Nîmes with kids: three days of Roman arena, gardens and pool

Nîmes is easy to visit with children: the city is flat, the centre is pedestrianised, the monuments are spectacular and the distances short. Here is a three-day itinerary that alternates sightseeing in the morning with swimming in the afternoon, tried and tested by families staying at the Villa Romana.

Day 1: the Roman city

In the morning, the arena (Arènes): the amphitheatre can be visited at your own pace with an audio guide, and the tiered seating impresses at any age. Opposite, the Musée de la Romanité is designed with children in mind, with interactive displays and a rooftop terrace. Lunch in the Écusson, then back to the villa for the pool.

Day 2: the Pont du Gard

Set off early for the Pont du Gard, thirty minutes away. Cross the bridge, visit the museum's children's area, then swim in the Gardon below. Picnic on the rocks or have lunch at the on-site restaurant. Return via Castillon-du-Gard for an ice cream in the village.

Day 3: gardens and the Tour Magne

The Jardins de la Fontaine in the morning, while it is cool: ponds, shaded paths, the Temple of Diana, and the climb up the Tour Magne for the view over the city. The afternoon is free: the Halles market for supplies, or a whole afternoon in the villa's garden.

Where to stay

The Villa Romana is in the south of Nîmes, in a quiet neighbourhood, a quarter of an hour from the centre. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private pool in an enclosed garden and a covered terrace for meals: the children have space, the adults have shade. A high chair and a cot are available on request.

Three tips

• Sightsee in the morning from June to September: the afternoon is for the water.
• Just one car park: park in the Écusson and do everything on foot.
• Plan an evening at the arena if a show is on during your stay; the programme is published several months in advance.