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Bienvenue à Nîmes !
Discover Nîmes
Visit Nîmes, a city of art and history in the heart of Occitanie, where the ancient past meets the modern. From its famous Roman monuments - such as the Arena, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne - to its lively alleyways, sun-drenched terraces and captivating museums, Nîmes invites you on a unique journey through the centuries. Whether you're a heritage lover, architecture enthusiast or looking for a sunny city break, let yourself be seduced by this city full of character and surprises.
Lulled by its lilting accent imbued with the sunshine of the Midi, Nîmes radiates both Latin and contemporary splendor! From its ancient past, the city nicknamed "French Rome" has inherited sumptuous Roman monuments: from the Arènes to the Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne, you'll be amazed by their remarkable state of preservation!
A skilful blend of antiquity and modernity, Nîmes evokes the image of a Roman city par excellence, as much for the richness of its monuments inherited from the past as for the originality of its contemporary buildings, which have been harmoniously integrated over time.
PALM TREES AND CROCODILES
The ace of Nîmes
During the Roman era, the city of Nemausus produced a coin, a dupondus, commonly known, erroneously, as the "Ace of Nîmes" (the ace is a monetary value worth half a dupondus), to commemorate Octavian's victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. This victory enabled Julius Caesar's adopted son to take control of Rome and radically change the Republic to establish the Empire. He took the name Augusta.
The coin depicts subjugated Egypt with a crocodile chained to a palm. The crocodile, a common sight on the banks of the Nile, personifies Egypt, while the palm is an ancient symbol of victory. The other side depicts Octavian-Augustus and Agrippa, the great victors of the battle.
Rich in gastronomy and local know-how, our destination is a lucky one! Close to the sea and just a stone's throw from the Cévennes, it grew up among the scents of garrigue, olive and chestnut trees. So it's only natural that her cuisine has taken on the accent of Provence and the strength of the Cévennes, with a hint of Camargue fleur de sel thrown in for good measure!
Discovering Nîmes also means strolling through the Jardins de la Fontaine, Europe's first public garden, created in the 18th century, where romance and tranquillity are the watchwords of this park!
DENIM... from Nîmes?
From twill to denim
Nîmes was an important manufacturing town between the 17th and 19th centuries, producing wool and silk fabrics exported worldwide.
One of these fabrics, called "serge de Nîmes", appears to be one of the ancestors of denim, a fabric that is particularly famous around the world for its use in making jeans.
Denim is a fabric made from cotton using a special weaving principle known as twill. There are many different kinds of twill, but what makes denim so special is its diagonal weave of unbleached and indigo-dyed yarns. This gives one side white and the other blue, with a progressive wash.
ARTISTIC ESCAPE IN NÎMES
Nîmes is more than just its ancient past; it is also emerging as a vibrant center ofcontemporary artistic expression.
At the heart of this cultural effervescence, Carré d'Art stands out as a symbol of modernity. Designed by architect Norman Foster, this bold building not only houses a rich collection of contemporary art, but is also a work of art in itself, with its clean lines and elegant structure blending harmoniously into the urban landscape.
A few steps away, the Musée de la Romanité, designed by Elizabeth de Portzamparc, offers an equally captivating vision, blending history and architectural innovation. Inspired by the city's ancient arenas, this architecturally remarkable museum invites visitors on a journey through time, where art and history come together to tell the fascinating story of Nîmes and its region.
Nîmes is also a colorful place! In recent years Street Art has become an integral part of Nîmes' urban landscape!
The Richelieu and Gambetta districts have become veritable open-air galleries thanks to the various editions of the " l'Expo de Ouf" festival.
Discover these monumental frescoes that captivate the eye and transform many facades into veritable works of art. Tags, graffiti, collages, stencils... Every street corner reveals a new artistic expression, where creativity and audacity meet to dazzle passers-by!
THE LITTLE TRAIN: DISCOVER NIMES DIFFERENTLY!
Let us tell you all about Nîmes from the comfort of our little tourist train! Much more than just a ride, this 35-minute immersion tour takes you deep into the history and culture of Nîmes.
Whether you're on your own, with the family or in a group, the little tourist train is a fun and friendly way to explore the Roman city, offering a unique perspective on Nîmes' iconic sites.
