Fountain, along the canal, you will fall directly to the entrance of the gardens.

The gardens were created in the 18th century on the ancient site of one of the first public gardens in Europe. Built around the source that has never dried up, the current garden respects the plans of the old garden and is inspired by it.

The Jardins de la Fontaine offer a walking break between monument visits. Allow time for the uphill section if you continue to Tour Magne; choose a shorter garden walk if that climb does not suit your group.

In the gardens you will also find the Temple of Diana. It is nicknamed “temple” but its exact function has never been found, just as it is not certain that it is dedicated to the worship of Diane, goddess of hunting. The temple was in any case part of the ancient sanctuary built around the source.

In the meantime, you can wander the ruins and take a little for Indiana Jones!

4. The Magne Tower

The Magne Tower is the third Roman monument to visit in Nîmes. It is also included in the past which I told you a little higher.

To join it, it is very simple, it is enough to climb at the top of the hill of the gardens of the Fountain. Just follow the signs! From the bottom of the gardens, count a dozen minutes of climbing.

In Roman times, the tower was the highest of the Roman enclosure of Nîmes. Composed of 3 levels, it dominated the hill and signaled the presence of the ancient sanctuary below.

Today the top floor has collapsed but you can climb to the top of what is left of the tower. The view is breathtaking on all Nîmes, the scrubland and even to Mont Ventoux.

Tips for things to do in Nîmes:
Following a Nostradamus prophecy that gold and silver objects were hidden under ancient buildings in Nîmes, the Magne Tower was partially destroyed and emptied from the inside to try to discover the treasure!

Of course nothing was found and it was necessary to consolidate the tower to prevent it from collapsing.

5. The Historic Center of Nîmes

To continue to do some tourism in Nîmes, I recommend you to walk in the historic center.

Of course, you have already been able to visit part of it when you discover the bullring of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée but there are many other places of interest to see in the old town.

L’Écusson (the name given to the historic center of Nîmes) is a veritable maze of nice little streets with lots of shops and cafes or restaurants. Recently renovated and refurbished, the place is super nice.

Do not miss it during your walk in the old town of Nîmes:

• the old district of the dyers and the small temple in the street of the Grand Convent
• Les Halles centrale : find our dedicated section below
• the Roman House on the Place aux Herbes
• Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saint-Castor, a must-see building in Nîmes
• the Jesuit Chapel, classified as a historical monument
• City Hall
• Market Square and Crocodile Fountain
• the Clock Square
• the mansions:  Boudon, Bernis, Nicot, Grange
• the Great Temple
• the Auguste gate also called “Porte d’Arles”, the main gate of the ancient city, crossed by Via Domitia linking Nîmes to Cadiz in Spain . It was part, with the Magne Tower and the Porte de France of the 7km long enclosure built by the Emperor Augustus to delimit and protect the city.
• the Sainte-Baudile Church
• the Castellum, it is not located properly in the historic center but further north. This very rare vestige was the point of arrival of the Aqueduct of Nîmes. It was used to distribute the water to the public fountains and the different neighborhoods of the city.

6. The Market Halls

In France, gastronomy and good food are sacred! To find the good products of the soil and the Nîmes region, take a tour through the central market of Nîmes, a large covered market . This is the best way to have a complete inventory of local gastronomy!

Browse through the various stalls to concoct a good picnic- based:

• olives as an aperitif,
• small patés from Nîmes: pâtés of meat surrounded by short pastry, world champion of small pâté, Stéphane Meyer is in the halls!
• of pélardon: a goat cheese with a very pronounced taste
• of crunchy Villaret:  almond biscuits

And if you want to eat squarely in the Halles, I recommend the restaurant “La pie qui quil”. A kitchen and dishes made with products sold on the market. To taste in particular the burger with Saint-Nectaire or the kidneys of veal and its excellent sauce with chorizo! Does not it make you hungry?

Les Halles are open every day from 7h to 13h. You will find all practical information on the official website. 

7. The Museums of Nîmes

Nîmes is a city giving plenty of room for culture, so you will find plenty of museums.

Here is a list of museums to visit in Nîmes:

• the museum of Old Nîmes : through many everyday objects, you will discover life in Nîmes since the end of the Middle Ages.
• the Natural History Museum is interested in 3 main themes: prehistory, ethnography and zoology.
• the Museum of Fine Arts and its collection of French, Italian, German and Dutch paintings.
• the Museum of Contemporary Art located in the Carré d’Art, a huge space gathering in addition a large library and a media library.
• the Museum of Taurine Cultures  presents this culture so specific to the South of France and often criticized.
• Musée de la Romanité, opposite the Arena, opened in June 2018. Its archaeological collections and multimedia displays cover the city’s long history; the building also has a panoramic rooftop. Check its current schedule when choosing between this visit and another city museum.

Tips for things to do in Nîmes:
Since the 17th century, the city is renowned for its resistant fabric, the Nîmes canvas. But it was not until the 19th century, and Levi Strauss bought a lot by chance, to give life to the most famous pants in the world: the Blue Jean or Jean Denim   (Nimes / Denim, do you understand??)! The museum of Vieux-Nîmes traces this story.

What to do around Nîmes?

Once visited Nîmes, I recommend you spend a few days in the vicinity of Nîmes. There is indeed a lot to do and see around Nîmes.

8. The Pont du Gard

The main activity to do around Nîmes is undoubtedly the visit of the Pont du Gard. It is located about 35 minutes drive from Nîmes. This is one of the places I highly recommend visiting if you are in the area.

The Pont du Gard is an impressive vestige of the Roman aqueduct that snaked through the hills to bring water to Nîmes. 2000 years old, made up of 3 floors, classified in the UNESCO world heritage, the majestic building spans the Gardon and offers the opportunity to realize beautiful shots.

For a short Pont du Gard visit, decide whether you want an outdoor walk or the cultural spaces and a guided tour. These are different visit options; leave extra time if you choose more than the bridge and viewpoints.

Pont du Gard costs are separate: outdoor site and pedestrian bridge access are free, while parking, discovery spaces and guided tours have their own charges. The official rates page currently lists parking at €9 per vehicle and adult discovery-space admission at €8 (checked 8 October 2026). Check current rates and concessions before visiting.

On the site you will also find:

• a beach to swim on the banks of the Gardon and at the foot of the Pont du Gard
• a restaurant
• 2 views to admire the bridge from every angle
• a gift shop
• a small cafe
• the Pont du Gard museum: to see imperatively to discover all the stages of construction of the Bridge. This is the only place where all the explanations are grouped together.
• a  1.4km trail to walk through the scrubland

To prepare your visit, consult the official Pont du Gard website.

Tips for things to do in Nîmes:

Walking to the bridge does not require a paid pedestrian entry ticket. This does not make parking or indoor attractions free. Access to the upper aqueduct channel is regulated and requires a guided tour; see the official access FAQ before planning a visit.

9. The Camargue

About a 45-minute drive from Nîmes, reach the Camargue. With its ponds, salt marshes, horses, bulls and flamingos, the Camargue is a very beautiful place to visit around Nîmes.

To do and see in the Camargue:

• Aigues-Mortes, a magnificent fortified medieval city
• Take a cruise on the canals to discover the fauna and flora
• Opt for a romantic horseback ride on a wild beach
• Visit a manade,  a place where bulls are raised
• Discover the saltworks and learn more about the culture of salt
• Birdwatching at the Pont de Gau ornithological park

10. The Mediterranean Sea and the beaches around Nîmes

Still around Nîmes, you can take the opportunity to take a trip to the edge of the Mediterranean. The sea is only 45 minutes by car from Nîmes!

The nearest beaches and towns are near Grau-du-Roi and La Grande-Motte. Take the opportunity to stroll along the beach, have a picnic or even swim if it’s the time.

11. Avignon

Avignon is one of the most famous cities to see around Nîmes.

Located in the heart of Provence , it includes several UNESCO World Heritage  sites .

Not to be missed in Avignon:

• The Palais des Papes, the former residence of the sovereign pontiffs, is today one of the 10 most visited monuments in France!
• The Pont d’Avignon, of which everyone knows the nursery rhyme
• Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral and its adjoining garden
• The historic center.

Discover all the things to do in Avignon in my dedicated article: What to do in Avignon?

12. Arles

Still around Nîmes, you can get to Arles just 40 minutes away by car.

Just like Avignon, some monuments of Arles are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In particular, you can visit the arenas, the ancient theater or even the thermal baths of Constantine.

To not miss anything during your visit to Arles, I advise you to read my article: What to do and see in Arles?

13. Montpellier

Montpellier is the closest large city to Nîmes.

To see and do in Montpellier:

• The Écusson district: the historic center of the city with very beautiful buildings and lots of small shops
• Saint Peter’s Cathedral
• Place de la Comedie
• Place Royale du Peyrou.

I give you all the information to visit Montpellier right here: What to do in Montpellier?

14. Bonus: Visit the wine estates around Nîmes

Nîmes is located at the crossroads of the vineyards of Provence and the Southern Rhône Valley.  In particular, there are wine estates present in  the Costières de Nîmes appellation.

You will find the full list of areas to visit around Nîmes here.

And what’s great is that some visits are free!

Here is my selection  (click on the links in orange to book your visit):

• Château Mourgues du Grès  offers a free tasting of white, rosé or red wines from organic farming.
• Les Vignobles Mayard,  located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, offers a tasting in a beautiful cellar
• The Dalmeran estate which is located in the regional natural park of the Alpilles – Free tasting of 3 wines of your choice.
• The domain of Poulvarel, a family vineyard located not far from the Pont du Gard.

1 Day Nîmes Itinerary

To visit Nîmes in 1 day, I recommend the following route:

• Visit of the arenas of Nîmes
• Discover the historic center on foot 
• Lunch break in the Central Market Halls
• Visit the museum of Vieux-Nîmes
• Passage through the Maison Carrée
• Walk in the Gardens of the Fountain
• Ascent to the Magne Tower

2 Days in Nîmes and its Surroundings

To visit Nîmes and its surroundings in 2 days, I propose you to take again the route of the 1st day and add:

• Morning to discover the Pont du Gard
• Lunch break
• Afternoon in the Camargue with several activities to choose according to your interests
• Late afternoon at the edge of the Mediterranean 

Accommodation in Nîmes

• Campanile Nîmes-Center Mas Carbonnel: — Compare the current full-stay price, cancellation terms, location and included meals for your dates. Past starting prices and personal-stay claims are not a verified current offer.
• Appart’City Confort Nîmes Arènes: — Compare the current full-stay price, cancellation terms, location and included meals for your dates. Past starting prices and personal-stay claims are not a verified current offer.
• Hotel & Spa Vatel — Compare the current full-stay price, cancellation terms, location and included meals for your dates. Past starting prices and personal-stay claims are not a verified current offer.

Where to eat in Nîmes

• Little Fadette: Restaurant located rue du Grand Couvent, near Les Halles and Maison Carrée. Dishes quite original and made with fresh products coming directly from the Central Market. Excellent cuisine at low prices! Warm, cozy and friendly setting.
• The Bohemian Garden: Located rue des Muriers, just next to Les Halles. The dishes are homemade, made from fresh products, very good and original. Excellent value for money, warm welcome and authentic setting, you will not be disappointed!
• L’Esclafidou:  Located rue Xavier Sigalon, between the Auguste gate and the Notre-Dame cathedral. The dishes skilfully mix traditional regional flavors with elements of South African cuisine. The result is top and original. Home cooking, tasty and hearty dishes.

How to get to Nîmes

Driving-time estimates below are rough planning guides, not guaranteed journey times; check your actual route and traffic:

• Montpellier: 40 minutes
• Marseille: 1h30
• Toulouse : 3h
• Nice : 3h
• Lyon: 3h

For rail arrivals, compare current schedules and confirm the arrival station. These legacy journey-time estimates are not a timetable:

• Marseille:  1h
• Lyon: 1h20
• Paris: 2h50

Check current flight availability for your travel dates before planning an airport arrival. Routes are seasonal and the former destination list should not be treated as a current timetable.

And you? What do you plan to visit in Nîmes? 

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