Nimes, France

Nîmes, France. Travel and Tourism. Nîmes is heralded as the 'Rome of France', and it's easy to see why. Two millennia ago it was one of the most important cities of Roman Gaul, as evidenced by its incredible collection of Roman buildings, including a magnificent amphitheatre and a 2000-year-old temple. There are plenty of museums and markets to explore in Nîmes' palm-lined streets, as well as a host of high-profile festivals throughout the year. Nîmes is also proud of the futuristic Musée de la Romanité, which opened in mid-2018 and is one of the best archaeological museums in Languedoc-Roussillon. In 2018, Nîmes applied to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Blessed by the warm southern sun and an ancient cultural heritage, Nîmes seems undaunted by the passage of time. Roman monuments are scattered throughout the city, and some are the best preserved in France. The historic center has an appealing old-world atmosphere, with many tree-lined streets and fountain-adorned public squares. Adding to the charm, outdoor cafés fill the city's cobblestone pedestrian areas. Nîmes has a lively ambience and is known for its festivals. During the summer, outstanding cultural performances and concerts are held at the magnificent classical-era Amphitheater, and Thursday evening market events are animated with jazz, blues, and flamenco music. For more ideas, see our list of the top attractions in Nîmes.