Nīmes is the capital of the Gard department and has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire, and is a popular tourist destination.
A rugged cotton twill textile, called serge, was developed here by the Andre family in the 18th Century. It was colored blue with indigo dye and referred to as serge de Nīmes (serge of Nīmes) which was later shorted to denim. (The word 'jeans' comes from the French word for Genoa in Italy (Gźnes), where the first denim trousers were made.
Nīmes is famous for its colourful annual festivals, celebrating Easter and the grape harvest and bullfights (féria).
Nīmes may have been one of the richest and finest Roman cities of Gaul. Several important remains of the Roman Empire can still be seen in and around Nīmes:
The elliptical Roman amphitheatre, of the first or second century AD, is the best-preserved Roman arena in France. It was filled with medieval housing, when its walls served as ramparts, but they were cleared under Napoleon. It is still used today as a bull fighting and concert arena.
The Maison Carrée (Square House), a small Roman temple dedicated to sons of Agrippa was built c. 19 BC. It is one of the best-preserved Roman temples anywhere.
The 18th-century Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain).
The nearby Pont du Gard (a Unesco world heritage site), also built by Agrippa, is a well-preserved aqueduct that used to carry water across the small Gardon river valley and is one of the most famous landmarks of France.
The nearby Mont Cavalier is crowned by the Tour Magne ("Great Tower"), a ruined Roman tower.
Later monuments include:
The cathedral (dedicated to Saint Castor of Apt, a native of the city), occupying, it is believed, the site of the temple of Augustus, is partly Romanesque and partly Gothic in style.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nīmes is the fine arts museum of Nīmes.
Norman Foster conceived the Carré d'art (1986), a museum of modern art and mediatheque.
Hōtel Vatal Nīmes combines luxury and elegance for our guests' greatest comfort. Spacious rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, television, a minibar, a hair dryer, an individual safe and an internet access free ADSL connexion (LAN). The wireless internet access is available by way of SFR cards which are available for sale at the reception. A Health center with a swimmingpool, hot steam bath, sauna, spa-jet, fitness, bodytraining, massages, face care, body care...
Other hotels in Nīmes and nearby
Le Lisita - 2 boulevard des Arčnes F - 30000 NIMES
This local institution houses two fine dining rooms, successfully combining old stonework and modern furniture. Contemporary cuisine and good wine list.
Alexandre - 2 RUE XAVIER TRONC F - 30128 GARONS
Tasty Provenēal cooking available in elegant and resolutely modern dining rooms, opening onto a magnificent garden. Good choice of Languedoc-Roussillon wines.
Hostellerie Le Castellas - Grand'rue F - 30210 COLLIAS
Fine vaulted dining rooms opening onto the garden. Tasty inventive cuisine, flavoured with garrigue herbs.
Shogun - 38 bd Victor Hugo F - 30000 NIMES
This new town-centre restaurant invites you to discover modern and traditional Japanese food made with talent by two Japanese chefs.
Aux Plaisirs des Halles - 4 rue Littré F - 30000 NIMES
A handsome modern dining room (panelling, designer furniture) and a pleasant flower-decked patio for summer dining. Generous tasty cuisine; ample choice of regional wines.
Magister - 5 rue Nationale F - 30000 NIMES
Popular with the locals, this restaurant serves traditional cuisine with a personal touch and thematic set menus that change throughout the year. Also features original wall paintings.
Le Jardin d'Hadrien - 11 rue Enclos Rey F - 30000 NIMES
Away from the hustle and bustle. In winter, opt for the patinated beams and the warmth of the hearth. In summer, the veranda or the patio shaded by a majestic yew.
Private Provence Tour - Footsteps of the Romans Pont du Gard
The Romans chose the Eure in Uzes to supply the town of Nimes with water and they built a thirty mile aqueduct and the bridge to achieve it. Today you can learn more about the history and heritage of the city of Nimes and see the many Roman remains. There's also free time to explore the site of le Pont du Gard.
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Located at 15 minutes from the centre of Nīmes and at 3 kilometres of the airport of Garons , the Golf of Nīmes Campagne is open to all golfers.
Designed by the architects Morandi and Harradine, its inauguration took place in 1968. The course is reputed for its greens and their difficulty, its narrow fairways, flanked by a colourful variety of trees. In 2003, the Golf of Nīmes Campagne was rated the 75th best golf course in Europe by the magazine Golf World, and the 26th best golf in France by the magazine Golf Européen. Simply the most beautiful golf course in Languedoc Roussillon!
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Eight minutes drive from the city of Nīmes, the golf course at Vacquerolles is spread over the scented, sunny hillsides of the 'garrigue' - the scrubland typical of southern France. The 18-hole course (par 72, 6260 metres) is gently sloping with no water obstacles. There's a lively club with a mix of players of all ages and levels, and a friendly atmosphere. Take time out to visit Nīmes, which is famous for its gallo-Roman history and has some of the best preserved Roman sites in southern France. Slightly further away you'll find the fantastic Roman bridge, the Pont du Gard, the ancient Duchy of Uzčs, and the countryside of the Petite Camargue.
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