While I was in Montpellier for the first time, my colleague and I decided to travel to Nimes for the day. It was highly recommended by French friends. In fact, it is often called the French Rome because of its well-preserved amphitheatre and other buildings and monuments around the city. Walking around the city and taking a tour of the Arena were definitely highlights of the day.
Additionally, we visited in September at just the right time for the Feria des Vendanges. These are Spanish-style street festivals including parades, concerts, bull fighting and bull running. I decided to do the bull running because it didn’t look too dangerous. The bulls are let out to run down a long pathway that has fences on either side. Although the bulls can’t get out through the fences, people can slip through. I watched them run by from the side and then took a photo but then I heard yelling and had to run out because more bulls were coming. Wow, I can’t even imagine Pamplona!
Highlights
- Amphitheatre of Nîmes
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes
- Clock Tower
- Saint Paul Church
- Les Halles de Nîmes Market
- Natural History Museum
- Tour Magne
- Jardin de La Fontaine
Before you go
- Feria des Vendanges including bull fighting and a parade takes place in September
- Known as the French Rome for all of its ruins and monuments
- The city has a useful tourism website
- Easy side trip from Montpellier by train
- Weather is mild though it can get hot during the summer
Transport
- The main rail station, Gare Nîmes centre, is close to the main sights and city centre
- Nimes is a very walkable city. However, there are also many buses to get around
Accommodation
- Since I was staying in nearby Montpellier, I didn’t stay in Nimes.
- As usual I recommend checking reviews on Booking.com or using AirBnB
FAQs
Q: Do I need a tour guide?
A: No, it is easy to find the main sights to see. However, I recommend the audio tour at the Nimes Arena
Q: Do people speak English?
A: Some people speak English, but it is helpful to have a translation app and know a few words of French
Q: Is it a walkable city?
A: Yes it is walkable
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