Nîmes: How to Get There, Highlights, and Cuisine
When our guests ask us for a place to visit, Nîmes is almost always the first place that comes to mind. The city combines Roman history, the bustling market life of southern France, and the narrow streets of the old town—all within easy reach of our vacation home.
In the following article, you'll find out what's really worth seeing in Nîmes and where we like to go for a meal:
Directions from the vacation home
From Saint-Victor-de-Malcap, the drive takes about an hour—roughly 65 kilometers—via the Route de Saint-Ambroix and then south on the N106.
Distance: approx. 65 km
Travel time: about 1 hour
Route: Route de Saint-Ambroix → N106
Parking: A parking garage on the outskirts of the Old Town—for example, near the Arena—is the best option. From there, everything is within easy walking distance.
A morning outing is especially worthwhile: The market is still open then, it’s still pleasantly cool (especially in the summer), and finding a parking spot is easier than at lunchtime.
The Highlights of Nîmes
Nîmes is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Europe. These places should be on every itinerary:
Arènes de Nîmes: the Roman amphitheater, still used today for concerts and events. It’s most beautiful early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when it’s cooler.
Maison Carrée: a Roman temple that remains almost entirely intact, located directly across from the Carré d'Art modern art center. The contrast between ancient and contemporary architecture is well worth seeing.
Jardins de la Fontaine and Tour Magne: one of the most beautiful parks in southern France, featuring a Roman tower that offers a sweeping view over the city's rooftops.
Musée de la Romanité: located directly across from the arena, featuring mosaics and artifacts related to the history of ancient Nîmes. A great, air-conditioned place to visit on hot days.
Écusson (Old Town): the network of narrow streets between the Arena and the Maison Carrée, perfect for strolling, with small squares and cafés.
Market and Regional Specialties
If you're in Nîmes in the morning, you should plan a detour to Les Halles de Nîmes, the covered market hall in the Old Town, which is open daily until 1:00 p.m. With its selection of regional cheeses, fish, vegetables, and delicacies, it's a great place to pick up supplies for an afternoon picnic.
Recommended culinary experiences:
Brandade de Nîmes: a creamy dish made with dried cod, a classic of the city
Olives de Nîmes: robust olives from the region
Costières-de-Nîmes wines: a great choice for an evening out
Our restaurant recommendation: Le Caboulot de la Sérendipité
If you're looking for a place to eat in Nîmes, we'd like to recommend Le Caboulot de la Sérendipité on Rue Jean Reboul. It’s an all-vegetarian restaurant with a wide selection of vegan dishes that consistently features seasonal organic vegetables from the region.
Address: 26 Rue Jean Reboul, 30900 Nîmes
Concept: creative vegetarian cuisine; the menu changes daily for lunch and weekly for dinner
Wine List: Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines from the region
Practical Tips
Best time to visit: April/May and September/October, when it's pleasantly warm but not too hot
Time estimate: One day is enough to see the main highlights in the city center
Combine these two: The Pont du Gard is about a 30-minute drive away, and the charming town of Uzès makes for a great stop on the way back
Nîmes shows just how much history, enjoyment, and the Southern French way of life can be found right near our vacation home.
