Discover extraordinary places around Nîmes
Even if Nîmes has many charming assets, such as its famous arenas or its Maison Carrée… does the desire to see new horizons tickle you? The region, marked by history, offers many possibilities for day trips. Here are our 5 essential visits to do around Nîmes:
Visit the Camargue
The Camargue Regional Natural Park covers 85 hectares, at the mouth of the Rhône. Made up of vast flat expanses, the Camargue will offer you an astonishing variety of landscapes : rice fields, salt marshes, ponds, marshes and breathtaking wild beaches. In this natural setting, white horses, bulls and pink flamingos frolic freely. Among this preserved fauna, you will also see a multitude of bird species, especially in the ornithological park. You can of course discover the Camargue on your own, the Regional Natural Park website allows you, for example, to download a map with 14 routes to be done on foot, by bike or by car. What to spend a rejuvenating or more sporting day around Nîmes!
Camargue animals
See the Pont du Gard
Located about twenty kilometers from Nîmes, the Pont du Gard is a true symbol of the region. It was built by the Romans between 19 BC and 50 AD, in order to transport water by aqueduct for 50 km. Made up of arches of different sizes, it spans the Gardon. To see it you have two possibilities: pay a ticket at the entrance to be able to cross it or take a 1,4 km path from where you can observe it from every angle. The ideal is of course to do both. The Pont du Gard also has a Museum which traces the history of this extraordinary building. After the visit, you can take the opportunity to rest on one of the many small beaches which border the river. An outing not to be missed around Nîmes!
Gard's Bridge
Stroll in Uzès
Here is a charming little town to discover around Nîmes! Uzès, first duchy of France, is easily discovered on foot through its cobbled streets, lined with mansions and magnificent residences. Its medieval city center will delight architecture lovers, as it is rich in a preserved heritage. For example, you will pass by the Place aux Herbes and its beautiful arcades. This is where a colorful Provencal market is held every Saturday. The Ducal Castle, known as the Duchy, is a must visit!
The Ducal castle
You can admire the Gothic chapel and its superb stained-glass windows, the Renaissance facade of the main building, the furnished apartments and the Bermonde tower, an imposing XNUMXth century keep from which the view is breathtaking. Another curiosity not to be missed: the medieval garden, at the foot of the King's Tower, made up of many ancient vegetables and medicinal plants.
Stroll in the Alpilles
The Alpilles Regional Natural Park, one of the smallest in France, will delight lovers of beautiful walks with its varied landscapes: olive groves, vineyards, orchards, cypresses, scrubland and pine forests, all dotted with limestone rocks and populated by 250 species. of birds. History buffs will be delighted as the rural heritage is present : farmhouses, washhouses, old chapels and archaeological sites can be discovered along the paths. Unless you'd rather walk around the local villages: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Baux-de-Provence or even Eygalière are worth a visit. The Alpilles park is also suitable for outdoor activities for the more athletic: climbing, hiking, horseback or cycling, the choice is not lacking. A territory conducive to adventures around Nîmes!
Baux-de-Provence
Discover the Cévennes
The Cévennes National Park is the only one to be classified Biosphere Reserve by Unesco, around Nîmes. This jewel of nature has beautiful landscapes, embellished with an incredible cultural heritage. To appreciate all its diversity, do not hesitate to participate in one of the 200 activities or outings organized by the National Park. High quality, they are made by specialist guards or guides. The ideal is to discover the Cévennes on foot. To find out which path to take, do not hesitate to go to the tourist office. For example, you can choose one of the short trails (between 1 and 5 km) around a village, a particular landscape or a heritage monument.
Stream in the Cévennes National Park
Ready to discover all these wonders around Nîmes?
Between charming villages, exceptional walks or wild beaches, the choice is wide around Nîmes. And if you want to go a little further, do not hesitate to go and explore the surroundings of Avignon, or consult our article on the surroundings of Marseille, other treasures await you there! And you, what are your favorites in the region?
