Ancient Nîmes (France): a touch to ancient history

One of the oldest cities in the world is famous for its well-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Modern Nîmes (France) is a popular tourist center that hosts guests all year round.

Climate and weather

The Mediterranean climate of Nimes with hot summers and mild winters, when temperatures rarely fall below 6 degrees, is comfortable for people. However, it should be noted that strong winds are blowing here, the speed of which exceeds 100 kilometers per hour. Most often they dominate in autumn and winter, and most foreigners come here from April to September.

Few facts about the ancient city

The cozy city of Nîmes, located in the picturesque valley of the Rhone, is the former capital of the Gallic tribe, captured by the Roman soldiers in 121 BC. Valiant Emperor Augustus founded on this place a city that began to develop economically. Unfortunately, in a few centuries the largest population center of the country has been attacked by the Visigoths and Arabs who plundered it.

The main branches of the city, located in the south of the state, on the border of Provence and Languedoc, are the winemaking and textile industries. So, Nîmes (France) became the place where denim fabric was first produced.

Les Arènes

Incredibly elegant and well-groomed city, very reminiscent of colorful Paris in miniature, does not look like a provincial one. This open-air museum, nicknamed "French Rome", boasts an abundance of historical places that hold many secrets.

From past eras there are a lot of ancient architectural monuments, among which the most important is the oval amphitheater Les Arenes, erected before our era. Built on the model of the Roman Colosseum, the building received approximately 25,000 spectators, fascinated by the gladiators watching the battles and performances with the participation of predators and prisoners sentenced to death. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a defensive fortification, and inside it grew apartment houses demolished after the decision of local authorities to restore the ancient monument, which is now proud of Nîmes (France).

Maison Carrée

The ancient Roman temple of Mezon Carré, which reached the descendants in good condition, is located in the heart of the city. He managed to survive due to the fact that he turned into a Christian church, and in the Middle Ages the structure was not destroyed. Since the XIX century on its territory is the National Museum, which acquaints visitors with curious historical exhibits.

Jardins de la Fontaine

The delightful garden of the Fountains, which is a favorite place for walking, initially supplied the city of Nimes with drinking water. Later, the luxurious corner turned into a huge complex with a theater, baths, a temple and an imperial palace. In the middle of the XVIII century, the authorities decided to build a park on this place, and the ancient Roman statues, elegant fountains and double staircases quite successfully blended with the classical style of the green oasis.

Temple de Diane (Nîmes, France)

What to see even the tourists who came to the picturesque park? Here are the most famous sights, enjoying well-deserved fame. The dilapidated temple of Diana, erected in the II century, causes a lot of controversy among scientists who believe that this is not a religious monument, but the thermae with large halls decorated with columns.

Tour Magne

An interesting object of Gallo-Roman architecture - an unusually looking Man tower, included in the list of historical monuments of France, which are protected by UNESCO, attracts attention. From the observation platform of the former mausoleum of a wealthy Roman, amazing panoramas of the most beautiful city open.

Pont du Gard

The picturesque Nîmes (France), whose sights reflect its rich past, is incredibly proud of the ancient aqueduct over 275 meters long, built in the 1st century AD. The two-level high structure of the Pont du Gard was part of a multi-kilometer water pipeline, from which life-giving moisture was supplied to the city. Later, the excellently preserved aqueduct was used as a bridge for the carriage of horse drawn carts .

Bullfighting and theatrical performances

Residents of the administrative center of the Gar department have been passionate fans of bullfighting since time immemorial, and it is no coincidence that five-day festivals are held in the arenas of the city, including the amphitheater, at which the bullfighters from different countries show their skills.

In the French pearl they also adore theatrical performances, timed to different periods of history. In the evening, when the heat recedes, tourists continue to have fun in nightclubs and themed bars, tasting the best wines that the ancient Nîmes (France) are famous for throughout the country.

A modern city, whose architectural monuments are very difficult to describe in one article, is a paradise for history lovers. In Nîmes, who cherishes the memory of the past, time has stopped, and every tourist involuntarily becomes a participant in important events, getting acquainted with the antique sights.