Travel to Nimes, France - Nimes Travel Guide

Our Editorial team's advice

Capital of the Gard administrative area, the origins of Nîmes can be traced back more than twenty centuries.
The city has certainly shown an ability to adapt to changing times, as what started as a Roman village was, by the 19th Century, an industrial town. Today, it has a population of over 100,000 inhabitants, and is proud of its ancient heritage while welcoming the future with open arms.
Indeed, the biotechnology, IT and communication industries have all set up stall in 21st Century Nîmes, along with a host of contemporary buildings.

To see

The not-to-be-missed monuments: the Arena of Nîmes, of course, but also the Maison Carrée (Square House), a temple that was built under Augustus, and the Tour Magne (Magne Tower) located at the summit of Mt. Cavalier, the highest point of the city. The Jardin de la Fontaine (Garden of the Fountain) and the Temple of Diana, located at the site of ancient baths and a sacred spring from the age of Antiquity, are also definitely worth visiting. It is the preferred place for strolls of the residents of Nîmes.

The Pont du Gard: a masterpiece of architecture from Antiquity, this Roman aqueduct is one of the most beautiful Roman constructions in the region. The ancient 3-level bridge has been so well preserved that it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To do

When visiting Nîmes, you should take a tour of the provincial market that is held every day. It is the perfect place to find local products made by local producers.

To think about

You should definitely participate in the Féria de Pentecôte (Pentecost Feria) and the Féria des Vendanges (Harvest Fest). Celebrated over several days, the bull is king and the festivities include many events in the streets as well as free shows and concerts late into the night. Go to the bodegas to discover the ambiance of Nîmes' ferias, with demonstrations of Sevillanas dances. Music and parties guaranteed!

To avoid

If bullfighting is your thing, you should definitely attend a bullfight. The love for bulls and bullfighting is an undeniable tradition for fans of this practice in the city of Nîmes. The bull is a truly worshipped animal.

To try

'Gardiane Camargue', a famous regional speciality, is made with bull meat from Camargue and is cooked in a marinade.

'Brandade de Nîmes' is an emulsion of salt cod, olive oil and milk.

To bring back

A bottle of fino, the perfect accompaniment for tapas. Fino is a variant of sherry, a sweet white wine that is produced in the region of Jerez in Andalusia. This dry and natural wine is enjoyed well-chilled in narrow, tulip-shaped glasses. Also, if you are a fan of the local apératifs, don't forget the traditional Pastis!

Weather Nimes

These indicators are used as a set of criteria to predict overall weather conditions in Nimes . The different indicators are there to help you prepare for your trip to Nimes so you can make plans based on the weather forecast, whether it be a trip to the beach, walking, visiting attractions and museums or winter sports... Here you'll find a precise, overall weather score for each week in Nimes , which takes into account temperature indicators, bad weather predictions, sunshine levels and wind speeds.

Weather February

Overall rating 42/100

Temperature indicators 2% Very cold
Maximum temperature not to exceed 16°C, the perceived temperature is <30°.
Bad weather indicators 74% Light showers
Light showers - averaging between 10.5mm and 17.5mm per week.
Sunbathing indicators 56% Sunny intervals
Cloudy with sunny intervals (40% to 60% cloud cover).
Wind indicators 56% Breeze
Moderate to strong winds (between 12mph and 18mph).
Humidity indicators 74% Normal
Slight feeling of discomfort due air humidity registering higher than 65%.