A favourite French escape for our Gurus, Nîmes has a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere. Emerging as a significant Roman city during the construction of the road between Italy and Spain, Nîmes boasts a number of impressive Romans ruins, as well as modern art galleries, lively markets and a denim museum; it is, after all, the namesake of the modern world’s most iconic fabric. The city offers a whole host of excellent hotels and B&Bs, perfect for relaxing family, group and couples’ trips. Featuring enchanting former coaching inns as well as Michelin-starred restaurants-with-rooms, our list of the best places to stay in Nîmes is seriously special.
When it comes to Roman ruins, Nîmes really shines. Admire the 20,000-seat amphitheatre — which you may recognise from Gladiator — and the Maison Carrée, a Vitruvian temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus. The enormously impressive Pont du Gard, a first-century aqueduct engineered to transport water from Uzès into the Castellum in Nîmes, also remains in excellent condition.
Other city highlights include the Musée du Vieux Nîmes, where an exhibition details the history of denim — originally called ‘serge de Nîmes’ — as well as the modern Carré d’Art gallery, and the buzzing Les Halles food market on a 19th-century boulevard. Beyond the city, you’ll find cycling, hiking and horse riding trails aplenty in the Provençal countryside. Come evening, expect a brilliant array of cafés, bars and eateries in the city centre; some within walking distance of the best places to stay in Nîmes.