What are the best campsites for exploring Nîmes?
4-star campsite with a swimming pool in Nîmes, Gard
Camping Domaine de la Bastide **** is a family-run campsite located a few kilometres from the centre of Nîmes. Ideal for exploring the city, it offers a friendly atmosphere whilst providing plenty of on-site activities. It features a water park with a swimming pool, slides and paddling pools, as well as leisure facilities such as playgrounds, a mini-golf course and sports pitches. In high season, kids’ clubs and various entertainment activities are also available for the whole family. Open from April to September, the campsite is a great base for exploring the treasures of the Gard and nearby tourist attractions, such as the Nîmes Arena.
3-star campsite with a water park near Nîmes in Occitanie
Les Lodges du Lagon *** Campsite Located in Calvisson, 20 kilometres from Nîmes, Les Lodges du Lagon campsite offers a peaceful stay in the heart of the garrigue, amongst vineyards and olive groves. The campsite features comfortable mobile homes with terraces and a water park with a swimming pool, hot tub and slides. On site, guests can also enjoy leisure activities such as pétanque, table tennis or a children’s play area. The campsite is open all year round.
4-star campsite with fully equipped mobile homes near Nîmes
Camping Mer et Camargue ****, situated in Calvisson, between Nîmes and Montpellier, enjoys a pleasant natural setting in the heart of a vast pine forest. This campsite offers mobile homes for rent that can accommodate up to six people, as well as various leisure facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, a pétanque court and seasonal entertainment. Its location also makes it easy to reach the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, which are about twenty minutes away. The campsite is open all year round.
Cheaper campsite in the Gard (30)
Camping Les Cyprès, situated in Bezouce, about fifteen minutes from Nîmes, is a small, family-run campsite that welcomes holidaymakers in a simple and friendly atmosphere. The site offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes and furnished accommodation for rent. Its location makes it easy to reach several tourist attractions in the Gard, such as the Pont du Gard or the Nîmes Arena, both situated nearby. The campsite is open all year round.
To discover more campsites or extend your stay, you’ll find all the campsites in the Gard here.
What are the must-see attractions in Nîmes?
The Nîmes Arena, a spectacular monument in the heart of the city
You simply cannot visit Nîmes without seeing its famous amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built at the end of the 1st century AD, during the Roman Empire, it could accommodate up to 24,000 spectators who came to watch the popular spectacles of the time: gladiatorial combats, hunts for wild animals or grand productions inspired by mythology. With their two levels of arcades and their oval shape, perfectly designed for the audience’s visibility, the amphitheatre bears witness to the expertise of Roman engineers and the city’s importance at that time.
Over the centuries, the monument has had several lives. In the Middle Ages, it was transformed into a veritable fortress: dwellings, chapels and even a castle were built there to protect the population. It was not until the 19th century that the arena was gradually restored to its ancient appearance. Today, it is one of the city’s landmarks and regularly hosts cultural events, concerts and shows.
Good news for visitors: the arena is easy to explore and you can go inside the monument. The tour allows you to discover the galleries, the stands and the central arena, whilst imagining the atmosphere of the ancient spectacles. Educational materials and audio guides make the visit accessible to children, making it an ideal outing for families on a camping holiday. Once at the top of the stands, the view of the entire structure is impressive and allows you to fully appreciate this masterpiece of Roman architecture.
The Maison Carrée, a Roman temple unique in the world
In the heart of Nîmes’ historic centre, on the square of the same name and directly opposite the Carré d’Art – Museum of Contemporary Art, the Maison Carrée is one of France’s most remarkable ancient monuments. It is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Nîmes Arena (around 300 metres), making it easy to explore both these iconic sites during a single stroll through the city. Built in the early 1st century AD, during the reign of the ‘ ’ Emperor Augustus, this temple was dedicated to his heirs, Caius Caesar and Lucius Caesar. With its elegant Corinthian columns, triangular pediment and perfectly balanced proportions, it exemplifies the finesse of Roman architecture.
The Maison Carrée is now considered the best-preserved Roman temple in France and indeed the only ancient temple in the world to have remained almost entirely intact. This exceptional state of preservation led to its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, thereby recognising the universal value of this monument, which is over 2,000 years old.
Over the centuries, the Maison Carrée has been repurposed in various ways, which has contributed to its preservation: it has served, in particular, as a consular residence, a church and a museum. Today, the monument is open to visitors, who can explore its restored interior and watch an immersive film recounting the history of Nîmes in Roman times. Easily accessible and situated on a large, bustling square in the city centre, the Maison Carrée is an unmissable stop on a family stroll through the city.
Strolling through the historic centre of Nîmes
After exploring the great ancient monuments, a stroll through the historic centre of Nîmes allows you to immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of this southern city. The bustling narrow streets, small shaded squares and historic façades invite you to take the time to wander with your family amongst Roman heritage and religious buildings. As you wander through the heart of the city, you can admire the beautiful neoclassical façade of the Church of Sainte-Perpétue and Sainte-Félicité, as well as the majestic Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Not far from there, the imposing Church of Saint-Baudile in Nîmes stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture and its two slender spires.
The walk also leads to one of the city’s oldest remains: the Porte d’Auguste. Built in Roman times, this ancient monumental gate marked the main entrance to the ancient city and serves as a reminder of Nîmes’ importance during the Empire. Not far from the Arena, visitors can also see the statue of Emperor Augustus, which pays tribute to the ruler under whom the city underwent significant development.
As you stroll around, do stop off at the lively little squares, markets and cafés in the town centre. With its ancient monuments, historic churches and Mediterranean atmosphere, the old town of Nîmes is easy to explore on foot and makes for a lovely outing for families on a camping holiday.
Fascinating museums to explore with the family
During a stay in Nîmes, two museums stand out in particular and can easily be included in a family day out. Located just opposite the Nîmes Arena, the Musée de la Romanité is one of the most modern museums dedicated to antiquity in Europe. Opened in 2018, it offers a journey through over 2,000 years of history via archaeological artefacts, magnificent mosaics and numerous multimedia installations. Families particularly appreciate the interactive displays and educational materials, which bring the visit to life for children. Workshops and fun activities are also offered during certain school holidays, helping younger visitors to better understand life in Roman times.
A few minutes’ walk away, on the Place de la Maison Carrée, is the Carré d’Art – Museum of Contemporary Art. Housed in a modern building designed by architect Norman Foster, this museum features a significant collection of contemporary art, with works dating mainly from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. Although dedicated to modern art, the museum regularly offers creative workshops, tailored guided tours and educational activities for children, making it a cultural outing accessible even to the youngest visitors.
Thanks to their proximity to the city’s main monuments, these two museums can easily round off a day’s visit to Nîmes and offer an original way to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
Jardins de la Fontaine, a stroll through nature and the heart of history
Located at the foot of Mont Cavalier, just a few minutes from the historic centre of Nîmes, the Jardins de la Fontaine offer one of the city’s most beautiful walks. Laid out in the 18th century around the famous Source de la Fontaine, they are among the first public gardens in Europe. With its pools, statues, monumental staircases and shaded paths lined with cypresses and pines, the site is a particularly pleasant spot for a peaceful break after visiting the ancient monuments.
Strolling through the lower part of the park, visitors can discover the remains of the mysterious Temple of Diana, an ancient building whose exact function is still debated by historians. Continuing the walk uphill, a path leads to the famous Tour Magne, the tallest tower of the ancient Roman wall. To reach the top, you need to climb around 140 steps, but the effort is well worth it: the panoramic view of the city and the landscapes of the Gard is spectacular.
Much loved by locals and visitors alike, the park is an ideal spot for a family stroll, letting the children run along the paths, or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation amidst a leafy setting steeped in history. Combining nature and ancient ruins, the Jardins de la Fontaine are a must-see during any stay in Nîmes.
Les Halles de Nîmes, a treasure trove of southern flavours
To experience Nîmes’s culinary atmosphere, a visit to the Halles is a must. Located right in the city centre, this large covered market brings together numerous local traders and producers every day. Here you’ll find colourful stalls selling fruit and vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie and regional specialities that have made the gastronomy of southern France famous. The atmosphere is particularly lively in the morning, when locals and visitors come to do their shopping or simply soak up the friendly atmosphere.
Les Halles also houses several small restaurants and food counters where you can sit down to enjoy local dishes prepared on the spot. It’s the ideal place to sample some of the region’s great specialities, such as the famous Brandade de Nîmes, a creamy dish made from cod and olive oil. Food lovers can also discover Croquants Villaret, delicious almond biscuits typical of the city, or Petits pâtés nîmois, a surprising speciality combining veal and pork.
To accompany these local flavours, wine lovers can also sample wines from the Costières de Nîmes AOC appellation, produced in the vineyards surrounding the city. Not to mention the famous tapenade, perfect as an aperitif on a slice of fresh bread. A true showcase of regional cuisine, Les Halles is an unmissable stop for visitors keen to discover the authentic flavours of local cuisine.
Nîmes, where history meets nature
Staying in Nîmes, whether at a campsite or in accommodation near the centre, allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of Roman history, with unique monuments such as the Nîmes Arena and the Maison Carrée, or the ruins and charm of the Jardins de la Fontaine. Families will appreciate the mix of cultural activities, strolls through the historic centre, child-friendly museums and moments of relaxation in green spaces such as gardens or lively squares.
Nîmes is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Just a few kilometres away, the famous Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of Roman engineering, fascinates young and old alike. Further south, the Camargue offers unique natural landscapes, with marshes, white horses and flamingos, perfect for excursions in the great outdoors. With its exceptional historical heritage and the beauty of the surrounding countryside, Nîmes and its region are the perfect destination for a family holiday, combining culture, nature and Provençal cuisine.