The 15 best rooftop spots in Nimes

Commissioned by King Louis XV in 1745, this is one of the oldest public gardens in Europe. It was built around La Fontaine, a natural spring venerated by the people of Nîmes for millennia, and once the heart of a sacred Gallo-Roman sanctuary. Designed by Jacques-Philippe Mareschal and Pierre Dardailhon, the garden harmoniously blends Roman ruins with the aesthetics of a formal French garden. It features a lower section in the classical French formal style and an upper section landscaped in a more natural, Mediterranean style.

A beautiful garden with many walkways, plazas and viewpoints. The stairs and fountains are truly beautiful and there are some amazing panorama views of the city. It is quite a climb to the top though, with many staircases and ramps, so be make sure you bring your walking shoes!

Fabulous park with fountains, gardens, canal with big carp, lots of stairs to climb if you wish for the view. Great way to spend a relaxing hour or two.

This park has so much to offer; from ancient Roman ruins, botanical gardens, 16th century pondages and sculpture features. All to make the visit memorable.

Lovely park for a stroll or a good hike with lots of stairs. Free toilets and a nice café in a stunning setting. Highly recommend 🇨🇦

What a gorgeous garden! We went to Nîmes to visit the amphitheater and we hadn’t planned to visit this garden, what a surprise! If you plan on visiting this city make sure this garden is near the top of your list!

Nice park, take the stairs ti be in shade. Lots of path to explore!

Not for the faint-hearted! The Tower is on a hill, giving it a great vantage point. It's a steep walk up, so take plenty of water on a warm day. There are over 180 steps to the top of the tower. Not recommended for anyone with vertigo, or claustrophobia, as the stairs narrow at the top. I chickened out over half way up! Great views over Nîmes and its surrounding area. We'd purchased the Arena/Tour/Temple/Museum ticket and managed to do them all over a 6 hour time period.

Cool monument! Great view from the top. You can use the pass of 3 monuments for it. There’s a limit of people to climb on the top so you might have to wait few minutes for others coming down.

Tour Magne is originally a Roman construction offering a commanding view over Nimes and it's environs. You can climb to the top using a spiral staircase around a central supporting column to a smallish viewing balcony. It is possible to just pass on the main spiral staircase but on the other levels you need to 'tuck in' to let people pass. This may not be good if you have issues with claustrophobia or vertigo.

Cracking monument, well worth the climb to the top for the views.

It’s a bit far from the Nimes center. A historical place and you can go to the top to see the city view. The terrace is small however not many people on the top, you also can enjoy the view.

This is the only surviving tower from the ancient Roman fortifications of Nîmes. The site originally hosted a dry-stone tower built around 400 BCE by the Gallic tribe Volques Arécomiques, measuring approximately 18 meters in height. In the 1st century BCE, under Emperor Augustus, the Romans incorporated and extended this Gallic structure, raising it to about 36 meters as part of a larger sacred and defensive complex. The current height is about 32.5 meters, with part of the third level now lost. The summit offers stunning views over the city of Nîmes and the surrounding landscapes, including the Alpilles mountain range. ※ Included in the Pass Romanité.

Impressive roman ruin, testimony to the past fortifications of the city (not really useful under Pax Romana though!)

Although half of the museum was closed due to refurbishment at the time, we absolutely loved this museum and it's females in art exhibition especially. The lady on reception was really kind and gave us some recommendations and gave us a discounted ticket due to the fact most of the museum was closed which we really appreciated. Would love to come back once the second floor is complete!

Small museum with gems worth visiting especially the central floor mosaics and the exhibition about women throughout the ages.

Nice museum with historical art. Not too big either. It took us around 1.5-2 hours to visit. They have English audio guides that provide relevant information about the most important paintings in the museum.

Currently the gallery is under innovation so some rooms are closed, and the ticket is reduced to 3 euros instead of 5 euros. The collection is quite interesting, easy to spend an hour here.

I love this museum so much because of the very kind welcome I received from the lady at the welcome desk. 🥰 I then was totally regaled by the current exhibition of Fatma Haddad’s works. The museum has a delightful flow from room to room displaying classical oil paintings. There is even an atelier for children to make art. Truly a beautiful museum. I will return often.

Of course the building is madly impressive. A stage was being set up inside for some event (that I'd like to go to), but detracted from the overall gravitas. We couldn't access the upper stories and there was some modern installations that didn't quite hit the mark.

We paid the full €5 each despite parts of the gallery being closed. All labels on pictures were in french and although there were some numbers indicating headphones could be used, none were available ☹️

The Castellum Aquae of Nîmes was used to redistribute water from the Eure springs brought in by the aqueduct, whose best-known section is the Pont du Gard. Its flow rate has allowed a supply of 1,400 liters (370 gallons) of water per day per inhabitant (today, we each consume 150 liters daily (40 gallons!). The city’s fountains were served first, followed by public buildings (notably but not exclusively the baths) and some private houses. A threshold was set in case of drought in favor of the most essential uses.

The English translation: "Water Castle". Although it was known from the texts, it is a rare vestige of this type. Its function was to distribute water to the city. This water was supplied by a 50 km long aqueduct built in the middle of the 1st century A.D. (Augustan period). In times of drought, it guaranteed the security of the water supply and facilitated the evacuation of the city's wastewater. It is known to have been filled in during the construction of the citadel in 1688 and was not rediscovered until 1844 by a private individual who immediately set about uncovering it. There is no entrance fee, you can see it from the sidewalk.

This is where the aquaduct came and distributed the water to different parts of the city. Roman engineering is amazing!

Important place in the history of nimes, where the water of the aquaduct entered the city and was distributed by means of 10 lead pipes. The city is a bit out of the city centre and not properly signposted. Use google maps to find it! Top tip: close to the tower and the jardins fontaines, combine the visit!

Underwhelming attraction. There's only a sign board in front of the collapsed aqueduct which looks like a pile of rocks. Don't see any tourist around here as well. If you're visiting Nimes it should be okay to skip this attraction.

Not much to see really, just take a look at the photos here. An interesting piece of history and it's not too far away from the centre.

Interesting little spot tucked out of the way.

On the shady side of the massive and beautiful Arena, this little cafe offered a much needed sit-down for my group. Rose, avec le glacon-dans-le-piscine, followed by some really good ice cream, we chilled out! The owner and her daughter were very sweet, accommodating and pleasant to say the least. If you need a quick break and time to relax in a pretty spectacular setting this could be it.

This place was amazing, we stumbled on this place trying to find an open restaurant when most were closed. The cook opened the kitchen a little early when she heard that we couldn’t find anything open and we were hungry. The food was amazing we had different plates and each dish be was scrumptious. The ribeye, the burger, the fish and chips, and the octopus. Each plate was delicious. So much so we took leftovers to go as the portions were generous. Oh and the staff, the staff could not be friendlier. This was the best restaurant food and dining experience to date.

My wife and I wanted to grab a pre dinner drink while enjoying the view of the amphitheater. The Arena Cafe was the perfect place to do so. The servers were very nice and considerate. 5/5

This is the only place nearby that serves food all day. Both food and service are excellent. It's also the only place that I found in the whole country that has ice coffee.

Don't waste your time, find some where else to eat. Waited over an hour for lunch for 4. Was told it was the mussels frite that take a long time. You steam them for a few minutes and they are ready. What a disappointment 😞

Horrible experience with the waitress who doesn’t know how to smile greet or even say hello. At one occasion she literally just threw our dish on our table just literally and left. I do not know the need for hurry, there was like only 3 table occupied why the hell she behaved as if she so busy to take a order nicely. We took capuccino, milk shake and a crepe which was okay but this lady made our experience go bad. As soon as we finished she came to our table to check again if we want anything just to hint on that we should leave now. The toilet was not clean and dirty. The only positive thing was the view you get of the arena but this you can get from many restaurant around. Its a tourist trap, please avoid. I wish i saw reviews before sitting here. Every one has same issues with the rude staff.

Wonderful food. Great staff. The whole team make eating here a pleasure. I would like to pay special thanks to Alex who made sure my lack of French was no problem when ordering food. Fantastic establishment.

Tucked away in the corner of the park the stunning temple is well worth taking the time to explore.

Tucked away in the corner of the park, well worth a look around this ancient roman temple.

Dating back to the 1st century CE during the reign of Emperor Augustus, this ancient Roman structure was originally part of the Augusteum, a sacred complex dedicated to the imperial cult. It was built near the La Fontaine spring, a site considered sacred since antiquity. Despite its name evoking the Roman goddess Diana, there is little archaeological evidence that it ever served as a temple to her. Scholars suggest it may have functioned instead as a library or a public cultural facility. During the Middle Ages, the building was repurposed for use as a monastery, church, and even a storage site, which helped preserve it from destruction.

So amazing to be able to walk right in, location is in a beautiful park. Very special to see such historic spots.

Really beautiful park with the remains of a “temple” that are partially still standing and big fun to explore. The structure was likely a library not a temple. It is a public park and there’s no entrance fee or ticket needed.

As part of the Jardins and Tour Magne visit it would be foolish to pass this Temple without walking through it was those did Millennia ago!

Roman building from the 1st century. Despite its name, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that it is a temple or even that it was dedicated to Diana. Rather, it is thought to have been a library. In the Middle Ages it housed a monastery, which explains why it has been partially preserved to this day.

Beautiful statue located right in front of the station with a walking distance for you to find your way to the arène. It’s a lovely landmark to walk around

Inaugurated in 1851, the fontaine is a marble fountain designed by Charles-Auguste Questel and James Pradier. It symbolizes the city of Nîmes through its connection to water and Roman heritage. At the center stands an allegorical female figure representing the city itself, crowned with miniature replicas of the Arènes de Nîmes and the Maison Carrée. Surrounding her are four seated figures, each representing one of the region’s principal rivers and ancient sources.

A very pretty square and a good place to have a rest in front of this interesting architecture

Direct walk from the train station, fantastic view!

Very pleasant area and the fountain has some very beautiful statues.

The Pradier fountain is a marble fountain on the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle in Nimes, inaugurated in 1850. It was created by the architect Charles Questel and the sculptor James Pradier and it is registered as a historical monument by decree on November 16, 1988. The fountains main figure is a young woman standing in the middle which represents the city of Nîmes. It bears as its crown the emblematic Roman monuments of the city: the Arena and the colonnade of the Maison Carree (Roman Temple). The main statue is surrounded by four seated statues and basins that collect water. These four figures, two men and two women, represent four major rivers in the region: the Fontaine de Nîmes, the mother source of the Roman colony, the Gardon, the Fountain of Eure and the Rhône. Each of these representations is identified by its Latin name, engraved on its base: Nemausa, Vardo, Ura and Rhodano.

Incredible! Beautiful fountain in the heart of the city center in Nime.

A nice cultural center for Nimes, where you go from the library to the classrooms where you can set up exhibitions such as those of modern art. The architecture is new and majestic as a whole and definitely makes it quite a tourist attraction. Then there is also the possibility of going to the bar-restaurant with a terrace overlooking the square of the Roman temple.

I was there for the opening of the first exhibition to occupy the entire space by a single artist ( and he’s local!) Despite being 87? He not only directed the installation, he apparently created the last work for it 5 days ago! A stunning space with knowledgeable and friendly staff. A must see !

Great building and pretty library, nevertheless, the museum disappointed us. Super SMALL exhibition and quite awful. We enjoy contemporary art museums but this one is not worth the money. Nice admission staff, but the one at the exhibition were kind of annoying.

We visited it on Sunday, museum is open but toilets are closed. Fairly poor exhibition, your tickets are checked in every room you enter.

The view from top is a good tip. It's a place called " Le ciel de Nîmes" toping 5he museum. It's worth visiting collections of that nice art center and public library. The restaurant and bar over the terrace is one if the best adresses in town....

Surveillance unpleasant and distrustful. I did not enjoy my visit due to too much "rules". .

The Carré d'art at Nîmes in southern France houses a museum of contemporary art and the city's municipal library. Constructed of glass, concrete and steel, it faces the Maison Carrée, a perfectly preserved Roman temple that dates from the 1st century BC

Museum of Old nimes but with some weird contemporary pieces? My personal fave bits were the demin loom and original denim garments. Staff friendly and helpful. Worth a visit especially when it is included with the exceptional value Nimes Pass (purchase this online)

not many exhibits. With a student card you get a discount, children under 18 get it for free

Very interesting museum for a 5 euro entrance fee. The personnel were very kind and helpful. Some of the floors of the building were as amazing as the displays. The origin of Denim has its own room to show how it originated in Nimes and has evolved. (De Nimes = Denim). It's on two floors and as I recall there is no lift which is unfortunate for many people but I suppose it's good to know that before you begin your visit.

Wonderful small museum.

Well curated exhibits in the museum. The building itself is also interesting. You are given printed sheets with information on some of the exhibits. It would be nice if the exhibits had descriptions in English.

Small but interesting museum about Nîmes, principally denim

Interesting museum mainly dealing with the textile industry in Nimes.

Fun bar with an interesting selection of beers on tap. Karaoke night on Saturday was a blast!

Took a last beer here after an evening out, as I am a beer enthusiast I was recommended this place while eating dinner at Balme restaurant. Good selection of beers, and there was live concert with a french duo, great vibes and atmosphere!

We were impressed by the variety of this place! They offer 8 beers on tap, plenty of bottled options, plus wine and sangria! I liked the fact that they even offer 12.5cl glasses! This was perfect for me as I want to try a lot of beers without having the side effects! If you want a nimble, they also offer a variety of snacks, such as tapas, pate and pretzels! The ladies behind the bar are lovely! I wish I was staying more days in Nimes, so I could try everything!

Fantastic beer bar. Really good selection, great staff, both knowledgeable and super friendly. Recommend it!!

Perfect combo. Great choice of beer and they had some Goldmund playing on the back. Amazing !

Great staff. Beer selection to be proud of. Loved the distance travelled for each beer on tap. Owner very knowledgeable.

Great beer range and friendly staff

One of the attractions of Nimes

A beautiful Roman Catholic church near the Augustus gate, which has amazing stained glass windows.

Beautiful church, unfortunately not open

Built between 1867 and 1877 by Jean-Jules Mondet in neo-Gothic style, this is the largest church in Nîmes. Often mistaken for a cathedral because of its size and prominence, it features a grand façade with two spires, each reaching 70 meters.

It is like the rest of Nîmes, a piece of art and history, the only issue is that it is not always open.

The architecture is amazing and there weren't many people there. I really enjoyed my time and I hope you do too.

Amazing place! Divine music! Must see! 💙

Very simple deecoration and a nice one.

Originally established as the parish of Saint Pius in 1791, Catholic services had already been held there since 1771, when the church served the Récollets monastery. The current building was designed by Charles-Auguste Questel, with construction beginning in 1838 and completed in 1849. The architecture blends early Neo-Romanesque and Byzantine elements, reinterpreting 12th-century Romanesque style. It is recognized as one of the first neo-medieval church designs in France and is considered a key example of the 19th-century Neo-Romanesque revival movement.

Peaceful church, great for a quiet moment and some prayer. Could do with some signs or a brochure or something about the history and layout of the building.

Very nice and big church. Absolutely recommended to come here to visit it.

A quiet church just beside a very busy street

The church looks pretty. Lovely!

Attended a concert which wasn't of the highest quality. However, the church is interesting and the Cavaillé-Coll organ sounded very sweet.

Lots of volunteers help to give a great service to the community, from French lessons, cuisine, integration to society, etc., I admire the work that is done here.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful building (Original) Bel édifice

(Translated by Google) Terrific, intoxicating, sweet and powerful at the same time. The choice of the best location Tribute to Queen!!! I had shivers. A moment out of time.... I recommend +++ Thank you thank you thank you (Original) Formidable, enivrant, doux et puissant en même temps. Le choix du lieu au top Hommage à Queen !!! J'en avais des frissons. Un moment hors du temps.... Je recommande +++ Merci merci merci

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful church. It's a shame about the crowds in the Oratory garden located just across the street. (Original) Très belle église. Dommage pour la fréquentation du jardin de l'Oratoire situé juste en face.

(Translated by Google) A magical place with its sound for an event of this type. (Original) Lieu magique par sa sonorité pour un évènement de ce type.

(Translated by Google) 65 years ago now I started at the oratory primary school which was nearby and which apparently no longer exists. Everything has changed, I no longer recognize myself. I made my first communion in this temple when I was 15 years old. What a beautiful time! (Original) Il y a maintenant 65 ans je débutait à l'école primaire de l'oratoire qui était à côté et qui apparemment n'existe plus. Tout a changé je ne me reconnais plus. J'ai fait ma 1ère communion dans ce temple j'avais 15ans. Quelle belle époque !

(Translated by Google) Great concert, pianist at the top. To do again. (Original) Super concert, pianiste au top.A refaire.

(Translated by Google) It's amazing to arrive at the Porte. It's a landmark in the founding of Nîmes, incredible! (Original) É incrível chegar no Porte. É um marco da fundação de Nîmes, incrível!

(Translated by Google) Old gate of the Roman wall of Nimes, unfortunately it is not preserved in good condition but you can see the beautiful upper arch (Original) Antigua puerta de la muralla romana de Nimes, por desgracia no se conserva en buen estado pero puedes apreciar el precioso arco superior

(Translated by Google) Beautiful, although difficult to find on Google map, why does it not give importance to this door. (Original) Precioso, aunque difícil de encontrar en el Google map por qué no le da importancia a esta puerta.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent piece of history. After 15 minutes of searching for it, it created an unforgettable memory. (Original) Magnifique pièce d'histoire. Après 15 minutes à la chercher, cela a créé un souvenir inoubliable

(Translated by Google) Beautiful Roman remains on this passage, also called the Spanish Gate. (Original) Beau vestige romain sur ce passage, appelé également Porte d'Espagne .

(Translated by Google) Very nice experience, with a sunset it's even more pleasant. (Original) Très belle expérience, avec un coucher de soleil c'est encore plus agréable.

(Translated by Google) It's not worth it and on top of that there are construction works. (Original) No merece la pena y encima de obras.