19 Best Nimes Tourist Spots And Things to do in Nimes (Travel Guide)

Last updated on August 7th, 2022 at 05:02 am

There are many things to do in Nimes. It will not one of the most touristic places in France like Paris and Nice. But we will write all Nimes tourist spots from beautiful Roman Amphitheatre to day trips that you can visit in the countryside in Nimes. Keep reading below our Nimes travel guide. Read here how to get from Marseille airport to Nimes and Marseille airport to Avignon.

Read here things to do in Toulouse, our things to do in Avignon and things to do in Montpellier

Read here our budget travel in France and our favorite Instagrammable places in Paris.

NIMES TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET TO NIMES

There are daily buses and trains going to Nimes from main of the places around. I went during my road trip from Montpellier to Nimes is 1 hour driving and 4-5 hours driving from North Spain depending where you are coming from.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NIMES

Nimes is a city with a Mediterranean climate so summer is its high season among tourists. Autumn would be the perfect time to enjoy this French city.

While the weather during fall is still warm and dry, temperatures and room rates have dropped considerably compared to the peak season. So, the best time to visit Nimes is actually from September to November.

Click here to know more about the weather in Nimes!

DAILY BUDGET TRAVEL IN NIMES

There are many ways to explore Nimes. You can go walking around Nimes or getting public transportation for around 2€ a single bus ticket. You can go by bicycle too. You can purchase Nimes Pass and Romanitee Pass valid for 3 to 7 days if you are planning to visit a few places you will be able to save a few euros.

There are meals in Nimes at local restaurants for as low as €10-15. Those who want to eat something a bit fancier can have a meal at a mid-range restaurant for around €20-40 or even less if you have someone to split the bill with. Dinner at a top restaurant in Nimes can go for €70-150.

There are all sorts of accommodations in Nimes. From hostels and B&Bs to apartments and hotels, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. For example, staying at a hostel or booking a dorm bed goes for around €25-35. A room at a mid-range hotel or a nice apartment can cost around €50-150.

Luxury hotels in Nimes can charge €200 and higher. If you want to stay somewhere comfortable and safe minus the cost, you can always try AirBnB in Montpellier. There are entire apartments that go for as low as €25. We think that’s especially lucky because you can click here to get €25 off your first booking with AirBnB!

Click here to book your accommodation in Nimes with Agoda and Booking.

THINGS TO DO IN NIMES AND NIMES TOURIST SPOTS

1. Visit Arènes Ancient Roman Amphitheater

Arènes Roman Amphitheater is the most beautiful in the list of Nimes tourist spots. From outside you will take beautiful pictures and you can access inside in a guided tour to see with more details this amazing landmark in Nimes.

Arènes Ancient Roman Amphitheater entrance fee is 10€ for adults. You can get discounts if you access by group or if you get the Pass Nimes which allows you a few things to do in Nimes like Maison Carrier and Tour Magne valid for 3 days.

2. Maison Carrée

Maison Carrée is an ancient Roman temple in Nimes very well preserved. Maison Carrée is one of the best preserved Roman temples to survive in the territory of the former Roman Empire.

Maison Carrée entrance fee is 6€ for adults. You can get discounts if you access by group or if you get the Pass Nimes which allows you a few things to do in Nimes like Arenes Roman Amphitheater and Tour Magne valid for 3 days.

3. Jardins de la Fontaine

Jardins de la Fontaine is a 17th century park with Roman ruins, botanic gardens and sculptures. Jardins de la Fontaine is a perfect place to walk around in Nimes and have a rest chilling while admiring the views.

You can get beautiful views from the top of Jardins de la Fontaine. And there are a lot of spots to relax yourself. Jardins de la Fontaine has no entrance fee.

4. Quai de la Fontaine

Quai de la Fontaine canals and bridge you will find on the way to Jardins de la Fontaine. Quai de la Fontaine is a beautiful place to walk around after or before visiting the gardens. Especially in the autumn with the fall you will love it.

5. Tour Magne

Tour Magne is the only remnant of the ancient Augustan fortifications and it’s the highest point in Nimes. Tour Magne was originally a dry stone oval tower of 18 meters. One of the things to do in Nimes that you can’t miss is the views from the top.

Tour Magne entrance fee is 3.50€ for adults and you can get a discount if you go in a group. Or even free if you purchase the Nimes Pass which allows you to visit for 3 days Tour Magne, Arenes Roman Amphitheater and Maison Carrée.

6. Walking around Nimes Old Town

Walking around Nimes Old Town is a must to enjoy the atmosphere in the bars and restaurants. You will see a few people playing music while dining or having lunch. Nimes old town isn’t very big and you will be able to explore everything around.

7. Temple of Diana

Temple of Diana is from 1st century ancient Roman building in Nimes. Temple of Diana was built under Augustus and it’s located near La Fontaine.

The Façade was rebuilt during the 2nd century and it was excavated in 1745 during work to create the garden of La Fontaine. And there is no entrance fee to visit Temple of Diana.

8. Porte d’Auguste

Porte d’Auguste is an entrance to the old city. Porte d’Auguste has not conserved everything but you can still admire this monument built in the Roman times.

9. Nimes Cathedral

Nimes Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and partly Gothic in style. Nimes Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the local Saint Castor of Apt and it’s believed to stand on the site of the former temple of Augustus.

10. Church Santa Perpetua

Church Santa Perpetua is located a few steps from Arènes Roman Amphitheatre. Church Santa Perpetua is building in Gothic style and it’s one of the best Nimes tourist spots to visit.

11. Castellum Aquae

Castellum Aquae is the end of 50 kilometers Nimes aqueduct. It’s one of the things to do in Nimes but it’s not so well preserved as other tourist spots in Nimes.

12. Les Halles de Nimes

Les Halles de Nimes is always a great start point for knowing about local food and must dish to try in Nimes. There are a few places to buy fruits, vegetables and even to have coffee or a drink.

13. Carré d’Art (Musée d’Art Contemporain)

The Carré d’art is a museum of contemporary art inside the municipal library in Nimes. Constructed of glass and facing the Maison Carrée is one of the Nimes tourist spots that you cant miss.

14. Musée de la Romanité

The Musée de la Romanité de Nimes is and archaeological museum. Musée de la Romanité is located opposite the Roman amphitheater of Nîmes. Musée de la Romanité entrance fee is 8€ for adults and is free of charge if you purchase the Romanité pass valid for 3 days.

15. Musée des Beaux Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts was founded in 1821 and originally housed in the Maison Carrée. Musée des Beaux-Arts was completed in 1907 and it was renovated by the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte in 1987. Musée des Beaux-Arts entrance fee is 5€ for adults.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN NIMES AND NIMES TOURIST SPOTS

Road Trip from Nimes

16. Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct built in the first century AD to carry water to the Roman colony of Nemausus in Nimes. Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct and it’s very well preserved. Obviously is an UNESCO site since 1985. One of the best things to do in Nimes just a few minutes driving.

17. Montpellier

Montpellier is one hour driving from Nimes. You will have an amazing time exploring city center and if you like trying local restaurants. It will be nice if you can spend a couple of days visiting Montpellier.

18. Avignon

Avignon is just a few minutes driving distance from Nimes. And you will enjoy this medieval city with the amazing views from the castle. Perfect for walking around and enjoying the touristic vibe with restaurants and bars.

19. Saint Laurent des Arbres

Saint Laurent des Arbres is only 25 minutes driving from Avignon. So if you are on the way it’s one of the road trips from Nimes that you can’t miss it. Saint Laurent des Arbres is a medieval town extended by the forest.

WHERE TO STAY IN NIMES

There are all sorts of accommodations in Nimes. From hostels and B&Bs to apartments and hotels, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. For example, staying at a hostel or booking a dorm bed goes for around €25-35. A room at a mid-range hotel or a nice apartment can cost around €50-150.

Luxury hotels in Nimes can charge €200 and higher. If you want to stay somewhere comfortable and safe minus the cost, you can always try AirBnB in Nimes. There are entire apartments that go for as low as €25. We think that’s especially lucky because you can click here to get €25 off your first booking with AirBnB!

Click here to book your accommodation in Nimes with Agoda and Booking.

Having insurance while you are traveling outside your home country is very important. Make sure that you have one too, to keep you safe in your trips around the world.

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Happy Travels!