10 Best FREE Things To Do in Nîmes France (with map)

Nîmes is a city in Southern France which combines Roman, Spanish and French influences to make something truly one of a kind. It is an amazing city to explore and best of all there are plenty of attractions that are absolutely free. In this Nîmes travel guide, we’ll show you the 10 best free things to do in Nimes France.

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Top free things to do in Nîmes France

We love a good bargain, and there’s no better bargain than getting something for free! For ease of reference, here is our list of the top free things to do in Nîmes France.

1. Jardin de La Fontaine
2. Roof of the Musée de la Romanité
3. Les Halles de Nîmes
4. Temple de Diane
5. Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
6. Place de l’Horloge
7. Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes
8. Office de Tourisme de Nîmes
9. Porte d’Auguste
10. CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

Keep reading to find out more about each destination.

Best free thing to do in Nîmes France: Jardin de La Fontaine

About the Jardin de La Fontaine Nîmes France

Jardin de La Fontaine (Fountain Gardens in English), is a beautiful garden in Nîmes. Dating back to the 1740s, this garden is thought to be the first European public garden. Landscaped gardens surround an ancient spring. The garden has long walkways, plenty of open spaces as well as the Roman ruins the Temple of Diana and Tour Magne. Jardin de La Fontaine is a must visit destination for anyone visiting Nîmes.

Why visit Jardin de La Fontaine Nîmes France

A popular destination in Nîmes, Jardin de La Fontaine is a beautifully presented and expansive garden. It is popular with families, exercise groups, dog walkers and tourists. It is a relaxing space with plenty of different features to admire. Of particular note are the two well preserved Roman ruins that are contained within the garden – the Temple of Diana as well as Tour Magne. There is a small fee to enter Tour Magne but it has expansive views from the top of the tower.

How long to spend at Jardin de La Fontaine Nîmes France

We recommend allowing a few hours to enjoy the gardens. There’s plenty to see and it’s a pleasant place to sit and relax. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.

Opening hours for Jardin de La Fontaine Nîmes France

Daily: 7:30am-10pm

If you have money to spend in Jardin de La Fontaine Nîmes France

Climb the tower Tour Magne. The entry fee to these Roman ruin costs 3.50 euro for adults (as at 2024).

Jardin de La Fontaine Nîmes France address

26 Quai de la Fontaine, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R8QX+WV Nîmes, France

Best views in Nîmes France: Roof of the Musée de la Romanité

About the roof of the Musée de la Romanité

The roof of the Musée de la Romanité provides some of the best views of Nîmes. When you enter the museum, ask for directions to the rooftop from the front desk. There is an elevator near the gift shop which will take you up to the rooftop. From there you can see 360 degree views of the city. You get up-close views of Arènes de Nîmes and you can also see Tour Magne as well as the steeples of churches around the city.

Why visit the roof of the Musée de la Romanité

One of the best free views in Nîmes is from the roof of the Musée de la Romanité. It is just across the road from the Arènes de Nîmes, so you get great views of the arena as well as panoramic views of the city. It is generally not too busy and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

How long to spend at the roof of the Musée de la Romanité

We recommend spending around half an hour enjoying the views from the roof of the Musée de la Romanité.

Opening hours for the roof of the Musée de la Romanité

Daily: 10am-7pm

If you have money to spend near the roof of the Musée de la Romanité

Visit the rest of Musée de la Romanité. The entry fee for the museum is 9 euro for adults (as at 2024).

Musée de la Romanité address

16 Bd des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9M5+HR Nîmes, France

Best market in Nîmes France: Les Halles de Nîmes

About Les Halles de Nîmes

Les Halles de Nîmes is the main local market in Nîmes. It is an air-conditioned undercover market that spans over 3,500m². It has a wide variety of stalls selling fresh local produce such as seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables, cheese, baked goods, wine and much more. The markets also house restaurants and shops. There is parking nearby.

Why visit Les Halles de Nîmes

This local market sells high quality local produce. It is a great place to come to experience the local way of life. Even if you don’t want to spend a cent, it’s an interesting place to look around and enjoy the atmosphere.

How long to spend at Les Halles de Nîmes

Half an hour to an hour is enough time to look around the market.

Opening hours for Les Halles de Nîmes

Monday-Friday: 7am-1pm

Saturday: 7am-7pm

Sunday: 7am-1:30pm

If you have money to spend at Les Halles de Nîmes

Shop ‘til you drop! There’s plenty of excellent local produce to choose from. We recommend looking for regional specialties such as petit pâté nîmois and pélardon cheese.

Les Halles de Nîmes address

5 Rue des Halles, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9Q5+QH Nîmes, France

Roman ruins in Nîmes France: Temple de Diane

About Temple de Diane

Temple de Diane (Temple of Diana in English) are Roman ruins that dates back to the 1^st century. The monument was built during the reign of the Emperor Augustus. It is unknown why it was named Diana or what the building was originally used for. However it was used as an abbey by the nuns of Saint Sauveur de La Font from 991 to 1567. While it was once a larger complex, only parts that remain are a barrel-vaulted nave and a couple of corridors. A more complete picture of the temple was sketched by Venetian architect Palladio in the 1500s. Subsequent to those drawings a fire tore through the site during the Wars of Religion, leaving it in the condition it’s in today.

Why visit Temple de Diane

The Temple de Diane is an interesting structure to explore. Set in the Jardin de La Fontaine, these Roman ruins have intricate carvings in the stone and a number of the components of the building are reasonably intact. It makes for some great photo opportunities.

How long to spend at Temple de Diane

Ten to twenty minutes is plenty of time to wander through the ruins and take plenty of photographs.

Opening hours for Temple de Diane

This Nîmes free thing to do is open at all hours. However for the best views, we recommend seeing it during the day.

If you have money to spend in Temple de Diane

We recommend buying a picnic lunch from a nearby store and enjoying it in the gardens surrounding the temple.

Temple de Diane address

Quai Georges Clemenceau, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R8QX+XF Nîmes, France

Beautiful public space in the heart of Nîmes France: Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle

About Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle Nîmes France

Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle is the main town square in Nîmes. Spanning over almost a hectare, the area features a beautiful garden with the Pradier fountain as the centrepiece. The white marble fountain was carved by James Pradier in 1845. It would be hard visit Nîmes without passing through the esplanade at some point. It is in a central location between the train station and the Arènes de Nîmes.

Why visit Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle Nîmes France

Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle is a beautifully presented public space featuring manicured gardens as well as an eye catching fountain. This leafy area is a great place to relax and enjoy the ambience of the area. There are gorgeous manicured gardens to enjoy and plenty of places to sit and admire the scenery. The space is often used for events and can get very busy at night.

How long to spend at Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle Nîmes France

You can walk through the esplanade in 5 minutes. However we recommend spending a bit more time enjoying the area.

Opening hours for Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle Nîmes France

This free thing to do in Nîmes France is open at all hours. It is a lovely area during the day. There are sometimes events in the square in the evening.

If you have money to spend near Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle Nîmes France

There are plenty of shops and restaurants near Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle.

Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle Nîmes France address

Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9M6+XW Nîmes, France

Historic square in Nîmes France: Place de l’Horloge

About Place de l’Horloge Nîmes France

Place de l’Horloge is a public square which is home to the clock tower of Nîmes. A belfrey existed in this square from as far back as the 15^th century. However the current clock tower was rebuilt between 1752 and 1754. In 2003 the square was renovated with paving, a fountain and colourful lights. The square is notably the birthplace of Jean Nicot. Nicot was the man that introduced tobacco to the French court, which was the start of tobacco’s widespread use in Europe.

Why visit Place de l’Horloge Nîmes France

Place de l’Horloge is a pleasant public square in the centre of Nîmes. The focal point of the square is the distinctive clock tower. This is a nice place to come to enjoy the atmosphere and get something to eat at one of the nearby cafes. It is also close to many shops, so is a great place to have a break when doing some shopping.

How long to spend at Place de l’Horloge Nîmes France

5 minutes is sufficient time to walk through the square and take some photos. However we recommend devoting more time to enjoying the ambience of the area.

Opening hours for Place de l’Horloge Nîmes France

The square is open at all hours. It is particularly pretty at night when it is all lit up.

If you have money to spend near Place de l’Horloge Nîmes France

There are some great cafes and shops around the square.

Place de l’Horloge Nîmes France address

Place de l’Horloge, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9Q5+88 Nîmes, France

Best religious building in Nîmes France: Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes

About Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes France

Nîmes Cathedral or Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes is a Roman Catholic Cathedral which is partly Romanesque and partly Gothic in style. The building dates back to 1096 but was rebuilt twice and has also undergone a number of renovations. Originally it was a Romanesque style church. However the frieze, tower and a section of wall are all that remain from that original structure. After the building was destroyed in the Wars of Religion, it was rebuilt in the 17^th century with neo-Gothic architecture. It was renovated between 1877 and 1882 and again in 1904. The cathedral houses the tomb of Cardinal de Bernis, Monsignor Cohon, Bishop of Nîmes as well as an early Christian marble sarcophagus.

Why visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes France

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes is one of the most prominent churches in Nîmes. Located in the heart of the city, the church is dedicated to a saint that was born in Nîmes called Saint Castor of Apt. The church building was built in a combination of Romanesque and Neo-Gothic styles and is a beautiful building to see in Nîmes.

How long to spend at Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes France

5-10 minutes is enough time to have a good look around the church.

Opening hours for Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes France

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-6pm

Saturday: 8:30am-12pm, 2pm-6pm

Sunday: 9:30am-12pm

If you have money to spend in Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes France

The church accepts donations. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants near the church.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor de Nîmes address

Pl. aux Herbes, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9Q6+94 Nîmes, France

Useful first stop in Nîmes France: Office de Tourisme de Nîmes

About Office de Tourisme de Nîmes

The Nîmes Tourist Office or Office de Tourisme de Nîmes is a tourist office in the heart of Nîmes. The building is well signposted, which makes it very easy to find. Inside, you’ll find a gift shop as well as a service counter with very knowledge and attentive staff that speak both French and English. They have free maps and a good selection of brochures about the area.

Why visit Office de Tourisme de Nîmes

The Office de Tourisme de Nîmes is a fantastic resource for discovering what to do in the area. We found the staff very friendly and helpful. They also speak English. The building is centrally located in a popular area of Nîmes. They have tonnes of information, maps and brochures.

How long to spend at Office de Tourisme de Nîmes

10-15 minutes is enough time to get all the information you need about the area.

Opening hours for Office de Tourisme de Nîmes

Daily: 9am-7pm

If you have money to spend in Office de Tourisme de Nîmes

The tourist office sells a selection of products local to the area as well as souvenirs.

Office de Tourisme de Nîmes address

6 Bd des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9M5+V9 Nîmes, France

Famous monument in Nîmes France: Porte d’Auguste

About Porte d’Auguste Nîmes France

Porte d’Auguste, previously known as Porte d’Arles is the Roman ruins of a city gate that dates back to the 1^st century. As one of the main gates of the city, it was originally part of the Roman wall of Nîmes. It was also the entry point to the city from the Domitian Way. Also known as Via Domtia, the Domitian Way was the first Roman road built in Gaul and linked Italy and Spain through what is now Southern France. The Porte d’Auguste ruins have been classified as a historic monument since the first list of historic monuments was compiled in 1840.

Why visit Porte d’Auguste Nîmes France

Dating back to the 1^st century, these Roman ruins were an important part of the fortifications of the city. The monument now stands as an important connection to the past.

How long to spend at Porte d’Auguste Nîmes France

5 minutes is plenty of time to see the monument and take a few photos.

Opening hours for Porte d’Auguste Nîmes France

This free thing to do in Nîmes France is open at all hours. However for the best views, we recommend seeing it during the day.

If you have money to spend near Porte d’Auguste Nîmes France

There are a number of shops and restaurants near the city gate.

Porte d’Auguste Nîmes France address

25B Bd Amiral Courbet, 30000 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R9Q7+Q7 Nîmes, France

Best free art space in Montpellier France: CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

About CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes is free art space that displays exhibitions of contemporary and regional art throughout the year.

Why visit CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

This is a great local art space. The exhibitions are well curated and the staff is warm and welcoming.

How long to spend at CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

Allow half an hour to an hour to visit CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes.

Opening hours for CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

Sunday-Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-6pm

Closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1.

If you have money to spend near CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes

There are garage sales at the art centre from time to time.

CACN – Centre d’Art Contemporain de Nîmes address

4 Pl. Roger Bastide, 30900 Nîmes, France

Plus Code: R8GM+8W Nîmes, France

Train to Nîmes France

Trains are a cheap and efficient way to get to Nîmes France. The main train station in Nîmes is Nîmes train station, also known as Nîmes (Centre). This station is located in the heart of Nîmes. There is also a secondary train station, Nîmes Pont-du-Gard train station, which is located 14km outside the city of Nîmes and solely services TGV high speed trains.

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in France. This is the app we used. We found it very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates. The TrainLine app was much easier to use than the SNCF website and app, which we found really cumbersome and difficult to use.

Where to stay in Nîmes France

We recommend the following accommodation in Nîmes France:

• Best hostel in Nîmes France – Vertigo Nimes is a great choice for travellers who want to stay close to Nîmes train station. The rooms are cozy, roomy and spotless, with en-suite showers and toilets for convenience. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city, and the staff are helpful and welcoming.
• Best bed & breakfast in Nîmes France – Antichambre offers a truly special experience. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, the host is fantastic and the incredible breakfasts are a highlight.
• Best 4 star hotel in Nîmes France – Margaret – Hôtel Chouleur offers a charming stay in a historic villa that has been tastefully restored. Located in the heart of Nîmes, it is ideal for exploring the city’s attractions. However, guests should be aware that the hotel does not have its own parking facilities or elevators.
• Best luxury 5 star hotel in Nîmes France – Jardins Secrets is a calm oasis in the middle of the city. It provides an opulent setting for your holiday with magnificent gardens and a historic building that exudes old world charm. The staff are kind, attentive and unobtrusive. However the breakfasts are average and overpriced.
• Best value furnished apartment in Nîmes France – we stayed at Twenty’s Business Flats Nîmes Trigone. This accommodation exceeded our expectations. It was perfectly located just minutes away from Nimes train station. The room was fairly new and had a well functioning kitchenette. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom well appointed. You even got your own balcony overlooking the square below. The wifi was super fast. There were also free breakfasts on weekdays.

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