Nîmes, a Roman city in Gard
Nîmes is the prefecture of the Gard. The city preserves several Roman monuments linked to its development as a colony under Augustus. Its centre combines ancient remains, medieval streets, town houses and contemporary cultural venues.
Aqueduct, Pont du Gard and Castellum
The Nîmes aqueduct collected water from the Eure spring near Uzès and carried it to the Castellum divisorium. The Pont du Gard is its best-known structure. About fifty kilometres long, the system shows the precision needed to maintain a slight gradient over uneven ground.
Arena, Maison Carrée and Jardins de la Fontaine
The arena of Nîmes is a Roman amphitheatre still used for concerts, events and bullfights during the ferias. The Maison Carrée, a Roman temple preserved in the city centre, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jardins de la Fontaine include the Temple of Diana, the ancient spring and the path up to the Tour Magne.
Old centre and contemporary culture
Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor cathedral reflects the medieval period. Later centuries left town houses and façades connected with trade, administration and local families. Carré d’Art, designed by Norman Foster opposite the Maison Carrée, houses a library and contemporary art museum.
Events and excursions
The ferias, Festival de Nîmes and markets give the city different rhythms through the year. From Nîmes, you can also reach the Gorges du Gardon, Uzège and the Gard part of the Camargue.
