Day 1 in Nîmes

Welcome to Nîmes! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin the afternoon in the city center and grab some lunch at one of the quaint terrace cafes, relax and take in the ambiance of one of France`s prettiest little cities! Afterward, hop on the Petit Train de Nimes that departs from the Esplanade, this is a great way to get oriented with this very historical city and check out some of the sights before deciding to visit them. Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering through the narrow streets of the old town - where medieval traces mingle with 18th-century architecture.

As evening approaches, head over to place d`Assas, a great place to stroll in the evenings, that offers a number of classy bars and restaurants. You can also admire the giant modern sculptures. Symbols of Nîmes area are scattered here and there for the finding. Water runs from end to end in this beautiful area, which was designed in 1989 by the painter and sculptor Martial Raysse.

Day 2 in Nîmes

Wake up early and set out for a busy day of sightseeing. First, head over to Les Halles, this market sells all kinds of tasty local treats. Browse the high-quality produce from the region and make sure to grab some picnic items for later before heading out to explore more of the ancient city.

Make your way to Les Jardins de la Fontaine, the Roman Garden in Nîmes. An impressive garden on the site of Nîmes`s original Roman springs, perfect for enjoying the beautiful scenery, which contains historic Roman elements. From the 18th-century gardens of stately statues and stone balustrades that sit among fountains and grottos, as well as the ancient Roman temple of Diane, the remains of some Roman baths, and the Roman tower, which offers fantastic views over the city. Sit back and enjoy the serene location with a picnic lunch here before continuing on to explore more of the city.

Take a 10-minute walk by following the stone steps and you will come up to Mont Cavalier, a low, rocky hill on top of which rises to the highest point in Nîmes, the Tour Magne, the city`s oldest Roman monument. From the top of the tower, the views are impressive and make it well worth the climb up the narrow stone stairs.

In the late afternoon, make your way to the emblem of the city, the Arena of Nîmes. This is the best-preserved Roman Amphitheatres in the world! (Even better than the Coliseum in Rome). With its elliptical shape and 68 ft high façade composed of two rows of 60 arches surmounted by an attic, it`s definitely impressive! By taking one of the five concentric, vaulted galleries and passing through a vomitorium, you can go sit in one of the 34 rows of seats that accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. Today, in place of gladiators, the venue hosts bullfights, running of the bulls, concerts, historic reenactments, and more.

Next, head over to the Maison Carrée, one of the world`s greatest and best preserved Roman temples. It`s preservation is due to the edifice`s conversion to a church in the 14th-century, which spared it from the mass destruction of pagan temples that took place in the early years of the Christian era. Next to it, but far from it in terms of style, the resolutely modern Carré d`Arthouses the museum of contemporary art and the municipal library. Built on the site of an old Neo-Classical theatre that burned down in 1952, this striking building made up of glass, concrete and steel has nine storeys of which half are underground.

If time allows, try to visit the city`s largest museum, Musée des Beaux-Art, with its immense collection of French painting and sculpture from the 17th-century to modern times.

As evening approaches take some time to stroll the many narrow streets of the old town, including Rue des Marchands, Rue de l`Aspic and Rue de la Madeliene. Shop the little boutiques and wind down your day with an enjoyable meal at one of the many lovely restaurants of the area.

Day 3 in Nîmes

Head out today and continue to explore more of Nîmes. Head out to Port d`Auguste, the remains of a gate built by the Romans during the reign of Augustus some two thousand years ago. About 150 ft. to the south are the Musée d`Histoire Naturelle and the Musée Archéologique, located in the same building. Set around a cloister and a 17th-century chapel, the museum offers three main areas to discover: prehistory, ethnography and zoology. Its collection ranks it in the 6th rank of the museums of France.

Continue on from here to visit the Pont du Gard, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Roman aqueduct crosses the Gardon River and is the visited ancient monuments in France and remains one of human kind`s great masterpieces. A marvel of Antiquity and a true technical feat, it is also an amazing site that has regained its unspoiled state since its refurbishment.

As the evening approaches, stay in Vers-Pont-Gard and head into the medieval village to wander the little lanes, the quaint shops and discover medieval treasures of the village. Make sure to enjoy a glass of their famous wine from one of the local vineyards while here. The village is known for their wine with almost 500 acres of vineyards that produce the `Coteaux du Pont du Gard` wines.

Additional Days in Nîmes

Should you be able to spend additional days in Nimes take a day trip to the beautiful and vibrant city of Montpellier. Bustling with young energy, the city offers several interesting tourist attractions, as well as numerous fountains, gardens, buildings and monuments to be explored. The focus of this city is around the beautiful Place de la Comedie and the adjoining large open, tree-lined areas of the Esplanad Charles de Gaulle, and the narrow streets of the old town to the north and west of these boulevards. Montpellier is also located just 4 miles from the Mediterranean allowing easy access to a beach!

Alternatively, take a day trip and head East to Avignon, a historic town on the Rhone river, beautifully preserved surrounded by the original fortified city walls. The city offers a wealth of beautiful buildings, historical churches, a fine collection of museums, several gardens, an extensive pedestrianized historic center, and lots of cafes and bars. The heart of Avignon is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Place de l`Horloge, the Pont d`Avignon just outside the city walls of the palace, and the main historic center in the streets around the Palace and the Rue de la Republique.

Besides visiting the sites, Avignon is a beautiful city to walk through, with its walled exterior and medieval look. If you choose to stay into the evening for dinner, we recommend a river cruise along the Rhone river.

Your Last Day in Nîmes

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Nîmes in the south of France.