The city of Nîmes in the South of France has a rich Roman heritage, often being dubbed as the French Rome. A beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre sits at its heart, but wind yourself round the attractive streets to really discover all that this dreamy southern city has to offer.
Jardins de la Fontaine
A vast 17th-century park right in the center of the city. Stroll around botanical gardens, sculptures, and numerous Roman ruins beautifully framed in this well-designed green space. King Louis XV’s idea behind the garden was to frame the ancient remains in a tranquil and visually aesthetic way.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Jardins de la Fontaine, 26 Quai de la Fontaine, Nîmes, France, +33 466 583 800
Le Spot
A hip cultural dynamic is taking place in Nimes with eateries such as Le Spot injecting a bit of creativity into the historic city streets. You won’t miss it from the outside and within – a micro brewery with a great selection. One to check out.
Le Spot, 8 Rue de l’Enclos Rey, Nîmes, France, +33 466 368 564
Arenes de Nîmes
The highlight of Nîmes, without a doubt. Dating back to 70 AD, the amphitheatre remains very much a part of modern city life in Nîmes, with the annual bullfighting – Feria de Nîmes – taking place each year as well as regular concerts amid the backdrop of this 2,000-year-old venue.
Arenes de Nîmes, Boulevard des Arènes, Nîmes, France, +33 466 218 256
Les Halles
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food in Nîmes. The South of France knows how to do mealtimes right and this is no more apparent than in the region’s big covered marketplaces called les halles. Make sure to visit to simply take in the ambiance. The best time to feast is at lunch.
Les Halles, 5 Rue des Halles, Nîmes, France, +33 466 215 249
Maison Carrée
The incredible temple, Maison Carrée, boasts having one of the best-preserved Roman façades from the age of the Roman Empire. There is a small space to visit at the back of the temple, but locals just exist around it; sitting on a warm evening up against one of the columns, watching the world meander by.
Église Saint-Baudile
A neo-Gothic church that you’ll be able to spot at various points in the city thanks to its tall and imposing bell towers.
Église Saint-Baudile, Place Gabriel Péri, Nîmes, France, +33 466 676 071
Tour Magne
Part of the ancient Roman city wall, Tour Magne used to sit at a whopping 32 meters tall, but today it is 18 meters. At the summit of the Tour Magne, visitors are treated with incredible views out over the city, including the Porte d’Auguste and the Maison Carrée.
Temple de Diane
When in the Jardins de la Fontaine, make sure you don’t miss the Temple de Diane. The purpose of the building is not known, however, but how it has remained intact and in good shape for thousands of years is amazing.
Temple de Diane, Quai Georges Clemenceau, Nîmes, France, +33 466 583 800
Old Town
With so much to see in Nimes, make sure you give enough time to South of France city living in the old town. The city boasts pretty square after pretty square, with enough cafes, independent shops and delicateness to keep you trying a new one on the hour, every hour.
Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
Dating back to the 16th century, this vast esplanade has represented one of the central areas of Nimes for centuries. At its center is an impressive fountain representing the city of Nimes, which was added in 1851. The esplanade was given a face lift around 2013, incorporating some modern bamboo structures and pedestrianisation down to the train station.
Place de l’Horloge
One of the city’s bigger squares, perfect for a southern aperitif.
Porte Auguste
The Via Domitia route – the first Roman road linking Italy to Spain – passed under Porte Auguste. Notice the two larger middle arches – these were for the cars of the day, the carts on the route, and the two smaller ones on each side would have been for those travelling on foot.
Pont du Gard
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard is an incredible Roman monument, constructed for the Nîmes aqueduct to cross the Gard river. Today it is still considered a masterpiece in design and engineering.
Bois des Espeisses
A large park on the edge of the city that is perfect for summer trips to Nimes. Locals enjoy exercising and ambling here, under the pine trees and away from the harsh sun.
Bois des Espeisses, Nîmes, France
Musée du Vieux Nîmes
A delightful museum where you can learn all about the stories of this extremely historic city. The building itself, which includes a pretty internal courtyard, is worth the visit in itself.
Musée du Vieux Nîmes, Place aux Herbes, Nîmes, France, +33 466 767 370
Place aux Herbes
A lovely southern city square that is steeped in history, most notably during the French Wars of Religion when many Catholic priests and monks were massacred.
Carré d’Art
Nimes’ Normand Foster building, opened in 1993, is a twinkling glass and steel structure that houses the library and contemporary art spaces. Due to its design, this building isn’t massively imposing as the lower floors have been built under surface level. Carré d’Art lies opposite from the Maison Carrée, a real juxtaposition of the old and new.
Carré d’Art, Place de la Maison Carrée, Nîmes, France, +33 466 763 570
Musée Perrier et La Source
Interested in visiting the source of Perrier water? Well you can! Not too far from Nimes is the Perrier museum and water source. A guided tour will let you into (most of) their secrets and walk you through the history of this famous brand.
Musée Perrier et La Source, Les Bouillens, Vergeze, France, +33 466 876 101
Nîmes Cathedral
A Romanesque and Gothic-style cathedral that is thought to stand on the former temple of Augustus. Make sure to check when it’s open. In the high season, you might be lucky enough to attend a concert here.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes, 9 Rue Saint-Castor, Nîmes, France
Musée des Beaux-Arts
A large fine arts museum showcasing the best of French, Italian and Dutch painting from the 1500s to the 1800s. It’s only €5 to enter and being a large enough space, it’s always a tranquil visit.
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rue de la Cité Foulc, Nîmes, France, +33 466 767 182
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
