Welcome to Nîmes: A Timeless Love Story of Heritage, Gastronomy and Sustainable Living

In the heart of southern France, Nîmes is inviting the world to fall in love, not just with its 2,000 years of history, but with a vibrant art of living that blends Roman grandeur, contemporary creativity, fine wine and responsible tourism.

Positioned as both a journey through time and a gateway to the Mediterranean lifestyle, the city’s latest press presentation highlights why Nîmes continues to captivate travellers, culture lovers and gastronomy enthusiasts alike.

Where Antiquity Still Beats

Few cities wear their Roman heritage as proudly as Nîmes. Its remarkably preserved amphitheatre, Les Arènes, remains the city’s beating heart, hosting concerts and large-scale events in the same stones that once witnessed gladiatorial combat.

Just steps away stands the majestic Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world and officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Nearby, the panoramic Tour Magne overlooks the city, offering sweeping views that stretch as far as Mont Ventoux.

The Roman legacy extends beyond the city centre to the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, the monumental three-tier aqueduct bridge that celebrates 40 years of UNESCO recognition in 2025. Standing 48 metres high, it remains one of the most extraordinary feats of ancient engineering.

For a deeper dive into Nemausus, the Roman name of the city, visitors can explore the Musée de la Romanité, inaugurated in 2018. Designed by architect Elizabeth de Portzamparc, the contemporary “glass toga” façade faces the Arenas in a striking dialogue between ancient and modern. Inside, more than 5,000 artefacts bring everyday Roman life vividly back to life.

A City Woven Through Time

Nîmes’ identity is stitched together like fine fabric. From medieval fortifications to Renaissance revival, from Protestant stronghold to industrial textile powerhouse, the city’s evolution is rich and layered.

It was here that the famous “toile de Nîmes” was born, the sturdy fabric that would later inspire denim. Today, that textile heritage lives on through museums and modern ateliers, blending ancestral craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Even the city’s emblem, a crocodile chained to a palm tree, tells a story dating back to a Roman coin commemorating Emperor Augustus’ victory at Actium. Reimagined by designer Philippe Starck in 1986, it remains a proud symbol of a city that honours its past while embracing innovation.

A Gastronomic Destination with Star Power

Nîmes has firmly established itself as a leading gastronomic destination in southern France. With five Michelin-starred restaurants, the culinary scene ranges from refined contemporary cuisine to deeply rooted southern traditions.

Among the city’s standout addresses are Skab, offering a modern take on terroir cuisine; Duende at the Hôtel Imperator, guided by Pierre Gagnaire’s creative vision; and Alexandre in nearby Garons, known for its precise and generous gastronomy.

At the heart of local food culture lies Les Halles de Nîmes, a bustling covered market operating since 1884. With 74 stalls and multiple dining spots, it showcases regional treasures including Brandade de Nîmes, Petit Pâté Nîmois, local olive oil and seasonal produce.

Wines Rooted in Sun and Stone

Surrounded by garrigue and cooled by Mediterranean breezes, the vineyards of Costières de Nîmes form one of Europe’s oldest wine-growing areas. Today, the appellation spans over 3,000 hectares and produces expressive reds, elegant whites and vibrant rosés.

Wine tourism has flourished under the “Vignobles & Découvertes” label, renewed through 2028, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience that combines tastings, gastronomy and cultural discovery.

In 2025, the city further strengthened its wine identity with the opening of Le Verre des Costières, an urban tasting space located opposite the Arenas. Designed as a living showcase for the AOC, it offers workshops, themed events and direct encounters with winemakers, bringing the vineyard into the heart of the city.

A Commitment to Sustainable Love

Beyond its heritage and gastronomy, Nîmes is positioning itself as a model for responsible tourism. With 372 hectares of public green spaces and over 1,000 hectares of natural areas, it ranks among the greenest cities in France.

Nîmes Tourisme has adopted ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, prioritising digital tools, short supply chains, eco-friendly transport and inclusive visitor experiences. Cycling routes, electric city tours and accessible itineraries ensure that tourism growth respects both environment and community.

Easily Connected to Europe

Nîmes is exceptionally well-connected, with high-speed TGV links to Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Barcelona, as well as direct flights from several European cities via Nîmes Grande Provence Airport. Major motorways provide quick access from Montpellier, Marseille and beyond, making the city an accessible Mediterranean escape.

A Love Story That Lasts

From Roman spectacles and springtime Roman Days festivals to summer concerts in the Arenas and year-round wine events, Nîmes offers more than a visit, it offers immersion.