The city of Nîmes in Provence

Nimes, only 30 minutes away from Avignon or Arles, is also a witness of the French Roman heritage. A bit less touristy than Avignon, Nimes is appreciated for its pleasant weather. The city located along the Via Domitia (Roman way joining Spain and Italy) is home of some of the finest Roman architecture such as the most visited attraction: les Arènes - Nimes arenas. Nimes is also known for its controverted passion for bullfighting – still taking place in the Roman arenas – which are most appreciated by locals and very much criticized by other French people or foreigners.

We have prepared a walking itinerary for you to explore Nîmes at your own pace. We can include a day in Nîmes and the nearby area to any of our Provence itineraries.

Nîmes is also famous for its “Maison Carrée” a jewel-like temple, celebrated for its harmony of proportion. Built in 5 AD, it is dedicated to the adopted sons of Emperor Augustus. It is being said that Napoleon would have taken it as the model for the church of the Madeleine in Paris (near Concorde).

 

Maison Carrée in Nimes

La Maison Carré Temple in Nimes - ©FJFY

Nîmes is also the French city where the “denim” blue jeans where invented: literally denim means "de Nimes" (from Nimes). They are wore by the cowboys in the Camargue. Many Provencal fabric shop can be found in Nimes, along with the famous colorful Provencal tablecloths.

 

Pont du Gard Roman Bridge

At a 30 minute drive, you will reach the dramatic Pont du Gard, the tallest and best conserved of all Roman aqueducts.

Close to Nimes and Avignon, the Pont du Gard is a three stories Roman aqueduct which was added to the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1985. It was built in 19 BC by the Romans under the commandment of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the son-in-law of Augustus. During ancient times, Romans could transport water through the Roman aqueduct from the springs near Uzès.

 

Pont du Gard roman bridge provence

Pont du Gard Roman Bridge - ©Kirk Fisher

 

The history of the Pont du Gard is fascinating: built without mortar, the ancient aqueduct still thrive over the age, despite multiple flooding and occasional negligence. This masterpiece of Roman engineering is a very popular attraction in Provence and we will tell you where to take the best shots - avoiding parts of the crowds.

We will also recommend you another Roman bridge – much smaller – but totally unknown from the tourists in Provence. 

 

Discover Provence Heritage on a self-drive trip :

Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 4680
pp
Region
in Paris & Provence

Explore two very typical and stunning regions of France and get a real feel for our beautiful country.

French Countryside
Art & Museums in France
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 5710
pp
Region
in Provence & French Riviera

Enjoy the sweet scents, vivid colors, flavorful tastes, sunshine and warm wind of Provence & the Riviera. To save time and energy, we recommend you fly in and out of Marseille (or Nice) International Airport. Otherwise, we can also help with TGV train tickets.

Gourmet Food
French Countryside
Art & Museums in France

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Our Travelers’ Reviews

Kathy
We are preparing to do our second trip with Emilie to the Loire Valley, October 2018. Our first trip was to the region of Provence which was perfectly guided and gave us a most memorable experience. I highly recommend Emilie’s ability to put together a fabulous and memorable France just for you holiday.
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When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more …
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Emilie, Our trip has been fantastic! We appreciate all that you did to make it so wonderful. Many, many thanks! The itineraries, special experiences--- like the 4x4 wine tour, wine picnic, and cooking with Catherine---and the unique accommodations made our vacation very very special. We start toward home tomorrow, leaving your beautiful country but …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Judy & Chris
From Great Britain
In a winery in Provence
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Darlene & Howard
from the US
At Emilie's parents with Jeanne & Pauline (our daughters)
Mona, Yvette, Vernon, David
from the US
in Mont Saint Michel Bay in Normandy
Judy & Rich
from the US
in Giverny, Normandy
Fred
from Canada
Truffle hunting in Burgundy with Thierry
Greg, Laurie, Laura & Jeff
From the US
With their B&B host near Mont Saint Michel
George
Enjoying a wine of glass in the B&B garden near Mont Saint Michel
Kate & Jake
from the US
On their honeymoon in front of Chenonceau castle
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from Korea
in Nice
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At their B&B near Aix-en-Provence
Amy
from the US
Enjoying a great view in Burgundy

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