Nîmes

Nîmes is a city in southern France, the prefecture of the Gard department in the Occitanie region. It sits on the Gardon river, a short distance from the Mediterranean coast, and serves as a regional economic and cultural hub.

Its history stretches back to ancient times when it was a major city in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis, known as Nemausus. Roman monuments survive in good condition and reflect the city’s long urban life. The Arena of Nîmes, a 1st-century CE oval amphitheatre, remains among the best-preserved Roman arenas. The Maison Carrée, a well-preserved Roman temple, and the Tour Magne, a Roman-era fortification, are other recognizable remnants. The Jardins de la Fontaine and the nearby Pont du Gard aqueduct also highlight the area’s engineering and landscape heritage.

The medieval and modern periods brought continued urban development, industry, and education while preserving archaeological remains. In recent years Nîmes has expanded its cultural profile with the Musé de la Romanité, a major museum dedicated to Roman antiquities, alongside a range of cultural venues and events.

Today, Nîmes has about 150,000 inhabitants and forms the core of the Nîmes Métropole urban area. Its economy blends services, tourism, and light industry, underpinned by a rich historical and architectural heritage. The city is connected by road and rail to other major centers in southern France and acts as a gateway to the wider Roman and Camargue cultural landscape.