Visit Nimes
Nîmes is not a mainstream destination for those traveling by campervan, but if you love historical authenticity blended with Provençal charm, this city deserves a stop. Here you will find Roman monuments that defy the centuries, squares enlivened by cafes and restaurants, and an atmosphere that blows a touch of Spain mixed with the scent of Provence. It’s not a quick stop: Nîmes requires time to be savored, to get lost in its alleys, to sit at the outdoor tables and breathe the rhythm of a city that lives history as part of daily life.
Stopovers and overnight stays
For those arriving in Nîmes by motorhome/campervan, there is no shortage of parking options. In addition to the two highlighted below, other options include municipal campsites and private areas in the Camping-Car Park network scattered throughout the Gard region. France is generally tolerant of free overnight parking for campervans, but avoid the large motorway service areas (*autogrill*) in the southern regions: thefts are not uncommon.
Recommended areas
Parking Rue du Capitaine Alfred DreyfusPl. du Capitaine Dreyfus, 68000 Colmar, France
Paved and about 2 km from the historic centre. It does not offer services, but it is a good starting point for exploring the city. GPS: 48.076170, 7.344394
Remoulins CampingCar Park
14B Av. du Pont du Gard, 30210 Remoulins, France
Full-service area; it is approximately 20 km away, reachable in a 20-minute drive. Parking is limited to 72 hours with a rate of 4 euros/24h, including access to grey and black water filling and draining.
TEL: 0578.755109
WEB: campingcarpark.com
GPS: 43.937860, 4.555199
GPS: 43.937860, 4.555199
Getting Around
From the Rue du Capitaine Alfred Dreyfus parking lot, you will reach the historic center on foot in 20-25 minutes. The route is easy: head north towards the center, crossing quiet streets that gradually become more crowded as you approach the Arena. Once you enter the center, the rest is perfect for being explored on foot. The distances are not great – from one end of the historic center to the other it is a maximum of 1.5 km – and every corner offers surprises.
If you prefer to save your legs, you can find small paid parking lots and some local buses in the center, but the advice is to leave the campervan and walk: Nîmes is best discovered on foot.
“view from the top of the Arena”
Church of Saint Paul
Points of Interest (PoI)
Nîmes is not a conventional tourist destination like Paris or the French Riviera, but that is exactly why it is worth stopping. Here, history is not confined to museums – it is in the stones of the streets you walk on, in the buildings you pass, and in the energy of the squares where you sit to drink coffee. It is a city that breathes history from every corner, but without being pompous or tiring.
Allow yourself at least three days: one for the Arena and the Roman monuments, one for the historic center and the gardens, and one simply to breathe in the city, sit at the cafes, taste the brandade, and get lost in the alleys.
1
The Roman Amphitheater (Arènes de Nîmes)
It is the symbol of the city, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, it measures 133 meters long and 101 meters wide, with a capacity of approximately 24,000 spectators. It was used for spectacles until the Middle Ages, then it became a fortress complete with a moat and ramparts. In 1840, it was recognized as a historical monument of France and today it can be visited in all its parts: corridors, tiers, and subterranean levels. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sunlight ignites the travertine blocks in golden hues. The spaces are still used for concerts and summer shows (especially the Férias). If you visit during one of these events, the arena comes alive just as it did in ancient times.
2
The Maison Carrée – The Perfect Temple
This small temple is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Dedicated to Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar (grandsons of Augustus), it dates back to 5 BC. Its 6 Corinthian columns at the front and its near-perfect proportion make it a masterpiece of architectural harmony. Upon entering, you will discover that the interior houses a museum dedicated to the history of Nîmes and Roman Gaul. What is striking when visiting it is the feeling of walking directly into the past: the temple is so well preserved that you can easily imagine what it looked like two thousand years ago.
3
The Garden of the Fountain (Jardin de la Fontaine)
In 1665, the garden was created around the sacred spring of Nemausus, the river-god who gave Nîmes its name. It is a place that mixes Roman history, French Renaissance art, and simple beauty. Strolling through it, you will find the central Fountain, the remains of the Temple of Diana, ancient steps, and tree-lined avenues that gently slope down. During the day, it is crowded with families and elderly couples enjoying the cool shade beneath the plane trees. At sunset, when the sun goes down and the crowds thin out, the garden becomes an almost mystical place. Free, completely free. Perfect for a break from the heat and noise of the city.
4
The Cathedral and the Historic Centre
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame et St-Castor (built in 1096, rebuilt after the Wars of Religion) is not as grand as other cathedrals, but it has an intimate charm. Next to it, the Museum of Old Nîmes (Musée du Vieux Nîmes) preserves the city's memory from the end of the Middle Ages: textiles, clothing, and everyday objects that tell the story of how Nîmes lived in past centuries. Around it, characteristic squares and alleys unfold. Place du Marché is the iconic spot where the crocodile (the city's symbol, originating from a commemorative Roman coin) meets the palm tree. Sit at a café here and watch the people coming and going: you will see French and foreign tourists, but also locals living their normal day. This is authentic Provence.
5
The Pont du Gard (14 miles, outside the city)
It is not in Nîmes, but in Remoulins, about 22 km away. If you have an hour to spare, it is worth the detour. It is the most spectacular part of the Roman aqueduct: three tiers of arches rising 50 metres above the Gardon River, built in the 1st century AD to transport water from Uzès to Nîmes over a distance of 50 km. It is no exaggeration to say that it is one of the masterpieces of Roman engineering. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Seasonal Events
Férias di Nîmes
Where: Nîmes
When: May and September
What: Twice a year, Nîmes explodes with energy during the Férias. Corridas, flamenco, music, and street parties. The Arena hosts the most prestigious bullfights (corridas). If you love Spanish energy mixed with French spirit, this is the time to visit. If you prefer tranquility, avoid these periods: the city is overrun with tourists and prices increase.
Summer Festivals
Where: Nîmes
When: from June to August
What: During the summer, the Arena hosts concerts and theatrical performances. A night spent listening to music surrounded by the stones of a two-thousand-year-old amphitheater is something you won't forget.
“Fontaine du Crocodile”
“Monument aux Morts de Nîmes”
Typical Dishes and Local Products
Petit Pâté de Nîmes – Veal and Pork Savory Pastry
The Petit Pâté Nîmois is an icon of Nîmes gastronomy: a small mushroom-shaped pastry in shortcrust dough, filled with a savory mixture of veal and pork. Created in the late 1800s, forgotten for decades and rediscovered in the 1950s, it is now the city’s culinary symbol. Enjoy it warm as an appetizer or with a green salad, perfect for a motorhome picnic.
Ingredients (8-10 pâtés):
- Shortcrust pastry: 250g plain flour, 125g cold butter, 1 egg, 5g salt, 2-3 tbsp cold water
- Filling: 150g ground veal, 350g ground pork, salt, pepper, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), nutmeg (optional)
- Glaze: 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp water
Method:
- Make the shortcrust pastry: mix flour and salt, incorporate cold cubed butter working with your fingers until you achieve a sandy texture
- Add the egg and cold water gradually until a smooth ball forms. Wrap in film and refrigerate for 1 hour
- Mix the ground meats (70% pork, 30% veal), add salt, pepper and optional aromatics. Refrigerate
- Roll out the pastry to 4mm thickness. Cut 8cm diameter discs (bases) and 5-6cm fluted discs (tops)
- Form pastry cylinders using molds or a 4cm diameter wooden handle
- Fill each cylinder with 50g of well-packed filling
- Close with the fluted top, sealing the edges well with water. Create small ridges around the edges to seal
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush with diluted egg yolk
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before serving
Historical Note:
The Petit Pâté Nîmois was created in the late 1800s by pastry chef Delcasso-Vernet, who opened his shop “Le Caladon” behind the Maison Carrée. Characterized by its mushroom shape and veal-pork filling in shortcrust pastry, it fell into oblivion for decades until the 1950s, when the Halles de Nîmes brought it back to life. Today, various artisans produce it with personal variations: garlic, almonds, parsley or Port wine. There is also a version with brandade de morue (creamed salt cod), another Nîmes specialty. Enjoy it warm, often during bullfights at the Roman amphitheater.
Useful Tips
Nîmes Tourist Office 📞 +33 (0)4 66 58 38 00 🌐 www.nimes-tourisme.com
General Opening Hours (check before visiting)
- Arena: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (low season 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Maison Carrée: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tour Magne: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Garden of the Fountain: Free access, magical at sunset
Recommended Period to Visit April-May and September-October. Summer is extremely hot (35-38°C / 95-100°F) and the Arena can be crowded. Avoid May and September if the Férias make you uncomfortable.
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April 28, 2025
