Discover Nîmes and its treasures...
Throughout the year, Nîmes offers high-quality shows, concerts, and cultural events.
Every summer, nearly 20 concerts are held in the Roman arena throughout July, featuring major international artists.
From July 1st to August 31st, every Thursday evening, the city's main avenues become pedestrianized, creating a warm and festive atmosphere in the hotels, bars, restaurants, and numerous food stalls !
THE FOUNTAIN GARDENS IN NÃŽMES
The Fountain Gardens in Nîmes are a haven of peace in the heart of the city, blending history and nature. Created in the 18th century around the spring, these listed gardens offer an enchanting stroll among statues, pools, and lush greenery. An ideal place to recharge and admire Nîmes' rich heritage.
THE MAISON CARREE IN NIMES
The Maison Carrée is a hexastyle Roman temple completed in the early 1st century AD in Nîmes, in the Gard department.
At the time of its construction, the Maison Carrée was dedicated to Augustus in honor of his two grandsons: the consuls and military leaders Lucius Caesar and Gaius Julius Caesar. Over the centuries, the temple has served as a consular residence, a church, and then a museum of ancient art. It is now the best-preserved Roman temple in the world.
The Maison Carrée was listed as a historical monument in 1840. Since September 2023, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
THE ARENA OF NÃŽMES
The Arena of Nîmes, a majestic Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century, is among the best-preserved ancient monuments in the world. Perfectly integrated into the heart of the city, it bears witness to the power and refinement of Imperial Rome. Once dedicated to spectacles and games, it now hosts concerts, bullfights, and major cultural events. Its elliptical architecture, impressive in its precision and harmony, offers a captivating journey through more than two millennia of history. Visiting the Arena of Nîmes is to immerse oneself in a living heritage, emblematic of the South of France and its unique Roman legacy.
THE PONT DU GARD
Just a 30-minute drive from Mzet Mahistre, discover this monumental masterpiece of Roman engineering: the Pont du Gard. Built in the 1st century AD to carry water to Nîmes, this three-tiered aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its elegance, architectural precision, and perfect state of preservation. Towering over the clear waters of the Gardon River, it offers a spectacular panorama where history, nature, and serenity intertwine. A true symbol of ancient ingenuity, the Pont du Gard is today a must-see cultural and tourist destination, inviting exploration, strolling, and contemplation in an exceptional setting.
THE CARRE D'ART IN NIMES
The Carré d'Art, inaugurated in 1993 and designed by architect Norman Foster, is a symbol of modernity in the heart of Nîmes. Opposite the Maison Carrée, it creates a unique dialogue between ancient heritage and contemporary art. This luminous building houses the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as a media library open to all. Exhibitions, collections, and cultural events offer an immersive experience in contemporary art, enhanced by its transparent and airy architecture. The Carré d'Art is a vibrant and essential destination for discovering the current art scene and enjoying an innovative cultural space in the historic center.
CATHEDRAL NOTRE-DAME-ET-SAINT-CASTOR
Nîmes Cathedral, built in the 11th century, is a remarkable example of southern Romanesque art. Dominating the historic center, it captivates visitors with its façade adorned with unique bas-reliefs depicting biblical stories. Remodeled over the centuries, the cathedral harmoniously blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical styles, creating an atmosphere that is both majestic and serene. Inside, its soaring nave and chapels invite contemplation. An emblematic site of Nîmes' heritage, Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor remains a vibrant spiritual space and an essential architectural landmark for understanding the city's history.
THE PRADIER FOUNTAIN IN NÃŽMES
Inaugurated in 1851, the Pradier Fountain is one of Nîmes' iconic symbols. Located on the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, it features a majestic female statue representing the city, surrounded by allegorical figures evoking the local rivers. The work of sculptor James Pradier, this fountain combines classical elegance with exquisite detail. Its water features and harmonious composition create a peaceful and refined setting in the heart of the city. A true meeting place for Nîmes residents and visitors alike, the Pradier Fountain illustrates the artistic richness of the 19th century and contributes to the city's unique charm.
MARKET SQUARE
In the heart of Nîmes, the Market Square invites you to relax on its sunny terraces. Sitting near the famous crocodile or in the shade of the palm tree, it's hard not to think of Cleopatra and ancient Egypt. The artist Martial Raysse has reinterpreted the city's coat of arms, recalling Caesar's victory in 31 BC at the Battle of Actium. A symbol of this conquest, the crocodile, traditionally chained to the palm tree, is freed here, offering a poetic and modern composition. This unique fountain makes the Market Square a vibrant place, steeped in history and charm.
CHAPTER SQUARE IN NÃŽMES
Chapter Square, located in the heart of Nîmes' historic center, is an elegant space where medieval buildings, ancient remains, and more recent architecture blend seamlessly. Completely redesigned in 2007, it is organized around a monumental stepped fountain that structures the square with a gentle and modern touch. On the lower level, large trees offer welcoming shade and a relaxing setting. In the evening, integrated ground lighting envelops the square in a poetic atmosphere, creating an ideal ambiance for the impromptu concerts or tango evenings that sometimes take place there.
LA PLACE D'ASSAS A NIMES
La Place d’Assas, au cœur de Nîmes, est un espace contemporain emblématique réaménagé par l’artiste Daniel Buren. Connue pour ses lignes graphiques, ses jeux de couleurs et ses colonnes sculptées, elle offre un contraste saisissant avec les ruelles anciennes qui l’entourent. Sa fontaine centrale, animée par l’eau et la lumière, crée une atmosphère apaisante où habitants et visiteurs aiment faire une pause. La place est aussi un lieu de passage vivant, reliant plusieurs quartiers du centre-ville. Avec son design audacieux et son identité visuelle forte, la Place d’Assas incarne l’alliance réussie entre art contemporain et patrimoine nîmois.
