Nimes, located in the Gard department (Occitanie region), was extended during the Roman period and is privileged by more than 300 sunny days per years. Nimes is a Spanish and Roman city affected by Cévennes, Languedoc and Provence civilizations so it’s an art and historical city. Moreover, Nimes is an historical protestant fief.
Access
Nimes is located at 27kms to Arles, 40kms to Ales and 95kms to Aix en Provence. You can travel by TGV to join Nimes or come by plane. There are 3 airlines from England (London/Luton, Nottingham and Liverpool) to Nimes Airport.
Activities
The most part of Nimes activities have a link with bull and Ferias. There are 2 ferias per year, one in September and one for the Pentecost, which is the first popular European event (with nearly 1million visitor every year). The Feria runs 5/6 days with a lot of concerts and entertainments in the streets with the famous bodegas (wine bars). During the feria there are Pegoulage (procession with floats, bands, singers, dancers and a pyrotechnic show), bullfights and novilladas (when a young toreador fights against a less than 3 years old torero), Encierros (When people run on the streets after secured horns bull) and abrivados. In Nimes you could also see other traditions such as the Camarguaise racing when white dressing men (Raseteurs) go into the arena and try to take cockades off horn bull.
Lots of festivals are programmed, especially during summer with, for example, the music festival with International well-known artists, le temps des jardins (garden time) and, every Thursday, a night market take place on the streets. Other important and varied events are also planed all over the year. For instance there is the Flamenco festival in January, fencing world cup events or independent winemaker competition.
Nimes is full of market place for flowers, arts, food and flea. The most patronized is the covered central food market of Nimes which is open 364 days per year and offers many Nimes gastronomy specialities. Gambetta market (handcraft, art, creation) and Jean-Jaures market (flea) are also famous.
Textile making was an important industry. Several products are reputed like Nimes silk shawl which had been worn in all over Europe during the C19th, Provence fabric with oriental patterns or denim manufacturing since the end of Middle Ages.
This old roman city has numerous vestiges from this civilization. The most part of them, such as the Maison Carée, the Roman arena, Roman walls, Castelum, the Magne tower and the Temple of Diana were built two thousand years ago during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nimes is also a religious and art city with georgous Churches, temples, synagogues and diferrent museums.
Food and drinks
There are many gatronomy specialities in Nimes. The most part are cakes or meals with olives or bull but the most famous is the Brandade de Morue (thick and creamy emulsion of hydrated salt cod, garlic, olive oil and cream). Olives, olive oil and tapenade (finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil) from Nimes are renowned Provence specialities. Bull meals such as the Zarzuela (hotpot) and the Gardianne (bull in marinade or grilled) are also excelent courses. The Croquant Villaret (long and glase lemon/honey biscuit), the Oreillette (doughnut), the Fougasse d’Aigre Morte (iced brioche with suger and orange) or strawberries (Gariguette and Ciflorette) are local desserts you could find in Nimes. Moreover, Nimes is mainly famous for its wines and especially for its AOC Costieres red, rose and white wines.
Restaurants
- Le Jardin d’Hdrien, 11 rue Enclos Rey, +33 (0)4 66 21 86 65, from €19
- Le Ciel de Nimes, 16 place de la Maison Caree, +33 (0)4 66 36 71 70, from €9.5
Once you know you want to own a property in Nimes, you can contact Sextant properties who will be able to put you in touch with a local bi-lingual estate agent. The agent really knows the area, as well as what would suit both you and your budget. They all speak fluent English, being able to meet any of your requirements… and help you find your dream property for sale in Nimes.