Arènes de Nîmes

This arena is 20 largest in the world. It is one of the complete ancient arena I have seen. The wall connected to arena was constructed with 80 towers, 10 gates, 7 feet wall thickness and 6 kilometer long to surround the city of Nimes. It is the largest in Roman Gaul.

The arena now is using for special event, bull fighting, and more. The arena has museum sections that display the gladiator weapons and outfits. It also show the bull fighter outfit and famous bull fighters.

The visit to arena take 1.5 hours. Parking garage below ground is near by.

Unbelievably well-preserved. Get the audio guide to really educate yourself about the building, the time period of its heyday, and how it managed to make it all the way to our times relatively unscathed.

While it isn't as grand as the colosseum in Rome, it certainly has a presence and a character to it. One of the best things to see if you are in town.

A most important historical landmark worth visiting in Nîmes. Les Arènes are the remnants of the original arena built by the Roman Empire in Nîmes, which was - for a time - one capital of the Empire in the Midi region, which was the passage between Rome and its Spanish territories.

Les arènes are open to the public for a reasonable fee and most of the monument is available for touring (unlike the Colosseum in Rome). There's also bull fights here that are open to the public if you happen to be visiting during the spring and want to see the spectacle.

Pay for a guided tour or a booklet to tell you about the place, because it's definitely worth hearing the history of the building of the Arène, its history and Nîmes's importance as a city, trade spot and passageway for the Roman Empire.

A must see historical place.
Built by the Romans who conquered this part of France.

Used for bullfights and is open for tourism.

I only saw the outside and will return to fully visit.

Tip:

1.) Bull fight tickets are expensive and sell out months ahead.

2.) Read up on the town festival called Feria de Nimes.

This review is from my 2007 trip to France.

Without question, among the best-preserved Roman-Era ampitheaters still in existence. This is also the main attraction in NImes, not counting the tourists themselves, if your occupation is "pick-pocket"/ thief. Also: careful where you choose to park in Nimes-- our RV was broken into a short distance from the Arena, and many valuables were taken. Nothing we cared about so much as our photos from the rest of France up to that point. Why would they steal tourists' photos? Maybe as a part of their "pick-pocket convention" to be exhibited and sold at the Colosseum....?


Note: The bull-fights on this side of the Pyrenees tend to be of the sort where the bulls are not killed, in case anyone was wondering...

One of the most well preserved Roman ampitheaters in the world, the arena in Nimes is an architectural splendor. You have pretty much free access to climb all over the whole damn thing.. when I was there I climbed to the tallest arch and peered over the side. Today the arena is used for bullfights and concerts. The views are good from anywhere in the arena. Rome Colosseum, eat your heart out.

You can go anywhere in this amphitheater. Seriously. Anywhere. Which is why I would not recommend it for little children unless you [parents] will keep a eye on them at all times--but this would ruin the fun for you.

For example, the Colosseum in Rome has many parts sectioned off because it is either A) undergoing renovation, B) cordoned off to the public, C) very fragile, D) the Roman government just doesn't want you to see it--or a combination of the four.

Well in this arena in Nimes, you are free to roam as you wish. Nothing is off limits. Go all the way to the top, and go all the way to the ledge. There is nothing stopping you from falling off of the side, and a gust of wind (its strong at that elevation, and in particular months) can do this to you in a split second. So be careful please. But seriously, I could go up to the top with a cafe au lait, and gaze at the rich history and Gothic architecture that is surrounding me. Churches in the distance. Apartments in the foreground. All beautiful.

To be honest, there is not much to do in Nimes, or much to see besides this amphitheater, and the Pont du Gard. However it is worth a stop if you are nearby in Provence or Nice, and/or are on your way to Spain!

*and yes bull fights still do happen here!*

This is the most powerful monument of Nîmes. You HAVE To visit it!