Nîmes in one day: the arena, the Maison Carrée and the Jardins de la Fontaine

Nicknamed the "French Rome", Nîmes packs an exceptional ancient heritage less than 30 minutes from the Pays d'Uzès. Here is how to make the most of it in a single day, before heading home to cool off, for example at La Villa Romana, on the edge of the city.

Morning: Roman antiquity

• The arena (Arènes): the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world, still very much alive (concerts, shows, feria).
• The Maison Carrée, a UNESCO-listed Roman temple of striking elegance.
• The Musée de la Romanité, opposite the arena, to understand 2,000 years of history.

Midday: lanes and terraces

Stroll through the Écusson, the historic heart: shaded little squares, shops and generous southern cooking. Try the brandade de Nîmes and a glass of Costières wine.

Afternoon: nature in the city

Climb up through the Jardins de la Fontaine, one of the first public gardens in Europe, to the Tour Magne for a panoramic view over the city and the garrigue.

Good to know

• Park in an Écusson car park and do everything on foot.
• Summer: favour the morning, as the afternoon can be very hot.
• With children: the arena and the Musée de la Romanité are fun and well designed.

Back home, the pool awaits. Discover our stays near Nîmes, such as Le Patio de la Cèze, and book direct.